A Blend of Traditional and Contemporary Flavors at Modern Shanghai

Rich traditions and a bold modernity. Modern Shanghai relives the rich culinary heritage of Shanghainese cuisine with a bold and contemporary twist in each flavorful dish. Here's a delicious sneak peek at Modern Shanghai...

After tasting Modern Shanghai's signature Xiao Long Bao, voted as the metro's top Xiao Long Bao by spot.ph (see more on Modern Shanghai's top-rated and authentic Xiao Long Bao here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-taste-of-metros-number-one-xiao-long.html), it was time to sample Modern Shanghai's other signature dishes, including a preview of new dishes...

With bright and spacious interiors designed by the award-winning interior designer Steve Leung, Modern Shanghai incorporates visual cues from the past in a sleek and modern interpretation that combines space and lighting for a memorable dining experience. 

Jelly Fish in Sesame Oil and Spring Onions (P 168) and Jelly Fish in Aged Vinegar (P 168), each with distinct flavors, start off our meal at Modern Shanghai. Pair your starters with some of Modern Shanghai's unique and refreshing drinks...

Mint Tea Mojito (P 118), a refreshing non-alcoholic blend of fresh pineapple, mint leaves and fresh lime, topped with ginger ale and Ceylon Tea, or one of the aromatic and visually stunning Blooming Teas (P 188), a mix of chrysanthemum and jasmine tea. Watch as the ball slowly transforms into a bouquet of flowers... 

Then, the first of the new, and still unnamed,  dishes arrived. Crispy strips of beef glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce with peppers and onions offer a medley of flavors and textures.

Next, crispy pork ribs with Coriander Mayo Sauce, another cool blend of textures with the crisp pork ribs and the creamy coriander-based mayo sauce. Both dishes are unique and distinct, an indication of Modern Shanghai's playful and modern approach with flavors.

Known for their dumplings, Modern Shanghai also offers am extensive line of dimsum. And for the coming Chinese New Year, Modern Shanghai will be offering a combo steamer with their signature dumplings, including the popular and top-rated Xiao Long Bao, steamed pork buns, fresh prawn "Hakaw" dumplings, Spinach with mushroom dumplings, and pork "siumai".

The feast continues with Modern Shanghai's current signature dishes, starting with the  Braised Lucky Pork Knuckle (P 888), tender and slow-braised pork in rich brown sauce with baby bokchoy. Almost fork-tender, the juicy meat effortlessly peels away from the bone with a melt-in-your-mouth texture punctuated by the sweet brown sauce.

Sweet & Sour Chicken (P 298), crispy chicken cutlets deep-fried and glazed with a sweet & sour sauce and topped with julienned carrots and peppers. The flavors are rich and perfectly balanced, with a crispy outer layer for a texture-rich bite.

Deep-Fried Garoupa with Sweet & Sour Sauce (P 788), another signature dish from Modern Shanghai. The crisp texture and delicate flavors of the fish are perfectly complemented by the sauce.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (P 248), you just can't have a meal at Modern Shanghai without this. Richly flavored on its own, and perfect when paired with Modern Shanghai's other signature mains.

Cap your meal at Modern Shanghai with their signature desserts, like the Fresh Mango Pudding (P 108)...

...or the Glutinous Dumplings in Sweet Ginger Soup (P 68), highlighted by contrasting flavors, with the ginger soup adding a refreshing sharpness to balance the sweet glutinous dumplings...

...and the Crispy Pancakes with Red Bean Paste (P 118), sweet and crisp, and a perfect ending to an awesome feast at Modern Shanghai.

With one foot firmly positioned in a rich past and culinary heritage, and one boldly stepping into contemporary sensibilities, Modern Shanghai is the place for authentic Shanghainese cuisine.  

Modern Shanghai is located at the Third Floor, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati or call 556-4167 for inquiries and reservations.

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