Restaurants come and go at Bicester Village – The Double Red Duke the latest addition READ ABOUT IT HERE, and while the choice and array is to be applauded, those that stay the course have already proved their mettle.
Shan Shui is the obvious example, situated down the far end, and seemingly always busy, appealing to the diverse range of international customers drawn to Bicester Village, as well as the locals.
The Chinese/Asian restaurant, which opened in 2018, is inspired by 1920s Shanghai and therefore both elegant and welcoming at the same time, while able to cope with the rapid footfall, an oasis away from the shopping frenzy taking place outside.
Ushered to a table in the corner overlooking the bustling thoroughfare outside, the delicate plates hailing from the kitchen encouraged us to order, despite there being so much to choose from.
First up some ornate, tiny, oriental teapots of jasmine tea, which we continually refilled, so refreshing, and the perfect accompaniment to the rich food we enjoyed.
Then the delicious pan-fried gyoza stuffed with chicken, served on a long thin plate with dipping sauce (£7.95) and some veg bao buns which were fluffy, light and bouncy, because that’s the thing about Chinese food, it’s as much about texture as it is about taste.
Arriving promptly, speed being of the essence here, in this hub of consumerism, the mains followed on thick and fast – the pungent, juicy, black pepper beef (£16.95) and the slippery, spicy, veg fried noodles (£14.95), both packed full of flavour.
Throw in some perfectly cooked rice and sides of smacked cucumber and seasonal greens, the former packing a refreshing, chilli punch, the latter a milder quench, and we were in for a feast, picking at a bit of this and a bit of that, as is the Chinese way.
But it was the dessert that provided the biggest surprise of the day – the sweet potato balls (£7.50) – so intriguing that we had no idea what to expect, our curiosity amply rewarded by the sugar dusted, pale pink orbs – crispy and light on the outside, chewy and sweet within, and completely moreish.
So if you fancy perking yourself up with a day of shopping, or just some great Asian food, then give Shan Shui a go – it’s longevity speaks for itself.
Shan Shui is at Unit 156 Pringle Drive, Bicester Village https://shanshuirestaurant.co.uk/menus
