Shanghai Adventure

Shanghai Gardens Restaurant was opened in 2004 by Raymond Mui, an experienced restaurateur who has thirty years of industry experience. The restaurant has been serving up top-notch food since it first opened, astounding customers and grabbing the attention of local newspapers. Over the years, it has gained a well-deserved reputation for its breathtaking ambiance, mouth-watering food, and impressive service.

One of Shanghai Gardens’ advantages over competitors is its location. High customer traffic is partially the result of it being conveniently located on a busy street near several businesses and a hospital.

You won’t drive by Shanghai Gardens six times trying to find it either. The restaurant's signage is four huge Chinese seal characters on the exterior wall. These four characters come from an ancient Chinese poem which can be translated as “Why is the water so clear in the dyke, for the fresh water comes from the springhead.”

Homey Décor
This charming dine-in restaurant seats up to 160 in an approximately 5,000 square foot space. Located close to residential areas and factories, the restaurant caters a large number of private parties and company events. But, its real strength is the  superb dine-in experience that it offers. Along with delicious food, Shanghai Gardens also presents customers with a visual feast. The owner accomplishes this by displaying beautiful Chinese decorations, exquisite pictures, and even adding Chinese zodiac elements to the interior.

The casual environment is inviting and friendly. Shanghai Gardens is always kept sparkling clean and strict codes of sanitation are followed. According to Raymond, a restaurant must be kept immaculately clean so that customers will be able to dine with no worries. That may be one of the reasons why Shanghai Gardens has so many loyal customers.

Shanghai Gardens' Top Dishes
The food is one huge reason for Shanghai Gardens’ success. Interestingly, this restaurant features no Shanghainese dishes among its large selection of menu items. Instead you’ll find an assortment of Japanese delights and popular Chinese delicacies. Shanghai Gardens’ offerings are tailored to fit local American tastes. The food is slightly bolder and spicier than traditional recipes call for them to be.

Shanghai Gardens’ Specialties are General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, lobster, and Salt & Pepper (Peeled) Shrimp. Spring Rolls and Beef Teriyaki are two other notable dishes that are well received by patrons. Recently, a gamut of fiery curry dishes have also become quite popular with diners.

A large portion of the menu is devoted to Japanese cuisine. That portion of the menu boasts a long list of fresh, well-made Japanese sushi, rolls and sashimi that will delight even the most discerning sushi aficionado.

According to Raymond, the main difference between Chinese and Japanese dishes is how they are prepared. Chinese cuisine mostly emphasizes the wok flavor while Japanese food is more in tune with nature. However different they are, freshness is essential. He is clear that sourcing is the only way to ensure high quality. “We receive deliveries three times a week from trustworthy wholesale companies,” he says. “A restaurant is judged on the freshness of its sashimi. It has to be perfect and safe, otherwise customers will not return.”

Raymond is proud to have a professional team of chefs who have been committed to Shanghai Gardens for all these years. He also places emphasis on establishing and maintaining close relations with all of his staff. “Team work is essential,” he says.

Raymond’s Tenet
Raymond arrived in America in 1983. Before coming to the US, he worked at different restaurants in Hong Kong and Canada for years. It's only logical that he stuck with a similar business idea here in the States. He has noticed that some Americans have become Chinese food experts. Restaurants can keep loyal customers only by offering delicious dishes and adjusting the menu as needed. This approach has paid off, resulting in a number of successful additions to the menu over the years.

Some people say running a restaurant is a double whammy. Not only monotonous, it can be quite complicated. But, Raymond doesn’t mind. He is patient and believes that hard work always pays off in the end. A reason for his success is the respect he has for what he’s doing and his willingness to meet any challenges that pop up.

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Name: Shanghai Gardens Restaurant  
Location: 901 Washington St. U.S. Route 1, South Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: 508-761-9339