Meilongzhen

Meilongzhen Restaurant Review:

In Shanghai’s fast-moving restaurant scene, establishments open and close with startling frequency. Meilongzhen, however, has stood the test of time. Open since 1938, the original location (there are other branches) is set just off bustling Nanjing West Road, one of the main shopping streets. It occupies the first two floors of an old building, and the décor emphasizes traditional Chinese style with its lanterns, and gold phoenix and dragon motifs. Food is supposedly Shanghainese with a Sichuan influence but is largely generic Chinese. Dishes are well-executed and most come with serving spoons or chopsticks, which is rare for Chinese places. It is most famous for its seafood dishes such as fried eel, sweet-and-sour Mandarin fish, and light fried shrimps. Lion head meatballs with crab meat are also recommended. Overall, though, it neither pushes the boundaries with taste or style. Add in indifferent service and there are many better choices of restaurants.