Shanghai Garden, an institution of the CID, closed its doors for a final time on May 31st. Since 1990 it has been a beloved lunch and dinner spot for many in the neighborhood, some even traveling from outside of Seattle to indulge in their delicacies.
“The beef noodle soup is exactly like it is from Taiwan,” said Wyne Chen, one longtime Shanghai Garden customer.
Founded by Chef Hua Te Su and his wife, Helen, Shanghai Garden featured vintage booths and classic Chinese decor.
Shanghai Garden began as a modest eatery in the heart of the CID. In 1992, the restaurant relocated to a more spacious location on Sixth Avenue South, providing a larger dining area for its growing clientele. The Su family expanded their reach by opening a second location in Issaquah in 1996, which operated until 2016. After Helen’s passing in 2005, their four children—Betty, Christine, Dan, and Kathy—took over the family business, continuing their parents’ legacy of culinary excellence.
The lead chef, Su, had been cooking since he was twelve. He grew up under the guidance of top chefs to master Shanghai, Taiwanese, Szechuan and Hunan style cuisines.
Shanghai Garden prided itself in maintaining a healthier approach to Chinese American cuisine, while keeping true to traditional recipes. Some of their most popular dishes included their hand shaven noodles and steamed dumplings, although Chen said the orange chicken is a close third.
Shanghai Garden owners didn’t provide any one reason for the restaurant’s closure, but have cited declining foot traffic and rising costs as factors to the media.
Customers say it may also have something to do with the changing demographics of sit down restaurants, competition and clientele.
“It’s because of all the food truck spots. And the younger generation just doesn’t want to do sit-down,” said Ryan, a longtime customer.
“We always go to the same Chinese restaurants, and now they’re both gone.” said David, Ryan’s coworker.
Sit down restaurant closure also may be a result of the changing demographic in terms of the city’s taste.
“Times are changing,” Su told the Seattle Times, “and I feel like people’s taste buds and the way that they want to eat is different, too.”
The whole neighborhood was sad to see Shanghai Garden go, and the final day saw lines out the door and at least a 30 minute wait for a seat.
“We are deeply grateful to have served you, to have been part of your celebrations and traditions, comfort food cravings, and family dinners,” the restaurant’s owners wrote in a Facebook post. “You made our dream possible. As we prepare to close this chapter, we hold tight to the beautiful memories and community we’ve built together. From our family to yours, thank you for allowing us to be part of your life’s.”
On its last day, Shanghai Garden sold out of everything, and the owners commemorated the event with another Facebook post.
“As we officially close our doors today, we’d love to thank each and every one of you who’ve stopped by this past month to get your last meals. Seeing all of your familiar faces and hearing all the stories and memories made here has truly warmed our hearts.”
