Chuan Fu is a hidden gem that brings the authentic flavors of Shanghai to your neighborhood. This unassuming restaurant offers a culinary journey through the rich and diverse landscape of Shanghai cuisine, delivering an experience that's both comforting and exciting.
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the inviting aroma of sizzling woks and fragrant spices. The decor is simple yet elegant, with touches of traditional Chinese elements that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Shanghai.
The menu at Chuan Fu is a treasure trove of Shanghai specialties. Their xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are nothing short of perfection - delicate wrappers encasing a burst of savory broth and tender meat. The sheng jian bao, pan-fried buns with a crispy bottom and juicy filling, are equally impressive and not to be missed.
For those seeking classic Shanghai flavors, the lemon chicken is a must-try. The meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, glazed in a rich, slightly sweet sauce that's quintessentially Shanghainese. The kao fu, a dish of braised wheat gluten with mushrooms and bamboo shoots, offers a delightful texture and depth of flavor that even non-vegetarians will appreciate.
Chuan Fu doesn't shy away from bold flavors. Their ma la xiang guo, a spicy and numbing stir-fry, packs a punch that's sure to satisfy heat-seekers. On the milder side, the yi pin guo ti ji (crispy chicken with pickled pepper) offers a perfect balance of crispy texture and tangy flavor.
What sets Chuan Fu apart is their commitment to authenticity. The chefs clearly understand the nuances of Shanghai cuisine, from the precise balance of flavors to the importance of texture in each dish. Even seemingly simple dishes like the scallion oil noodles are executed with finesse, showcasing the beauty of Shanghai's comfort food.
The service at Chuan Fu is warm and attentive, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. They're particularly helpful in guiding newcomers through the diverse offerings, ensuring everyone finds something to love.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Shanghai cuisine or new to its flavors, Chuan Fu offers an authentic and delicious experience that's hard to beat. It's more than just a meal; it's a culinary journey to the heart of Shanghai. For anyone craving genuine Shanghai-style Chinese food, Chuan Fu is an absolute...
Read moreI didn’t take pictures, however now I wish I did. I wanted to see what the hype was about so I went with a good friend to try this place out. We arrived at 7 inside was fully packed, we were seated outside. Don’t get seated outside during summer folks, FL mosquitoes tore me up. About the restaurant though, It was the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The SiChuan wontons and the cumin beef were the best I ever had in any restaurant. Especially the cumin beef, I truly believe that’s a must try in every order.
That’s where the praise ends.
The crab roe with tofu was alright, I thought it would be bursting with that crab roe/crab mustard flavor. But your left with a faint taste of crab roe, and it leaves more to your imagination then a hearty dish. We ordered sliced fatty beef in golden soup. This is the worst part, this soup taste like the Dead Sea. I could feel my blood pressure rise with the amount of salt this soup had. So we drank all of our water with how salty this thing was, and waited and waited trying to catch our waiter imbetween tables looking at us with our hands raised. We asked for two things, first we mentioned how salty the dish was, and asked if anything could be done about this. 2nd we asked for refills for our drinks. The waiter came back and said they can make us a new order, I said if they could remove that dish from our bill. But he told us the cook had already started making the dish. So we asked for it to go. He came back with what looked like the same size portion he went in the kitchen with, no recook nothing. Mines still in my fridge, but my friend just texted me it’s the same soup, they didn’t even fix anything. I wasn’t going to write a bad review, but you can’t do these shady things and expect good results.
For the record we still left 20% tips, but from now on I’m seriously going to tip according to service of this restaurant each visit and not just because it’s...
Read moreAbout the Location:
Chaun Fu in Orlando is one of those delightful discoveries that elevate your dining experience. The restaurant feels akin to fine dining, providing a clean and neat environment that is complemented by a friendly and accommodating staff. This ambiance offers a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. The location is conveniently accessible, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a refined meal in the city.
About the Food:
Our culinary journey at Chaun Fu was predominantly positive, marked by memorable dishes and a couple of minor disappointments. The ShuiZhu beef with hot chili sauce was a standout, delivering an impressive blend of flavors with the signature zing of Sichuan pepper. It was complemented by a serving of rice that stood well on its own. The signature cured pork fried rice was another highlight, bursting with flavor and a hint of chili that elevated the dish to a lasting culinary memory.
However, not everything hit the mark. The Chongqing style chicken fried noodles fell short of expectations. Despite its appealing description on the menu, the dish failed to deliver the anticipated flavors and was less impressive compared to the highly rated items we tried. On the beverage side, the hot sake proved to be a pleasant accompaniment, offering a soothing and enjoyable drink.
In conclusion, Chaun Fu provided a solid dining experience with high points in terms of food quality but a few areas that could see improvement. Overall, it's a mid 4-star restaurant where the positive aspects overshadow the minor letdowns, making it...
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