More and more, people are turning to Asian restaurants for the wide variety of unique flavor profiles they offer and the great selection of fresh and healthy entrees. Shangri La Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar has taken a wide approach to their cuisine and incorporated many different Asian styles into their menu. Family-owned and operated Shangri La has been a favorite Lodi destination for nearly eight years. Owner Paul Van takes great pride in providing an exceptional dining experience and service for his customers. Van also has another restaurant, Hunan House, which he has owned for 22 years. The family loves being part of the community, and part of that love is welcoming clients in as family.
Shangri La is equal parts bistro and sushi bar, and anyone who likes Asian food will find something to love at this gem-of-a-restaurant. The focus is to provide the freshest ingredients and unique flavor combinations. “Our Asian fusion cuisine is always fresh here and our sushi chefs are very creative,” explains manager Dan Chan. “We have a wonderful sushi bar and a 
full bar, too.” For those who love sushi, Shangri La has some of their own special rolls and some popular favorites, too. Selections include the Mom’s roll. “This is one of our most popular rolls and has spicy tuna, tempura shrimp and is topped with avocado, tuna, albacore and red snapper, and then they torch a garlic mayo sauce on top and serve it with two other sauces and massago,” states Chan. They also have fresh hand rolls, nigiri sushi and sashimi.
The appetizers menu at Shangri La is full of selections ranging from soft shell crab, lettuce wraps and agadashi tofu to Gyoza, bakedmussels and Shangri La’s spare ribs. Lunch entrees feature a large selection of Bento boxes and sushi and nigiri combos. Many of the ingredients used on the Shangri La menu are sourced locally and the owners buy local whenever possible. The dinner menu includes entrees of various Asian influences. “The Hong Kong panfriend noodles are really popular. They’ll fry up some noodles and stir fry chicken, beef, shrimp and vegetables including bok choy, broccoli, carrots, snow peas and mushrooms into the dish,” Chan says. Other dishes that showcase the range of Asian spices include Katsu chicken, mango chicken, spicy ginger chicken, mandarin garlic shrimp, hot and spicy snapper and even Mongolian lamb. For those who have a vegetarian diet, garlic noodles, Cantonese chow fun and a variety of tofu, noodle and vegetable dishes are available.
The kids menu at Shangri La is a welcome departure from the usual burger and mac-n-cheese entrees that you see elsewhere. Kids menu entrees include teriyaki salmon, beef or chicken, Katsu chicken, tempura fish, kids chow mein or teriyaki chicken or beef served over light pan-fried noodles. Any of the entrees are a great way to introduce kids to various Asian flavors. It may be a challenge, but saving room for dessert yields some delicious surprises. Desserts include favorite suchas molten chocolate cake, crème brulee and ice cream rolled in coconut flakes and flash fried. Also be sure not to miss the traditional mochi ice cream, which is a delectable confection made from ice cream and pounded sticky rice. For Chan, working at Shangri La is still an experience he loves, even after nearly eight years. “I love getting to know everyone. Lodi has a great community and this doesn’t feel like working. It feels like I’m hanging out with friends while I’m serving food,” he says. Happy Hour is 2:30-5:30 p.m., seven days a week. “We have drink specials, $5 sushi rolls and a couple of $3 appetizers on a special menu,” Chan states. Shangri La also has a fan club that works in connection with a smart phone and offers special discounts or free appetizers. Visit the website for current specials and menu updates. Whether a couple stops in for drinks and sushi or a family comes in for dinner and dessert, every dining experience at Shangri La Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar is filled with bold Asian spices, lots of color and fresh ingredients. “At Shangri La, it’s always great food and a fun time,” Chan concludes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
SHANGRI LA ASIAN BISTRO AND SUSHI BAR
203 S. School St., #A
Lodi, (209) 366-0539
www.shangrilaasianbistro.com