Clari Says

If you value authentic and delicious Mandarin cuisine, there’s this place along West Avenue that stood the test of time. It’s called Shantung and they have been serving authentic Mandarin cuisine since 1958.

When I was in grade school, my grandmother (abuelita) would often take me to this restaurant along West Avenue. We would wait there for my grandfather (abuelito) then eat and head home. Sometimes we would go there with the whole family to enjoy a lovely lunch.

I actually forgot all about this. Memories came rushing back when I mentioned to my abuelita that I was heading to Shantung for a foodie meetup one Friday afternoon. She was so surprised to learn that it’s still open and thrilled that I get to go back there again. She also said that Shantung was (and still is) the go-to place for families during special occasions. There was something about the place and their food that brings families together.

Speaking of family, three generations kept Shantung restaurant going. This coming August the restaurant will be turning 61. Achieving such a wonderful milestone only means one thing. They are doing things right from the food all the way to the service.

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Ready to see some of Shantung’s Mandarin Cuisine?

In this foodie meetup, we were able to try the following:

Hot and Sour Soup

Fried Dumplings

Steamed Dumplings

Fried Intestine

Shrimp Balls

Shantung Fried Crispy Chicken

Shredded Pork in Tomato Sauce – perfectly paired with Shantung Steamed Bread

Pata Tim

Fried Squid with Salt & Pepper

Yang Chow Assorted Meat Fried Rice

Crispy Noodles with Assorted Delicacies

Butsi

All the dishes served to us that day are good but there are some that I would like to taste again starting with their Hot and Sour Soup.

Did you know that Shantung is the first to serve this type of soup in Manila? Whether you have or haven’t, I still urge you to try their version. I love Chinese soups but this one has a unique and pleasant taste perfect to start your meal.

If you’re craving for some steamed or fried dishes after enjoying a warm bowl of soup, I suggest their Steamed Dumplings, Fried Intestine especially the Shrimp Balls. These may be simple but once you taste them you’ll love the flavours each dish offers.

Now for my ultimate favourite – the Shantung Fried Crispy Chicken. Their signature chicken dish is not like any other. Not only is it very juicy and flavourful on the inside, but it is also crunchy and delicious on the outside. No wonder it’s one of their bestsellers!

Though I couldn’t clearly remember my visits here, my abuelita did inform me how great Shantung’s dishes were. Based on her stories and my new experience, I can say that Shantung hasn’t lost their touch. With that, I would like to invite you to dine at this 60-year old Chinese restaurant in Quezon City. You can find Shantung at 96 West Avenue, Philam Homes, West Triangle.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Happy eating!