To celebrate the year of the Earth Dog, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London, has collaborated with international Emmy-nominated TV Chef and food author, Ching He Huang, to create a Chinese New Year Menu for 2018.
The stylish Chinese dishes created by Ching and the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef, Daniel McGarey, will be available for one month, commencing Friday 16th February 2018 in T?NG Lounge which is the signature restaurant and lounge of the hotel located on the 35th level.
The animal kingdom is a significant part of the Chinese New Year and while the Rooster will not crow now for the next eleven years, this year marks the year of the dog.
Chinese culture considers a dog to be a very noble and loyal creature. The Earth Dog, in particular, is allied with fairness, morality and honour. For many, this year will be associated with brotherhood, solidarity and spiritual wealth over material wealth.
Ching’s passion, dedication and commitment towards creating good food has always seen her use fresh, organic and ethically sourced ingredients in order to create contemporary dishes with deep Chinese tradition.
The new succulent menu on offer will take diners on a culinary journey that bridges cultural understanding in a modern and entertaining way and appeals to both the East and the West. Food connoisseurs and lovers of Chinese cuisine are in for a real treat as this remarkable menu will simply seduce your taste buds whilst you admire the outstanding panoramic views of London.
Here’s a little taste of what to expect from the menu and the symbolic meaning of each dish too.
A Cup of Prosperity – Three-cup Chicken with Pineapple ‘Shard’: Chicken is traditionally served on a Chinese New Year menu. ‘Ji’ in Mandarin, the homonym for great fortune and profit, is expertly paired with pineapple, another symbol of wealth. The perfect dish to bring wealth and prosperity.
A Handful of Laughter and Happiness – Spicy Honey Garlic Prawns: Prawns are a symbol of laughter and happiness to the Chinese. ‘Har’ in Mandarin also means laughter; therefore prawns are a must for Chinese New Year.
A Sea of Wealth – Clams in Shrimpy Hot Black Bean Sauce: Clams resemble ‘coins’ in Chinese culture and also symbolise wealth. This dish marries Japanese Littleneck clams with ginger, chillies, pieces of shrimp and fermented salted black beans in an enriching sauce.
A Sprinkle of Wealth – Golden Tofu: This tasty vegetarian dish featuring edible gold sprinkles brings a touch of Shangri-La luxury to all.
A Bowl of Longevity – Zhajiang Noodles: Golden yellow noodles are a symbol of long life and promote good health. To ensure extra longevity, do not cut the noodles! This Beijing classic is made with fresh hand-pulled noodles, ‘Zhajiang mein’ (mixed sauce noodle). It features pork, one of the most popular meats in China, and delicately balances rich flavours to create a dish fresh for the Spring.
The menu comes to an end with a selection of exotic and fresh fruits from Asia to cleanse the palate and enrich the mind and soul.
The dishes will be served in the glistening, exclusive, Asian-inspired T?NG Lounge located on level 35 of Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London. The lounge offers beautiful, comfortable, seating and audacious views of London, from The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, right through to North London and Canary Wharf.
In summary, a true savoury expedition of Chinese wonder awaits and you don’t want to miss this.
Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard – Where and How?
The menu at the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, runs alongside the main a-la-carte menu in TING Lounge and is available throughout the day until 16th March 2018.
A table in TING Lounge can be reserved by phoning +44 (0) 207 234 8108 or emailing ting.slln@shangri-la.com.
Website address: www.ting-shangri-la.com
Restaurant address: Level 35, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU, United Kingdom.
Photography courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London.