Ala Shanghai Chinese Cuisine

Food always is delicious, however the service is lacking. Our server was attentive but borderline rude. After my friend and I ordered the bigger soup and him seemingly disapproving of this decision he made it known. We had dined there before, we loved the egg drop soup, we each wanted a whole bowl. Then we were enjoying our food, my lychee martini was great, but as it got later we felt increasingly unwelcome. Our waiter even started singing a song within earshot of how we should go home to our families. It was not closing time and there were still other diners enjoying dinner, so was that really necessary? We were celebrating a birthday and ordered plenty, it just is not the level of hospitality I would expect from this establishment.

My Go-To for Authentic Chinese in the Albany Area: Ala Shanghai Let me tell you, if you're looking for truly delicious and authentic Chinese food in the Albany area, look no further than Ala Shanghai in Latham. This has easily become my absolute favorite spot. From the moment you walk in, you can tell they take pride in their food and service. The staff is always so welcoming and attentive, making every dining experience a pleasant one. And the food? Oh my goodness, the food! It's consistently outstanding. We have our go-to favorites, of course. The General Tso's Shrimp is a must-try – perfectly crispy shrimp coated in that classic, flavorful sauce. And the Eggplant in Garlic Sauce is just divine, so tender and packed with that savory, slightly spicy garlic goodness. But we've also ventured beyond our staples and been equally impressed. The Fish in Chili Sauce is a fantastic choice if you like a bit of heat and incredibly flavorful fish. And the Chicken in Black Bean Sauce is another winner, rich and savory with perfectly cooked chicken. Honestly, everything we've tried at Ala Shanghai has been top-notch. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care they put into each dish. If you're craving authentic and delicious Chinese food with excellent service, do yourself a favor and check out Ala Shanghai. You won't be disappointed!

Our favorite Dim Sum spot closed recently... so this was our first time. The food was great. The service was great. The tables were always clear and ready for the next round. The portions were big. We will definitely be coming back.

Dessert was out of this world! Black sesame ice cream and red bean pancake…so good! Dim sum also amazing—great portions and value and beautiful presentation. Love that you get a teapot upon arrival and drinks were lovely, especially Old Fashion. Such a lovely atmosphere, great service.

Ala Shanghai offers a mixed experience that leans heavily on its culinary strengths but falters in ambiance and consistency. Let's start with the positives: the food at Ala Shanghai is expertly prepared and showcases authentic flavors. Each dish we ordered, from the dim sum to the main courses, was carefully crafted and delicious. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, providing recommendations and ensuring our dining experience was comfortable. However, the ambiance left much to be desired. The restaurant was bustling and incredibly loud, making it nearly impossible to hold a conversation at our table. This detracted significantly from what could have been a more relaxed evening. One dish that particularly disappointed was the drunken chicken. It arrived bland, and frankly unappetizing in appearance. Given the otherwise high standard of the meal, this was a noticeable letdown. In summary, Ala Shanghai impresses with its culinary prowess and attentive service, but falls short in creating a conducive dining atmosphere and maintaining consistency across all dishes. If you're willing to overlook these shortcomings, the restaurant offers a worthwhile culinary journey into authentic Chinese cuisine.