Sunday brunch is a Shanghai institution for office workers who,
having slogged through their week, want to kick back and tuck in to
a good feed. This meal, while often good value for money, often
comes with an appropriately lavish bill.
The Westin Bund Center Shanghai is a legend among the Sunday
brunch set, bringing free-flowing champagne, live entertainment for
all and a spread that is still understated when described as
"extravagant."
Not everyone needs to stuff themselves silly, however, so
starting tomorrow the Henan Road property is offering something a
little different with a 98 yuan (US$14), plus 15 percent tax,
all-you-can-eat dim sum promotion at its Eest, The Crystal Garden
restaurant.
While the term dianxin has come to signify any manner of small
dishes or snacks, dim sum refers specifically to the Cantonese
light dishes consumed during a typical yum cha (tea drinking)
session.
With myriad Cantonese eateries in almost every bustling Western
metropolis, most expats are likely to be familiar with the dishes
on offer during a typical meal, such as char siu bau (steamed BBQ
pork bun), dumplings and cheong fun (rice noodle rolls), among
others. More exotic offerings include phoenix claws
(fengzhua/chicken feet) and innards, which put some diners off
while thrilling others.
EEST is taking the popular concept one step further by adding
Japanese and Thai dishes to the mix. The Asian dining outlet offers
about 100 dishes from all three sections, presenting ridiculous
value for money from 11am to 2pm.
The Chinese selection includes some of the plumpest crystal
shrimp dumplings this side of the country, while the crispy radish
cake with XO sauce is best when dipped in fiery hot chili sauce.
Steamed glutinous rice with chicken (lor mai gai) is top dog for a
staple, albeit a little dry.
The Chinese menu also features congees, noodles and soups as
well as various vegetable dishes to balance the meal.
Japanese fare is popular among the local set, and the options
listed on the menu are worth sampling as well. A selection of maki
(sushi rolls) including salmon, egg and cucumber, to name but a
few, whet the appetite for the korokkes (potato cakes) that come in
a few different flavors. More substantial are the grilled meat and
fish as well as the onigiris (rice balls), noodles and rice.
Sukiyaki (Japanese steamboat) lovers can also opt for the hot
pot to be brought to the table, and additional ingredients can be
purchased; pork balls cost 30 yuan for three while two pieces of
Australian Wagyu striploin can be had for 220 yuan.
The Thai offerings at EEST are sometimes underrated, but veteran
chef Somwong Suitum has kept his kitchen churning out solid dishes
consistently.
The deep-fried chicken wrapped with Pandan leaves was superb,
with just the right touch of moisture, while the stir-fried rice
noodles with shrimp and tamarind sauce was a typical Thai dish,
full of sweet and sour. Curry lovers are not left out either, with
a red pork curry on the menu.
The traditional Thai dessert of red rubies with jackfruit and
palm seeds was also exquisite.
The Westin already packs in huge crowds for its champagne brunch
offering downstairs, and hopes that 1,000 diners can squeeze into
the property with this tasty deal when Sunday comes.
The hotel is also celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year in
style. EEST is presenting two set menus at 488 yuan and 688 yuan
per person from February 6 to February 13, while The Stage
downstairs will serve a hairy crab buffet dinner with a free flow
of soft drinks on February 6 for 328 yuan per person. All prices
are subject to 15 percent tax.
Address: 88 Henan Road M., Shanghai
Tel: 8621-6335-1888 ext 7370
(Shanghai Daily February 3, 2008)