HONG KONG — Popular Shanghainese restaurant chain Shanghai Laolao is rolling out a trio of limited-time promotions, including a 60% discount on its signature two-person dinner set, a complimentary handcrafted “Wanshou Peach” dessert for birthday diners, and a special Dragon Boat Festival zongzi series starting at HK$36.5 per piece. The offers apply across most of its Hong Kong locations, giving families and small groups a budget-friendly entry to authentic, handmade Shanghainese cuisine.
A Philosophy of Handmade, Heartfelt Cooking
The name “Laolao” translates to “grandmother,” reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional, handcrafted techniques. From its signature soup dumplings to fresh-pulled noodles, every dish is prepared in-house. The brand’s core principle—“handmade with heart”—underscores its recent push to offer value-driven meals without compromising quality.
Promotion One: Couples’ Dinner Set at 60% Off
Priced at just HK$199 (down from HK$334), the “Shanghai Flavour Dinner for Two” now covers a cold appetiser, two bowls of soup, two main courses, and two portions of rice. Diners can choose from classics such as crab meat with scrambled egg whites (sai pang xie), lion’s head meatballs, and Sister Song’s fish soup. The deal is available at all branches except the Telford Plaza outlet, and cannot be combined with other discounts.
Promotion Two: Birthday Guests Get Free ‘Wanshou Peach’ Platter
Celebrants visiting during their birth month receive a complimentary Wanshou Peach Gathering (6 pieces, valued at HK$99) when the bill reaches HK$500 or more for dine-in orders. These fluffy, sweet-filled steamed buns are entirely handmade and presented on a dry-ice display, making them a photogenic centrepiece. The peaches symbolise longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture. Guests must present a valid ID at checkout to verify their birth month.
Promotion Three: Dragon Boat Zongzi Collection
To mark the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, Shanghai Laolao has introduced three varieties of traditional glutinous rice dumplings. The lineup includes:
- Osmanthus White Rice & Red Bean Paste Zongzi – a sweet, fragrant option with smooth bean filling.
- Soy Sauce Fresh Pork Zongzi – savoury, featuring well-marbled pork marinated in aged soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce Fresh Pork & Salted Egg Yolk Zongzi – a rich, umami-packed classic.
Voucher sales and redemption run until 19 June, while stocks last. Individual dumplings start at HK$36.5, with bundle deals and an exclusive Octopus-card triple-pack.
New Menu Additions: Creative Twists on Shanghainese Favourites
Beyond the promotions, Shanghai Laolao has launched a refreshed menu that blends tradition with innovation. Highlights include:
- Fresh Meat Tangyuan in Claypot Chicken Soup – chewy pork-filled rice balls replace wontons in a rich, six-hour-brewed broth.
- Four-Colour Xiao Long Bao – a single basket features golden cheese, spicy red, black truffle, and classic original flavours.
- Iron-Plate Soy-Glazed Frog – sizzling wok-hei preparation with a sticky, caramelised sauce.
- Chrysanthemum Fish with Golden Jade Mushroom – expertly cut fish fillet deep-fried to bloom like a flower, paired with salted egg yolk-coated mushrooms.
- Lychee Shrimp Balls – crispy, spherical prawn morsels shaped to resemble lychees.
Cocktail Pairings: East Meets West
For the first time, the restaurant introduces two exclusive cocktails. The Mist blends gin with traditional sour plum drink and lemon for a tangy, slightly boozy finish. Aurora layers gin, blue curaçao, and orange juice into a vibrant, citrus-forward highball. These drinks aim to elevate the dining experience for guests seeking something beyond tea or soft drinks.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
Shanghai Laolao’s aggressive value push arrives as Hong Kong’s dining scene contends with rising costs and cautious consumer spending. By bundling affordability with craft, the chain hopes to attract both loyal patrons and newcomers. Given the limited duration of these offers—especially the Dragon Boat zongzi—diners are advised to book early and check terms at individual branches. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, craving a wallet-friendly date night, or stocking up for the festival, these deals provide a practical reason to rediscover Shanghainese home cooking.