Shang Cafe
Looking for a place that combines bold flavors, a casual atmosphere, and great company? Look no further than Shang Cafe in San Jose, California! Located at 6154 Bollinger Rd, this trendy spot is perfect for anyone in the mood for some delicious, authentic Sichuan cuisine. Whether you're dining out with the family or grabbing a meal with friends, Shang Cafe offers a welcoming vibe that's ideal for both small and large groups.
What really sets Shang Cafe apart is its menu, packed with mouthwatering dishes that pack a punch. If you're a fan of spicy food, you can't miss their Twice Cooked Pork – tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. Another fan favorite is the Spicy Fish Fillet, offering a unique twist on a classic dish. If you're in the mood for something cold and refreshing, the Sichuan Cold Noodles are a great choice, offering a cool and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the heat of other dishes. And for anyone who loves tofu, the Mapo Tofu will quickly become a go-to, combining silky tofu with a flavorful, spicy sauce that's hard to resist. For those seeking a bit of everything, the House Spicy Chicken will give you a little bit of everything — tender chicken, spicy seasonings, and a mouthwatering sauce.
The restaurant itself has a casual and trendy feel, making it a great spot for a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience. With moderate noise levels, it’s comfortable for a casual night out or even a lively gathering. And if you’ve got kids or a group of friends, Shang Cafe is a fantastic choice – the laid-back atmosphere is perfect for families and larger parties alike. Plus, they have outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy their meal in the open air.
Whether you're a seasoned Sichuan fan or new to the cuisine, Shang Cafe is sure to impress with its flavorful dishes and welcoming environment.
Reviews
I went to another restaurant a few doors down from Shang Cafe a few weeks ago and I saw a pretty large crowd in front so I wanted to see what the hype was about. My mom and I came here on Saturday right when they opened for dinner so we were seated immediately. We don't eat Sichuan/Hunan food much so ordering was a little intimidating for us so we were kind of looking around to see what other people ordered. We ordered 3 dishes and a bowl of rice. The Preserved Eggs with Green Peppers is SO GOOD. I could drink that sauce. I did take some leftovers home just so I could mix it with other things. It's savory, spicy, and paired with the preserved eggs? Heaven. We also ordered the Sautéed Shredded Pork w/Wild Rice Bamboo Shoots and that was amazingly tender and flavorful. We also had some spicy(ish) beef tendon with garlic that was super flavorful and tender. Basically everything we ate here blew my mind at how good it was. I'm so glad we got here early because by the time we finished, the restaurant was full and there were 18 groups waiting. I will absolutely come back again and my mom is really excited to try other dishes as well!
My third visit here and every time I leave satisfied! We always order the house special spicy chicken. All the vegetable dishes I've tried (stir fried asparagus lettuce with dried chili, eggplant, lettuce stem salad) have been great. Even their white rice is heavenly. Expect a wait during busy times. In a strip mall with large parking lot. Bustling atmosphere. I can't wait to return!
Always amazed by the authentic Sichuan/Hunan food in homemade style and friendly waiters every time I go to this cozy restaurant. There are reasons why it's been there for many years and still so popular.
A bit of a wait on a week night, but worth the wait. Food came out much faster than expected, and it was so delicious. Very spicy, but the perfect amount of spice. Everything was flavorful, and the food kept very well as leftovers.
Long lines, long wait if you miss the initial round of seating when they first open. I saw a lot of people ordering food for take out, and that makes sense since you'll probably want a lot of rice. Each dish is addictively spicy. I would skip their boiled spicy hot pot for next time. It's good, but the other dishes are better. The boiled spicy snakehead is also very good, but the portion size is very small. They only gave us a few pieces of the fillet so it didn't feel like the value was there. As for the other dishes we ordered (see pictures), they were all very great. My dad, who is picky with food and can't take spicy food well, really enjoyed everything. Prices are on the higher side. We finished almost everything between the 4 of us. We intentionally saved a small bowl portion for my brother to go.