Good Food: Chef Viet’s Shanghai Restaurant

For 35 years Chef Viet Le has been cooking world class Chinese cuisine for Columbusites in beloved local restaurants. After the sale of his previous place of work he decided the time had finally arrived to open a restaurant of his very own. If you’re looking for authentic and delicious Chinese food and a nostalgic dining experience, look no further than Chef Viet’s Shanghai Restaurant.

This newly opened favorite is sandwiched between an Aaron’s furniture store and a Domino's Pizza on Buena Vista Road. They put a lot of work into the space, adding lush plants to the patio and furnishing the inside in a style that perfectly blends Chinese glamor with a comfortably casual atmosphere. As soon as you walk in the front doors you are greeted by a larger than life golden Buddha statue and welcoming staff that followed Chef Viet in his new venture.

I have been several times since they opened and ordered something different for every meal. I have been disappointed on zero occasions. The first few times I visited I ordered some of my usual Chinese restaurant favorites. Their sweet and sour pork, which I was so happy to discover that they served the traditional version with chunks of pineapple and vegetables in the sauce, is a particular favorite. Steering away from my usual choices Chef Viet very kindly made me a few dishes that I’d never tried before. The first was a sampling of Jade Beef and Jade Chicken which is tender sliced beef or chicken cooked in the Chef’s special spicy sauce served with a ring of steamed broccoli. The sauce was a little sweet and just the right amount of spice for me with a fantastic flavor. The other dish was called Shredded Shrimp with Dry Sauce, which I have yet to stop thinking about. Based on the name you might think that the shrimp is shredded but that is not the case. The dish includes delicately battered shrimp, shredded celery, carrots, and bamboo shoots in a dry Szechuan sauce. It was the standout favorite for my husband and I and we can’t wait to order it again.

Though the Shredded Shrimp is currently occupying my thoughts I’m also looking forward to the colder months at Chef Viets. Despite Fall’s slow arrival I have already tried their egg drop, hot and sour, sizzling rice, and wonton soup. All are excellent and there are many more on the menu I’m excited to try. In addition to those traditional chinese soups you can also order the Vietnamese classic, Pho.

Lunch specials are served Tuesday through Sunday from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. and are served with an egg roll, fried rice, soup of the day, and a fortune cookie all for about $10 or less. The full dinner menu is served Sunday - Thursday from 3 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. and until 9 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their facebook for more beautiful food photos from Chef Viet’s daughter. If you’d like to try Chef Viet’s Shanghai Restaurant without leaving the comfort of your home, delivery is available through Uber Eats.