MAKATI CITY — A quiet transformation has been unfolding on the second floor of Makati Shangri-La, where Shang Palace has entered a new chapter under the guidance of two culinary masters recruited from Shanghai. Executive Chinese Chef Damon Ge and Dim Sum Chef Mark Zhao have been quietly refining the restaurant's offerings since February 2026, conducting research and training before their formal introduction. Their collaboration has elevated Shang Palace into a destination where centuries-old Chinese culinary traditions are both honored and thoughtfully reimagined.
A Meeting of Tradition and Quiet Boldness
Chef Damon Ge brings a wealth of experience specializing in both Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisines, the latter historically favored by scholars and officials and traditionally the cuisine of choice for Chinese state banquets. This background demands exquisite presentation and refined technique, qualities Chef Ge has clearly mastered. His signature Jiangnan Style Crispy Boneless US Beef Short Ribs exemplify his philosophy, a seamless blend of authentic Cantonese and Huaiyang recipes infused with modern flair. While Chef Ge commands the kitchen, Chef Mark Zhao commands the dim sum basket with equal authority. Renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship, Chef Zhao is a passionate guardian of authentic Chinese culinary traditions. His creations are miniature works of art, each piece demonstrating precision, consistency, and exceptional flavor. Together, their contributions read less like a single menu and more like a conversation, one voice honoring the past, the other pushing gently toward what comes next.
Dim Sum as Edible Cultural Preservation
Chef Zhao's dim sum represents more than food; they are an edible expression of cultural preservation, keeping ancient techniques alive in every carefully folded dumpling. The premium xiao long bao arrives in a striking black-and-white ensemble, delicate parcels that burst with savory broth. The crystal dumplings stuffed with mushrooms and vegetables are equally impressive, their translucent skins revealing vibrant fillings within. Each bite reflects hours of practice and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The new menu introduces a wider range of variations and technical refinements, with dim sum remaining a consistent draw for lunch service. Chef Zhao's arrival has deepened this offering, bringing a level of craftsmanship that has impressed local diners and earned Shang Palace a place on OpenRice PH's list of most-booked restaurants in 2026.
A Collaborative Masterpiece in the Heart of Makati
General manager Jonathan Reynolds personally traveled to Shanghai to recruit the pair, handpicking them to manage the Shang Palace kitchen with specific guidelines to keep the dishes as authentic as possible. Their partnership has elevated the restaurant into a destination where China's rich culinary heritage is both honored and reimagined. The revitalized Shang Palace reflects years of dedication to craft, not in showy flourishes but in the small, exacting details, the balance of a sauce, the timing that keeps a texture just so, the instinct for when to hold back and when to let an ingredient speak for itself. In a city full of restaurants where trends come and go, Shang Palace stands as a testament to the enduring value of skill, heritage, and collaboration.
