Shang Palace was for many years one of the go-to places for Chinese food. While many Chinese restaurants have chosen to modernize their menus, Shang Palace stood firm on staying traditional. Thus, when people thought the Makati Shangri-La closed for good during the pandemic, many Chinese food lovers mourned the loss of this bastion of authentic Chinese cuisine.
But then the news of the hotel’s permanent closure turned out to be grossly exaggerated and Makati Shangri-La re-opened back in August 2023, Shang Palace was there to welcome back its loyal customers with new executive chef, Chan Po Sang.
The chef brings with him 17 years in the Chinese fine dining world and is in charge of the kitchens and the Chinese banquets.
To welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon, Chan curated Lunar New Year set menus for 10 ranging from P36,800 ++ for the Harmony set menu, P46,800++ for the Prosperity set menu, and P49,800++ for the Good Fortune set menu, each with selections of Shang Palace’s signature dishes.
Diners can indulge in classic signatures such as braised e-fu noodles with wild mushrooms and black truffles, braised pork tendon with dried oysters and mushrooms, and Yee Sang tossed to bring in favorable blessings for the year ahead.
Nian gao, also known as tikoy, is a sweet treat made from glutinous rice, flour, potato starch, coconut milk and sugar. Roughly translated, it means “higher year” in Mandarin. The sticky, sweet confection symbolizes family unity, which makes it a popular gift amongst family, friends, and business partners during this season.
Makati Shangri-La’s nian gao creations include the prosperity fish and the traditional gold bar. Nian gao rates start at 2,088 nett per single box. Not to be missed is the Radish Cake available at P2,888 nett per single box. These fortune favors are available at the hotel’s main lobby from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until February 12.
Besides the Shang Palace offerings, the hotel will have a traditional and breath-taking lion and dragon dance performance for its guests on Chinese New Year’s Eve at 10:30 p.m. and on Chinese New Year's Day at 12:30 p.m. Both performances will commence at the hotel lobby.