Family-owned and operated since 1970, Shanghai River serves its patrons delicious Chinese fare.
One of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Houston, Texas is Shanghai River. This establishment has been run by the same family since 1970, and customers have frequented it since its rise to fame. Famous reporters, such as Marvin Zindler, have praised this restaurant for its food flavors, variety of dishes, customer service, and cleanliness on numerous occasions. The menu features a plethora of Chinese American dishes as well as more authentic Chinese ones. Wine selections and desserts are also available and are popular among guests.
The outer design of Shanghai River is mysterious, but noticeable from its large sign. One cannot tell what to really expect until walking in. When inside, the interior has a number of Asian pottery pieces and forms of art. The inside looks like a homey, one-story house. Customers can see some awards this business has received over the years as well as pictures of news reporters with owners and employees on the wall. Red seems to be the dominant color scheme, and the environment is tranquil with people in small groups eating and talking in a mild manner. The atmosphere is especially good for older people and families. When you walk in, the host greets you with a server and a busser ready to accommodate your needs. The owners and managers also walk around the restaurant, keep track of orders, and organize wine bottles.
Just days ago, I ordered sweet and sour chicken on my first visit to Shanghai River. I had been looking for a good one and theirs did not disappoint in any way. My dish was exceptionally delicious and freshly prepared. It had an abundance of large chicken pieces soaked in house-made syrup. The chicken pieces had a great texture with a flaky batter that was neither too crispy nor too soft. The chicken was consistently tender in every bite. True to its name, the syrup consisted of both semi-sweet and mildly sour flavors. The syrup was not too runny and was well-balanced in flavor. The meal also contained pieces of bell pepper and pineapple, which added to its appeal.
The service was attentive and welcoming during my visit. The management seemed very aware of what customers needed without asking. I had drink refills when my glass was half empty. I was asked if I needed anything while I waited and during my meal. The attentiveness was not overbearing or reclusive, but well-organized and caring. The prices were fair, and the dish portions were large. I personally found it impressive that the food had that old-school style to it as opposed to being too modern. This restaurant also has a unique system for delivering food to the table, which elevated the overall experience. It’s a great family setting with a cozy feel to it. The freshness of the food, high-quality ingredients, and memorable taste made me want to explore more of their menu items in the future.