Yi Long Court Review: Timeless Cantonese fine dining at The Peninsula Shanghai

Stepping into Yi Long Court at The Peninsula Shanghai feels like wandering onto a moody, glamorous 1930s movie set. Rich jewel tones, classic art deco lines and clever partitions create an atmosphere that manages to be romantic and cosy all at once.

Yet, while the ambience pays homage to old Shanghai, the kitchen is unapologetic Cantonese perfection. Rooted deeply in traditional techniques, the menu moves far past nostalgia to deliver dishes crafted with finesse and swagger. The Cantonese barbecue remains a perennial highlight, but lunch is where the real fun begins.

The dim sum spread is an absolute must-order, led by deep-fried pork dumplings. The mains continue the high- wire act - think smoky tea- infused chicken paired with crackling rice, crispy beef brisket enlivened with a chilli- garlic kick, and tiger prawns braised in a bubbling clay pot with white pepper and mung bean noodles.


Even dessert gets the star treatment, wrapping up the meal with a feather-light almond cream or a stunning double-boiled papaya featuring superior bird's nest.

Elegant without an ounce of pretension, Yi Long Court proves that while its decor celebrates the past, its cuisine is timeless Cantonese at its absolute finest.