Shang Noodle Chicago Streeterville

Shang Noodle is awesome. I had the House Special Stir-Fry with tofu and white rice. The food came to our table super quick, which was greatly appreciated since we were pressed for time. The portions were so generous that we couldn’t even finish. The flavors were incredible, and all the veggies tasted really good together. We also loved the ambiance and the attentive service, especially from our waitress. I'm always happy when they serve me water right away. If I were staying in Chicago a little longer, I’d definitely be going back!

Stopped by for a quick lunch. Relatively new spot. The service was fantastic. Don’t come here if you’re a big fan of soup dumplings but I’d still recommend because of the quality of the other dishes I tried during my first visit.

Shang Noodle is an absolute GEM of streeterville. This is my go to spot whenever I’m craving Chinese food, I take friends here, family, and I recommend it to anyone in the area. So easy to get a reservation or order takeout from. Everything on the menu is so good, but my favorites are the sizzling pots and the pickle fried rice and the sesame chicken. You seriously can’t go wrong. Simply cannot give this place enough praise. It’s the best of the best. Take it or leave it, either way, my roommate and I will keeping coming back every single week.

Sight seeing along the navy pier builds up an appetite. Luckily we were able to find this gem only a few blocks away. They had a large table right by the front window that holds 8. It wasn’t busy at all for a Monday lunch. We were seated immediately and the food came out quickly. We really enjoyed the fried pork belly, beef noodle soup, and shrimp fried rice. Other dishes that were solid were the string beans and soup dumplings. I found chicken, shrimp, and calamari just ok.

I recently tried a seafood hot pot and Shanghai string beans at a local restaurant. While the experience had its highlights, there were also areas where it could have been improved. **Seafood Hot Pot** The seafood hot pot was filled with a variety of seafood items, all simmering in a pot of hot water. The seafood was fresh, and the natural flavors did come through in the broth. However, I felt that the overall dish lacked depth in flavor. It seemed like the seafood had just been boiled in water without much seasoning, which didn't provide the robust taste I was expecting from a hot pot. I've had hot pots in the past that were much more flavorful, often infused with chilies and spices that added complexity to the dish. This particular hot pot could benefit from a similar approach to enhance the flavor profile. **Shanghai String Beans** The Shanghai string beans were good, but I didn't find them to be as extraordinary as some people had described. While some had raved about them being "to die for," my experience was that they were well-cooked and enjoyable but not particularly standout. They were well-seasoned, but perhaps my expectations were set a bit high based on the recommendations I received. **Chili Oil** One of the highlights of the meal was the red chili oil that accompanied the dishes. It had a great balance of heat and flavor, adding a much-needed kick to both the hot pot and the string beans. The chili oil was definitely a memorable part of the meal and something I would recommend trying if you enjoy a bit of spice. **Service and Atmosphere** The service was good—quick and efficient, with staff who were helpful throughout the meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant, however, left something to be desired. The layout of the tables was a bit awkward, especially in the booth seating where we couldn't move our chairs in or adjust the tables. The color scheme of the decor also seemed somewhat off and didn't contribute to a cohesive dining experience. **Overall Impressions** Overall, I would give this restaurant a 4 out of 5. The seafood hot pot and string beans were decent, but they could be improved in terms of flavor. While the atmosphere and table layout weren't ideal, the service was efficient and helpful. I wouldn't rush back here if you have access to more authentic and flavorful options, like those you might find in Chinatown. However, if you're in the area and looking for a decent meal, it might still be worth a visit. Music was off and the door kept bring in a draft.