Lao Shanghai
(773) 598-5731
2163 S China Pl
Chicago,
IL
60616
41.8539
-87.6342
Neighborhoods: Armour Square (Chinatown), South Side
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11am-10pm
Fri-Sun 11am-11pm
Price:
$
Last updated 6.24.09
What People Are Saying About Lao Shanghai
The Owner
Lao Shanghai
Owner
Dumplings are the special at this new Chinatown restaurant. Lao Sze Chuan sibling introduces Lao Shanghai fare to destination diners craving Tony Hu's cuisine. Dig into regional specialties here, such as the Shanghai soup dumplings (also known as xiao long bao), which are filled with ground pork and chicken broth. These juicy dumplings have to be eaten on a soup spoon so you don't lose the broth--and taste best dipped in vinegar and topped with slices of fresh ginger. From Tony Hu, owner of Lao Sze Chuan, he brings you the next great restaurant in Chinese dinning Lao Shanghai. The menu reflects the Shanghai culture this includes many seafood dishes. Great for casual lunch or dinner with friends or family, come share the experience of the new Lao Shanghai. Make sure you mention Citysearch!
The Editor
Valerie Moloney
Citysearch
The Scene
A vanilla-walled storefront at the western end of Chinatown Square shows little for ambience, but when your name is tied to Lao Sze Chuan, the extras aren't necessary. Foodies and locals alike pack tables lined with butcher block paper, anxiously awaiting what's to come. No music, no dragons on the walls, just eyes spying other tables for some of the best Chinese in town.
The Food
The meat, poultry and seafood menu tantalizes with sweet and savory flavors that finish with subtlety. Shanghai dumplings reveal chubby pouches of pork, but lack enough broth to fully enjoy the slurping. Signature smoked tea duck, marinated in five spices, boasts a crispy skin with tender meat right down to the bones. Pan-fried flat noodles tossed with bits of chicken, beef, pork and shrimp arrive without the excess grease. Juicy beef sauced with black beans, garlic and red and black peppers is surprisingly light.
Hits
The menu doesn't skimp on choices with 100-plus dishes cleanly arranged and easy to digest. If you can believe it, sisters Lao Sze Chuan and Lao Beijing boast larger selections. Of the three, this restaurant offers the most refined dining experience thanks to its quiet dining room and off-the-main-drag location.
Misses
No complaints here.
User Reviews
rosemary1
May 16, 2008
I recently visited this resturant with a class of 11 students. I thought the food was okay going down. But I suddenly became gravely ill 4 hours after my meal. I was vomitting and had dyskensia. My friend from class also became very ill with the same symptoms and ended up in the ER. It was a party of 11, 5 students became ill with the same symptoms. I was in bed for two days. I do not recommend anyone to taste this resturant. I have ate in the past raw sushi and other ethnic foods and have never become sick. Beware this place should clean up there kicthen if they want to continue to serve others. I ate Lo mein shrimp this should have not made me sick, what are they serving?
read full reviewThe Details on Lao Shanghai
The Extras:
Another Lao sister--Lao Beijing--is located at 2138 S. Archer Ave.
Parking:
At $2 with a validated ticket, the Chinatown Square lot is a bargain for making an afternoon of it.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Quiet, Hidden Find, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Message from Lao Shanghai
- Large Menu- lots of variety!
- Large portions to share
- A Tony Hu Restaurant
Dumplings are the special at this new Chinatown restaurant. Lao Sze Chuan sibling introduces Lao Shanghai fare to destination diners craving Tony Hu's cuisine. Dig into regional specialties here, such as the Shanghai soup dumplings (also known as xiao long bao), which are filled with ground pork and chicken broth. These juicy dumplings have to be eaten on a soup spoon so you don't lose the broth--and taste best dipped in vinegar and topped with slices of fresh ginger. From Tony Hu, owner of Lao Sze Chuan, he brings you the next great restaurant in Chinese dinning Lao Shanghai. The menu reflects the Shanghai culture this includes many seafood dishes. Great for casual lunch or dinner with friends or family, come share the experience of the new Lao Shanghai. Make sure you mention Citysearch!
