Shanghai Night Restaurant Ashfield
By Lisa Nguyen | Published 8 January 2024
Does this spot match the hype?
TL; DR | Summary
Shanghai Night is my go-to destination for dumplings in Ashfield. Its expansive menu features a variety of noodles, dumplings, rice dishes, and many choices of meats and vegetables, making it ideal for groups. The restaurant promises a culinary journey through traditional Chinese flavours and classic dishes. Given its popularity at peak hours, you'll find yourself at the back of a large queue. Be sure to plan for additional time or arrive as early as possible.
Shanghai Night Ashfield Review
This particular restaurant stands as a beacon for authentic Chinese cuisine, perfect for those familiar and those who aren't. My favourite would have to be what I call the 'main trio' of soup dumplings - Xiao Long Bao, Pan Fried Pork Buns, and Pot Stickers - each offering an explosion of its unique flavour and texture. Once you've had these dumplings, you'll be a lifelong returning visitor. But it's a lot more than dumplings here. The plethora of menu options (50+) means that more than one visit is needed to explore all the noodles, rice, meat, seafood and combinations Shanghai Night offers.
However, with an extensive menu comes a few hit or miss dishes. So far, I've had one dish that missed the mark, but all the recommendations from friends familiar with traditional Chinese cuisine were big hits.
Be wary that the sight of a queue outside is common, but don't let that deter you, as it's a worthwhile experience. Despite the restaurant's large size, Shanghai Night is often busy with diners and people lining up (I waited 40 minutes during my visit). But once you step in, the seating arrangements and decor spread across the front and back of the restaurant offer a lively atmosphere. It harmoniously complements the vibe of Ashfield, making it a great spot for an authentic meal.
Notably, accessibility to Shanghai Nights is a breeze, as the restaurant is conveniently located close to Ashfield train station. For those driving, abundant parking lots are nearby, making it an easy choice for a hassle-free dining outing. As for the opening hours, they're only open during lunch and dinner hours specifically but have a late closing time of about 11pm daily!
Shanghai Night Ashfield Menu & Service: Dumplings Galore!
The menu at Shanghai Night is full of variety and quality, featuring over 50 different dining options. From classic noodle and rice dishes to a selection of options in pork, beef, chicken, duck, seafood, and vegetables, there's something to satisfy every palate, no matter how familiar you are with Shanghainese cuisine. However, it's worth noting that dessert options are limited, with around six choices, including red bean cakes and mini mantou buns. So, while you'll leave satisfied with your main meal, I recommend venturing elsewhere for dessert.
I indulged in several dishes during my visit, each leaving a memorable imprint. Starting with:
Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Pork Soup Dumpling)
The Xiao Long Bao was so enticing that I highly recommend ordering two servings for a group! It's light to eat, and this classic dish encapsulates what makes a great soup dumpling. Each bite releases a burst of rich, savoury broth, perfectly complementing the tender pork filling. I beg you to eat this dumpling correctly, either in one bite after cooling down or hold your dumpling in a soup spoon and bite the outer layer first. Watching people eat soup dumplings from a plate and wasting precious soup and filling pains me!
Read our article to learn more about the classic XLBs: Exploring the Delights of Homemade Soup Dumplings: Unveiling the Secrets of Xiao Long Bao
Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Crab Meat & Pork Soup Dumplings)
This crab meat upgraded version of Xiao Long Bao, which I've never come across before, adds to the traditional dumpling experience by combining the sweetness of crab with the savoury depth of pork. It's a delectably steamed dumpling package that works quite well. I recommend giving this a go!
Pan Fried Pork Buns
Following the Xiao Long Bao, the Pan Fried Pork Bun offers a delightful contrast of textures, with a crispy bottom and a succulent, broth-filled top that seamlessly blends crunchiness with juiciness.
Pot Stickers (Pan fried pork dumplings)
If you like your Gyoza, a must-have Japanese dumpling, these Pot Stickers are similar in style. They are a must-try for their golden, crispy bite that leads you into a flavourful pork centre with broth, making each dumpling satisfying and filling.
Read our article to learn more about the different types of dumplings: Types Of Dumplings: What Are Chinese Dumplings And How Are They Made?
Prawn Wontons with Chilli Oil, Peanut & Sesame Sauce
A dish unique to Shanghai Night, the Prawn Wontons with Chilli Oil, Peanut, and Sesame Sauce offers a delightful spicy and nutty taste. Although I am (very mildly) allergic to peanuts, I happily helped myself to this dish, which was worth it. These wontons with the sauce are a flavour explosion, with the heat from the chilli oil beautifully balanced by the rich, nutty undertones of peanut and sesame sauce, all encasing a tender prawn filling. A must-order dish, even if you have a mild allergy to peanuts.
Sauteed Eel with Garlic, Ginger, Pepper & Soy Sauce
This dish offers a unique taste experience, with the eel's soft texture and the robust combination of garlic, ginger, pepper, and soy sauce. The eels in the dish are small, rather than the traditional unagi you're used to seeing in Japanese cuisine. These eels were mushy-like, and the sauce mix needed to be developed more to save the dish. An unfortunate miss for me.
RECOMMENDED
- Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Pork Soup Dumpling)
- Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Crab Meat & Pork Soup Dumplings)
- Pan Fried Pork Buns
- Pot Stickers (Pan fried pork dumplings)
- Prawn Wontons with Chilli Oil, Peanut & Sesame Sauce
Final Words
Shanghai Night has become my preferred dumpling destination in Ashfield, especially since the closure of my previously favoured Taste of Shanghai. Their vast menu, consistently high-quality dishes, and convenient location make it an unmissable spot for anyone in Sydney looking for authentic Chinese dumplings and other Shanghainese delicacies. While the dessert options are limited, the focus here is on the savoury, and in that, Shanghai Night excels.
Where to find Shanghai Night Ashfield
Address
Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:15 PM
Phone
+61 2 9798 8437
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