Shanghai Stories 1938 is located along the revamped section of The Concourse in Chatswood‘s entertainment precinct. Not to be confused with Taste of Shanghai at the lower level of Chatswood Chase shopping centre, the restaurant offers two-storey dining with an outdoor section.
Shanghai Stories 1938, Chatswood
A lift connects the two floors with the lower level near the kitchen offers a more casual dining experience.
The 60 page menu is presented in a glossy magazine style format. Each dish is clearly photographed and bears the price which makes choosing very simple.
Pan fried pork buns with sesame
Served hot with a warning, the Pan Fried Pork Buns with Sesame ($9.80) are among the best. The buns with a golden crunchy base are a little thick but encase the softest minced pork and its delicious broth though they can be a little difficult to eat.
Peking Duck (half) with Sang Choy Bao
The Peking Duck (half) with Sang Choy Bao ($32.80) is underwhelming. Small portion size aside, the duck meat is sparse and very dry,
Peking Duck (half) with Sang Choy Bao
and the Sang Choy Bao component doesn’t make up for it nor does it justify the price.
Steamed Barramundi with Ginger and Shallots
The Steamed Barramundi with Ginger and Shallots ($38.80) is everything it should be, fragrant and fresh, perfectly cooked, succulent and full on flavour.
Sesame Rice Balls in Fermented Rice Soup
For dessert, the Sesame Rice Balls in Fermented Rice Soup ($6.80) is not to be missed. Served steaming hot, the tiny glutinous rice balls are soft and slippery in the mouth while the rice soup is thick, flavoursome and not overly sweet.
Shanghai Stories
VIP members of Shanghai Stories 1938 receive 10% off the regular price excluding drinks and live seafood. The restaurant is part of the Citibank DiningProgram where card members are entitled to a free bottle of wine.
Dining at Shanghai Stories 1938 is a casual eat-and-go affair. The popular restaurant packs a crowd, particularly families and you may need to wait a little for a table even if you have made a reservation. Service is efficient and the dishes are presented on a first ready first served basis. The menu plays on familiarities, starting with a section of “Aussie Favourites” such as sweet and sour pork and Mongolian lamb and ventures into dim sums, soup and wok fries with a live seafood section at market price. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always try the Supreme Bird’s Nest and Mashed Chicken Soup ($42 pp) or the Double Slow Cooked Birds Nest in Rock Sugar ($58 pp).
Shanghai Stories 1938
Shop 4&6, 405-419 Victoria Ave
Chatswood, NSW
www.tosau.com.au
