Xiamen Shangri-La Xin Shi Tang: A Feast for the Senses

Step into Xin Shi Tang, the all-day dining restaurant at Xiamen Shangri-La, and your gaze is instantly captured by the "floating stone forest" overhead. Inspired by Xiamen's rich heritage as the "City of Stone," these irregular three-dimensional stone installations are suspended in mid-air with artistic precision. Their rugged textures narrate the profound culture of Southern Fujian's stone craftsmanship, while their fluid lines infuse the space with a striking modern artistic dynamism. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the plant-adorned dining area with natural light, casting dappled shadows that subtly echo the romantic charm of Xiamen's "Garden on the Sea." Here, nature and culture intertwine to create a serene oasis.

Xin Shi Tang is also a vibrant "culinary theater" that never sleeps. The open cooking stations take center stage like a performance, where skilled chefs showcase their artistry in both Eastern and Western cuisines—each dish's creation is a visual and aromatic spectacle.

At dawn, Southern Fujian's traditional breakfast classics harmonize with international morning delights. A steaming bowl of smooth and savory vermicelli soup or a sweet, comforting peanut broth awakens taste buds to local flavors. The buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants and the refreshing zest of cold-pressed juices energize the start of a new day.

The lunch and dinner buffets elevate this theater to its grand finale. With monthly rotating themes, every visit promises a fresh gastronomic adventure. Beyond the dazzling array of global delicacies, authentic Southern Fujian specialties stand out: the aromatic Braised Duck with Ginger whispers nostalgia for old Xiamen, while the robust and fiery Satay Noodles instantly transport you to bustling street food memories. Must-try signatures include the live eel grilled to order, its sizzling fat releasing an irresistible charred fragrance, and the crispy Shiso Sea Urchin Tempura, where a golden crust encases the ocean's sweetness and shiso's herbal freshness—a bite that captivates the soul.

Ritualistic touches elevate the experience further: individually served Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, its golden broth brimming with premium ingredients, delivers profound depth in every spoonful. Seared Foie Gras paired with tangy fig compote melts luxuriously on the palate, evoking unparalleled indulgence. As the feast concludes, the dessert section unfolds like a dreamy castle, where exquisite pastries—resembling edible art—provide the sweetest finale to this sensory celebration.

At Xin Shi Tang, dining transcends mere sustenance. It's an immersive theatrical journey that seamlessly blends Xiamen's cultural essence with global culinary brilliance. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast, a connoisseur of rich meats, or a devotee of Southern Fujian's heritage flavors, there's always a dish that strikes the perfect chord. Amidst the dappled light and lush greenery of this "Garden on the Sea," surrender to this never-ending feast for the senses.

Post by MichaelMcNeil28 | Jun 5, 2025