As thousands of locals celebrate the end of a three-year restoration project on Shanghai’s Bund area in preparation for the World Expo, the country’s only Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux Family Li Imperial Cuisine is finally able to reopen its door after almost a year of closure.
The theatrical legend of Family Li began four generations ago when Li Shunqing was responsible for tasting all dishes prior to any royal banquet in the Forbidden City during the Qing dynasty. He became familiar with these dishes after years at his job, and managed to write down these secret recipes and passed them down from generation to generation. It is his grandson who made the most use of these recipes. From cooking for their neighbours, to winning a culinary competition, to turning their bedroom into a restaurant, to hosting banquets for celebrities and politicians, it was such a tremendous journey that they went through. It is now in the hands of Ivan Li who continues this legacy in the Shanghai branch, a lavish version of their original house in Beijing.
This private-room-only restaurant provides top-notch service with knowledgeable staff. This is the place where you can relive the history by experiencing Qing’s royal banquet. Tasting menu is the way to go where you can sample 15 meticulous starters, 6 main courses, and 3 desserts all prepared using traditional methods.
The appetizers did an outstanding job of simulating our palates. Each one of them had its own unique character using high quality ingredients. In particular, the melt-on-the-tongue Beijing smoked pork was unforgettable. Smoked for a long time using the best pork available, surprisingly, it wasn’t greasy at all.
As expected from an imperial banquet, one would not be satisfied without sampling a few Chinese delicacies, especially if one ordered the most expensive menu. So here are the gastronomic treasures of Chinese cuisine: Bird’s nest, Shark’s fin, Abalone, and Sea Cucumber.
What could be better than having Empress Dowager Cixi’s favourite “Three non-sticks” to finish the meal? Though it uses a few simple ingredients – yolk, sugar and water, it’s a challenge even for experienced chefs to perfect this distinct soft custard such that it does not stick to the plate, the chopstick, or the teeth.
A private room fine dining in prime location with impeccable service and incredible food, this place offers Chinese cuisine at its best. Note that reservation is necessary. Even though their official website is still under maintenance, the restaurant has already resumed normal business.
Click HERE for restaurant information.
Published by Kevin Chan. Kevin is a food traveller who has lived and travelled extensively throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Drawing upon his experience, Kevin offers a worldwide perspective on good food.
www.finediningexplorer.com
Tags: China, Family Li, Fine Dining Explorer, Imperial, Shanghai
