Northwest Chinese food hits Capitol Hill.

Zhu Dang, which opened up this past December, offers an expansive menu of modern Chinese food. With home style favorites like Shen Jian Bao (pan fried dumplings) and Lion’s Head Meatball soup, I was excited to check out this hot new spot. Dishes to share that includes noodles, fried rice, meat entrees, soups, and seafood, there’s a lot to choose from and something for everyone. Familiar flavors with bold new twists, you will leave here satisfied.

The atmosphere is trendy and fits perfectly with the scene on Capitol Hill scene. Outside, the patio is amazing and I can’t wait to enjoy it as soon as the weather gets warmer. Inside, the space is open with high ceilings and an industrial, yet elegant feel with Asian flair light fixtures. I’ll have to be honest and admit it’s a little dark for my twenty-something eyes and I had to whip out the cell phone flashlight to see the menu. I dig the open kitchen and the service has been spot on every time. My server this last visit, Scott, was funny, charming, and knowledgeable about the menu.

General Tso’s Veal Sweetbreads was my favourite dish. Breaded with watercress flour, it is crunchy on the outside with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness inside. I was very tempted to order another round.  Manila Clams with xo butter, endive and fennel was wonderful. The cilantro gave it a little bit of Vietnamese flair. The broth was complex and made me come back for more. I’ll have to try the mussels next time. Roasted Baby Carrots, Turnips & Parsnips. It sounds like a simple dish, but it was full of Southeast Asian flavors and the vegetables had just the right amount of bite.

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Photos by Jennifer Liu.

Red Braised Pork Shank was a little on the dry side, but the skin was good and the bok choy was cooked well.  Kung Pao Frog Legs were very tender, but the sauce was a little one-noted. Frog legs may sound intimidating, but as cliche as it is to say this, it tastes just like chicken.

Haw Flake Sorbet! If you’re Asian like me, Haw Flakes are incredibly nostalgic.  It was a little too sweet for my liking, but I should have expected that because it was on point for flavor. You should order the Kabocha Squash Donuts. They are an updated version of the sesame rice balls you get at dim sum and they’re gluten free! Filled with red bean and kabocha squash (think: Japanese sweet potato), it’s not overly sweet. The apple compote is on the unnecessary side, but the crème fraîche is a nice touch.  They were a wonderful end to the meal.

Happy Hour food and beverages are offered 4:00 – 6:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday.

Zhu Dang is fancy enough for a date and satisfying enough for any other occasion. Call ahead and make a reservation or do it online here.

Zhu Dang   |     1715 E Olive Way, Seattle     |    (206) 535-7270