Shanghai Alley

For local users in Cary, North Carolina, seeking a Chinese restaurant that offers a taste of authentic cuisine, Shanghai Alley, located at 1148 Kildaire Farm Rd, presents a compelling option within the Chinese Restaurant category. Based on recent customer reviews, Shanghai Alley appears to be a place where discerning diners can discover truly exceptional dishes, particularly if they venture beyond the more common American-Chinese fare typically found at the beginning of the menu.

One enthusiastic reviewer, who visited Shanghai Alley for a birthday celebration, expressed immense satisfaction, stating that they "didn't disappoint!" The fact that the reviewer and their party ordered a wide variety of dishes and were eager to start eating before taking photos suggests a high level of anticipation and enjoyment of the food. Their concluding remark, "Definitely coming back," speaks volumes about their positive experience and intention for future patronage.

Another reviewer specifically highlighted several dishes as being their "FAVORITE!" These included the soup dumplings, pork buns, and fried flat noodles with a choice of meat. This strong endorsement indicates that these particular items are standout offerings at Shanghai Alley and are likely to be popular among those seeking flavorful and well-prepared Chinese food. The mention of soup dumplings is particularly noteworthy as they are a specialty that requires skill and careful preparation.

A key feature of Shanghai Alley, according to one experienced reviewer, is its commitment to serving more authentic Chinese cuisine, which can be found in the latter pages of their menu. This reviewer advises those looking for a genuine taste of China to "don’t order the first two pages, the last few pages are where the gems are." This suggests that Shanghai Alley caters to a broader range of palates, offering both familiar American-Chinese dishes and more traditional regional specialties.

Furthermore, this reviewer, who has experience with dim sum, believes that Shanghai Alley distinguishes itself by making some of its dumplings in-house. They specifically mention the soup dumplings and chives dumplings, stating, "I’m pretty sure this restaurant makes their soup dumplings and chives dumplings in house (trust me, I know when it’s frozen)." This potential for freshly made dim sum is a significant draw, as many other establishments rely on pre-made frozen options. The reviewer's confidence in their assessment adds credibility to this claim of in-house preparation, suggesting a higher level of quality and authenticity.

In addition to the dumplings and pork buns, this reviewer also recommended the 干炒牛河 (gān chǎo niú hé), which translates to stir-fried rice noodles with beef. This classic Cantonese dish is a staple in authentic Chinese cuisine, and its recommendation further supports the idea that Shanghai Alley offers genuine regional flavors. However, the same reviewer noted a less positive experience with the "oyster mushroom and steak," describing the taste as "super weird." This indicates that while many dishes are highly praised, there might be some that do not appeal to all palates.

Regarding service, the reviewers described the servers as "friendly," which contributes to a positive dining experience. Additionally, the portions at Shanghai Alley are noted to be "big," suggesting that customers can expect generous servings, providing good value for their money.

Based on these reviews, Shanghai Alley appears to be a Chinese restaurant in Cary that offers a more authentic culinary experience, particularly for those willing to explore beyond the initial pages of the menu. The homemade soup dumplings and chives dumplings, along with the delicious pork buns and satisfying fried flat noodles, are highly recommended. The friendly service and generous portions further enhance the appeal of this establishment. While one dish received negative feedback, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with customers expressing a strong desire to return.

To contact Shanghai Alley, local users can use the provided phone numbers: (919) 380-2900 or the mobile number +1 919-380-2900. These contact details can be used to make reservations (given the positive reviews, it might be a popular spot), place takeout orders, or inquire about their menu, particularly the "gems" found in the latter pages and any daily specials or recommendations.

Located at 1148 Kildaire Farm Rd in Cary, NC, Shanghai Alley is situated on a well-known and busy road in a densely populated area. Kildaire Farm Road is a major thoroughfare in Cary, making the restaurant easily accessible to a large number of local residents. Its location in a commercial area suggests that it likely offers both dine-in and takeout services to cater to different customer preferences.

The provided information does not include any specific details about current promotional offers or special deals at Shanghai Alley. However, given the positive remarks about the food quality and the indication of generous portions, the restaurant might already offer good value for its price point. Local users interested in potential specials or discounts should contact the restaurant directly using the phone numbers provided or check if they have an online presence, such as a website or social media pages, where they might advertise promotions.

In conclusion, Shanghai Alley in Cary, NC, stands out as a Chinese restaurant that offers a more authentic and high-quality dining experience, especially for those who are willing to explore beyond the standard American-Chinese menu. The homemade dumplings, delicious pork buns, and flavorful fried flat noodles are highly recommended, and the friendly service and generous portions add to the overall positive impression. For local users in Cary seeking a genuine taste of Chinese cuisine, Shanghai Alley is definitely worth a visit, with the advice to explore the latter pages of the menu for the most authentic and rewarding culinary gems. Contacting them directly for reservations or takeout orders is encouraged to experience this highly-regarded local establishment.