Setting foot into Grand Shanghai is akin to taking a trip back in time to the city known as the Paris of the Orient in the late 1930s. The restaurant oozes Oriental charm and glamour without being overly opulent. Although the décor features some Chinese restaurant standards (like the liberal use of the colour red and requisite round tables topped with large lazy susans), there are also some thoughtful, refined touches (like beautifully upholstered round booth seating, elegant chandeliers, and hardwood floors) which put the restaurant's ambience a notch above the rest.

With three native Shanghainese chefs helming the kitchen, you don't have to worry about whether the food is truly authentic. Select one of several set menus, which include a minimum of 6 courses, and thus, an abundance of food. For instance, one option for a first course is a delightful selection of dim sum, which includes the highly popular Steamed Pork and Crabmeat Dumplings. Tantalizingly addictive starters also include Crispy Eel and Drunken Chicken. For mains, the house specials, such as Peking Duck and Braised Meatballs, are too good to miss out on.

From family celebrations to business lunches, and even themed weddings, Grand Shanghai is quite versatile when it comes to an occasion. When dusk falls, two cheongsam-clad singers accompanied by a jazz trio will entertain you late into the night. (Nov 2011)

"Grand Shanghai recreates the glamour of 1930s Shanghai. Sumptuous decorations and a jazz crooner lend to its mellow mood." -Fodor's Travel Guides

"This is a place people come for special occasions (while we were there "Happy Birthday" rang out at least five times), so it works equally well for somewhere animated to entertain the boss, giggle with some friends, or please the oldies." -I-S Asia-City

This is the place to go, not just for authentic Shanghainese food, but for a genuinely holistic Shanghainese dining experience. The Crispy Eels were addictively good and the Drunken Chicken was piquant with Shaoxing wine. The Shanghai Wonton Soup with Jinhua ham tasted like liquid ambrosia while the Steamed Hairy Crabs, redolent with roe, were a lovely seasonal treat.

The selection of dim sum included Pan-fried Pork Buns, which we devoured in utmost delight. Apparently, it is a Shanghainese dim sum dish not commonly found in Singapore. Finally, we lingered over a dessert of refreshing Aloe Vera with Crystal Jelly as we relaxed over Shanghainese jazz tunes and delightful conversation. (Nov 2011)

"The sheer size of the dining room conjures the atmospheric grandeur of old Shanghainese supper clubs. Decorated to evoke 1940s Shanghai, musicians performing live jazz over dinner enhance the experience alongside dark-wooded latticework, vintage ceiling fans and a bold, fashion-forward colour palette with bright red tablecloths and green or pink seat covers. The menu offers an extensive list of traditional Chinese delicacies such as Wuxi short ribs, drunken chicken, braised ‘lion’s head’, a well-chosen selection of dim sum and dessert, suitable for lighter lunches or more decadent dinners." -Time Out Singapore

DBS (Indulge): 15% off total a la carte food bill.

UOB Dining Privileges: 15% off total food bill.

UOB Infinite/Empire/Lady's Solitaire/Signature/PRVI American Express/Preferred World MasterCard Dining Privileges: 18% off total food bill.

Standard Chartered (The Good Life): 18% off total food bill for Priority Banking Visa Infinite and Preferred Banking World MasterCard cardholders only.