Posted on 25th June 2009
Shun Lee Palace is one of the most solid and reliable dining experiences in Manhattan among Chinese restaurants.
A fairly elegant and formal place, with an interior conceived by Adam Tihany, Shun Lee Palace keeps delighting visitors year after year since its opening in 1971.
Although many people will say that the food is average and the place slightly overpriced, I feel like stating the contrary here.
Since I usually trust my senses and my experience in first place, I think it’s important to clarify a couple of things upon which my judgement is based:
a) the cuisine is authentic here, as Chinese as anywhere in China;
b) quality is uncompromised: from ingredients, to preparation, presentation and service, every detail is carefully taken care of at Shun Lee Palace.
When mentioning a few of the specialties served at Shun Lee Palace, I realize there is at least half a dozen of can’t miss dishes.
The first dish that comes to mind is the exquisite Cantonese wonton soup: the broth is so rich and flavoured that I always have to restrain myself from asking more portions.
Then, of course, another classic, the Beijing Duck, served in thin slices, with homemade crepes, spring onion brushes and hoisin sauce: the outside is crispy, while the skin is incredibly tender, masterful preparation, really impeccable.
Another mind-blowingly good dish is the seabass filet: the seabass is sautéed in rice wine with snow peas and water chestnuts and the result is a refreshing, light, yet very rich dish.
However, my favourite here is the dry sautéed shredded crispy beef, served in a tangy spicy sauce. Honestly, I think this is Chinese food at its best, an explosion of flavors that epitomizes the sense of the dining experience one can have here.
The friendly and polite service completes the picture.
No wonder if I have been here three times in my first NY month…. definitely worth the extra bucks you may happen to spend here.
Address: 155 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 371-8844
Website: http://www.shunleepalace.com