[CRA 2010 Signature Dish] Daikon Pastry ????? from Shanghai Wonderful, Richmond

Just earlier this week, a friend asked me what my favourite Shanghainese restaurants are. What popped in my mind instantly are four, all in Richmond — Shanghai River, Chen’s, Top Shanghai and Shanghai Wonderful.

What about you? What if you are asked the same question? What would be YOUR answer?

This is a return visit to Shanghai Wonderful. Our first visit was almost two years ago. We had always been impressed with Shanghai Wonderful but what put me off is the lack of parking. It is almost impossible to find parking in the strip mall where it is located on Lansdowne and Cooney.

Some people do risk it parking across the street in the vast parking lots of the Lansdowne Mall. I don’t do that because I had seen people hiding in cars taking note of anyone who parks at the mall but not go into the mall. For me this time, I had to park all the way on Ackroyd.

It is best to make a reservation before you turn up. Shanghai Wonderful is always busy … and it is very noisy too. The acoustics is terrible and it is not a place to have a nice chat.

Which reminds me to ask this question: Are Chinese noisy diners? I mean, they do talk very loud at the table, don’t they?

Anyway, service is prompt although you could see the wait staff scurrying around non-stop. It was easy to get their attention to get what you need. Seems like the restaurant trains the staff well in efficiency. They even use wireless handheld devices to take your orders.

Chinese Restaurant Award 2010 ? SILVER in the NORTHERN DIM SUM Category ? Daikon Pastry ?????

Shanghai Wonderful won the silver award under the Northern Dim Sum category with the Daikon Pastry. In Shanghai Wonderful’s menu, this is called Turnip Cake and costs $5.25.

I am confused with the name of this dish. Daikon and turnip are a world of difference but the waiter insisted that we are talking about the same thing. This name confusion is probably confined to the English name and is my pet peeve of the CRA award.

But despite the name confusion, … More after the jump. Click to read the rest of [CRA 2010 Signature Dish]
Daikon Pastry ?????
from Shanghai Wonderful, Richmond (872 words)

© ben for Chow Times, 2010. |
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Post tags: Chinese, Restaurant Review, Richmond, Shanghai