Chinese Corner: Yue Xuan

When Hilton Hongqiao opened its Cantonese restaurant Yue Xuan in Shanghai, some sceptics wondered if it would be another typical hotel restaurant – merely there for the business travellers who temporarily live in the hotel and need a banquet table to smooth over negotiations. But Yue Xuan is so much more than just another link in a restaurant chain. 

Musicians dressed in qipao and strumming the guzheng greet diners as they walk into the restaurant, and, at every table, tea masters perform special ceremonies. While the décor and ambience draw you in, it is the food that will leave you wowed. 

The Cantonese style meal starts with a simple but nutritious broth. The chicken soup 'Lujiang' style (RMB 98) is simmered for hours, drawing out all the nutrition and flavours so that they fully melt into the soup. The Cantonese believe the ‘correct’ way to eat the pre-dinner soup is to drink the broth, then discard the floating bits and bobs, but here the tender chicken proves too good to throw away. 

Cantonese cuisine is known for simple cooking techniques that are designed to retain the freshness of the food. At Yue Xuan, live striped prawns (RMB 200/jin) are lightly steamed, and a dip in soy sauce is all the garnish this juicy sweet dish needs. 

As a Singaporean native, the chef also showcases his cooking chops in Southeast Asian specialties like stir-fried shrimps poached in curry sauce (RMB 58). Mouthwateringly fragrant, the curry bathes the crispy crustaceans in its creamy exotic spice. The chef also ventures out of his comfort zone with the classically French foie gras (RMB 168) and the Japanese-inspired pan-fried scallops with wasabi and black pepper sauce (RMB 68), both of which showcases his dexterous versatility. 

Whether you’re looking for a spot that executes Cantonese classics, or just in the mood for a dining adventure that covers the globe, Yue Xuan is just the spot.  

Hilton Hongqiao. 1116 Hongsong Dong Lu. Tel: 3323 6666