My favorite Chinese place in town is Shanghai Garden in the International District. I eat there a couple times a month for lunch. If I’m eating by myself, I typically get either the Kung Pao Chicken (very garlicky and delicious) or Chicken in Black Bean Sauce (very basily and delicious).
The one constant complaint is the lack of vegetables with most of the dishes. You’re basically going to get a pile of meat and rice unless you order a vegetable dish. On the other hand, the food is never greasy.
Shanghai Garden is a great place to go with a group of people. Order family style and enjoy many different dishes. Here’s a typical order for our group:
Kung Pao Chicken – There is never any of this left to take home… always the first plate to clear.
Pork Mu shu – This is a pile of yum, wrapped in a thin wrapper.
Orange Beef – Deep fried beef with an orange sauce. Absolutely not anything I would normally enjoy, but fantastic.
Handshaven Vegetable Chow Mein – The handshaven noodles are fantastic, and I hate noodles.
Dry Sautee String Beans – A little bit of vegetables for us. These are great, though they don’t reheat well as leftovers.
You have to get there early for lunch, as it fills up fast. We call in orders and pick up for lunch, which seems to work out really well. Service is efficient.
I can’t imagine how you’d improve the food.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
Filed under: Food Lust | Tagged: International District, Chinese food, chicken, mu shu, kung pao
