Shanghai 30's
Cantonese dim sum and Chinese cooking on St Aldates — popular with Oxford's Chinese students.
Shanghai 30's doesn't look like much from outside, and the interior won't win any design awards. None of that matters when the dim sum arrives. This is the closest Oxford gets to a proper Cantonese dim sum experience — steamer baskets of har gow, siu mai, char siu bao, and cheung fun that would hold their own in any Chinatown. The rest of the menu is solid Chinese cooking, but the dim sum is the reason to come.
Shanghai 30's has a loyal following among Oxford's Chinese students, which is a strong endorsement for any Chinese restaurant in Britain.
What to order
The dim sum is the main event. Har gow (prawn dumplings) are translucent and properly made. The char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) are fluffy and sweet-savoury. The turnip cake is crisp and fragrant. Outside dim sum, the crispy aromatic duck and the mapo tofu are both excellent. The set menus for groups are good value.
Good to know
Dim sum is served at lunch — arrive early for the widest selection. The evening menu is full Chinese rather than dim sum-focused. Service is brisk and no-nonsense. The St Aldates location is central, a few minutes' walk from Christ Church. Booking recommended for groups. Not licensed for alcohol at all times — check when booking.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
