When it comes to Chinese cuisine, there are two names that are synonymous with authentic flavours in Dhaka and one of them is Shing Heong located at Banani, House 153, Road 11. 

The food is exceptionally good but a word of caution – this is not the tailoured to our tastebuds' 'Bangla Chinese' that you get everywhere else. Their cold beef that comes with a chilly sauce is a signature dish and is definitely worth trying and among Shing Heong's clay pots, their chicken clay pot and seafood clay pot are the best. These dishes are usually slow cooked for which they take about 15-20 minutes extra to serve but the flavours of clay pots are worth the wait. Seafood fried rice and dry beef noodles are among the carbs that are a must try. Their dry beef noodles tastes pleasantly different with a chilly paste and deliciously cooked beef in it and one of their best dishes is the sizzling chicken as it has the right gravy and balance of flavours to go with the rice. They also have a hot pot dinner that is priced at 900 Tk/person and it serves at least two people with a range of items that includes kangkon and dumplings.

The staff is extremely well informed and knowledgeable about the menu. They will be able to guide you if you tell them what type of taste or dishes you are looking for and talk you through new dishes on the menu. They usually serve all of their courses on time unless you have ordered duck.

However, similar to other Chinese restaurants that serve authentic cuisine, the décor at Shing Heong is nothing to write home about. Their interiors consist of red tiled floors, circular tables and dim lighting. If you are taking someone here on your first date, he/she might judge your choice unless your partner is a food enthusiast. Perhaps for this décor, this is not a place that enjoys a lot of “check-ins” on Facebook but it does enjoy a lot of repeat customers.

Prices do not include VAT and service charge so your actual bill will be higher than what appears from an initial glance at the menu. But if you are eating in a group, it is a well-priced place as the portion sizes are enough for at least 3 people. 
Rating 3.8
Taste of Food 4.25
Quality of Service 4
Décor and Ambience 3
Price 4
Presentation 4
Photo: Taskin Rahman