Shanghai Terrace is a Chinese Restaurant that recently opened up in Ethul Kotte. They serve up some good looking Chinese food at a reasonable price. There is a charming little terrace on the roof top (hence the name Shanghai Terrace) accompanying a slightly dodgy looking bar.
As we walked in, we were greeted with awkwardly innocent smiles by the waiting staff. The restaurant seemed quite small, with maybe 10 or so tables in a single open room. The space is well designed and the seats are really comfortable; the cushions made of soft leather will caress the boniest of bottoms.
The best thing about this restaurant is their attention to detail. They brought a bowl of chilli paste and soy sauce before we even had to ask, even the cutlery, plates and napkins were nicer than those at flower drum; a better dining experience for just about the same price.
The menu has photos of most of the dishes they serve which is excellent if you’re looking to try something new. While skimming through the menu I was enticed by a picture of sizzling Indonesian style prawns in thick spiced gravy. I made the smart choice of ordering that instead of the usual hot butter cuttlefish.
The presentation of the food was great, the pictures speak for themselves. And the service – really good; our waiter, a pleasant young man, never left my glass of water empty, and I don’t think I saw him stop smiling until the time we left, he even walked us out.
More importantly, the food – the food was good. I would say it was probably better than any other Chinese restaurant of the same price range. The food had flavour and the chef seems to know to cook a wide range of various dishes, two thumbs up for good food and presentation.
The price breakdown: Seafood fried rice with pineapple (Rs. 608), Indonesian style prawns in thick spiced gravy (Rs. 838), Chef’s special chicken in Chinese chilli sauce (Rs. 608) Stir fried mixed vegetable in oyster sauce (Rs. 538). Total Came to 3,396 rupees with service charge, VAT and a ginger beer.
It is an all round great dining experience for a fair price – a good addition to our beloved collection of Chinese restaurants in the city.
