Shanghai Express in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Disgraceful over priced food. Watery curry and overcooked noodles. Beef tasteless. All of itvwas bland - Would certainly not return for takeaway and would not recommend. Waste of hard earned money.

It has been closed since Christmas

Have used this place for years, regularly, but we’re disappointed with recent delivery. We rang to order and the lady who took our call wasn’t very helpful at all. Firstly she couldn’t tell us what was in any of the dishes (why don’t they say a bit about each dish on menu, as we don’t know what’s in everything), and when we ashes she said ate didn’t know, she wasn’t the chef! Then we put the order through and realised we’d ordered too many rice dishes and could we cancel one of them and she just acted like she couldn’t understand us, made a lot of huffs, puffs and eventually it was such a painful salience we just said “oh never mind we will keep the rice” and she giggled and said “ok”. Not great customer service this time! The young girl who normal answers is lovely and so helpful. Frustrating when you know somewhere can be good, but one person ruins it! If she doesn’t know what’s in her restaurants dishes….get to know! And if she can’t remember, ask the chef! Not like it was peak season!

Still can't dine in as they are still so concerned about covid. The food is amazing but only take away when they advertise its still dine in? So no atmosphere at all and not much service

Not the nicest one ever asked for a large portion of noddles charged me extra for but gave me the standard plastic tub which wernt even full the food wasn't the best not sure how the rating so high definitely the Tesco's value of Chinese food without the value

Found this Chinese online after reading reviews and was not disappointed! Easy to access on the high street with parking and fairly priced. Food was very good especially the sweet and sour sauce and the curry sauce! Would definitely come again when I next visit Newquay.

Ok takeaway, there are better in the area for my tastes

Ordered the special hotbox which according to the website is a selection of salt and pepper items chips rice and curry sauce. What came was awful and completely not what the website stated only ribs, prawn toast fried chicken and spring rolls. When I called the restaurant apparent the hotbox doesn't exist and they don't know why the website says this. Food was awful would not recommend

Had the Shanghai Ribs, 1/4 duck, seaweed, chicken balls, yung chow rice, soft noods, crispy chilli beef, sweet and sour pork and Shaolin Veg - holy smokes the whole meal arrived hot, really tasty. Highlights were the Ribs and Veg so moorish we want more next time!!! So tasty. Lovely service! In all honesty, we eat here every week it’s amazing!

The food here is absolutely spot on and not badly priced either.

Average Food. Not the worst that I have ever had, but far from the best. Really lacking any significant flavours. Pricing is Fair. Prices are reasonable. Not too expensive, Not too cheap. Hygiene is Questionable. I have significant concerns about the hygiene standards here. Just walking in the inch thick dust is immediately visible. The carpet has not been cleaned for a very long time, let alone vacuumed. I do not imagine that the kitchen would be much better.

Great food (Take Away only. The portions are big, and cheap, but it does not compromise the taste and quality of dishes. Spent £25 for dinner and bfast the following day! Will definitely eat/ buy again when we go to Newquay.

This is take-away only not 'dine in' as stated

Came in last night and I have to say it was the nicest Chinese I’ve had in a long time, the flavours were beautiful, we’ll definitely be back again.

Ordered for collection and was told 15 minutes until my order would be ready. I waited an hour. Ordered special chow mein and bbq ribs Chow mein was stodgy, soft and swimming in juices which made it just mush! Bland taste and definitely not worth the 1 hour wait. BBQ ribs were an absolute dream! So much meat on them and we’re so tasty they were beautiful! The meat just fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. Unfortunately the restaurant is closed at the moment. Seems there cleaner may have taken a long time off too. When going in to order my food, the bar area where we had to order was absolutely filthy! Not a clean or dust free glass or bottle in site. I would have given a 1 star but the ribs were so good. Shame they can keep the place clean or keep to timings. I get 10/15 mins over the order time but 45 mins over was just taking the rib

Can't believe we nearly missed iut on this because they was no menu (then I still forgot to get a menu) The food was amazing and they even sent a complimentary dish too. Will definitely order again.

Great takeaway. Really tasty food and good portion sizes. They were happy to prepare some vegan dishes which were lovely too

our do to place for the once a month Chinese never had anything bad from this place and always tasty and freshly cooked to order

Yeah what can I say it's nice not too bad lacks unique flavours needs some more flavour if I'm honest feels rushed and careless The staff friendly and nice

Oredwredand was the told 45 minutes and outlr order would be with us. After an hour and 10 minutes still no order. Tried to call repeatedly with the call not being able to go through. Eventually I got hold of them again and was told they had been having issues with their drivers for a few days but our order should be about another 15 to 20 minutes. An hour an a half total later still no food. Tried calling again and again. Eventually got a call back and requested to cancel our order. I get that places are busy but if you have a known issue with delivery then don't accept more orders than your business can handle. The young lady on the phone was delightful and courteous just sucks that the rest of the service did not have the same effort.

We order from here every time we visit Newquay from London. Great food and brilliant staff, highly recommended! We'll definitely be back! :-)

Eat here regularly and have tried lots of different things on the menu, the food is always tasty and the price is good.

We decided to call for a takeaway to take back to the van with us, there was a couple in front of us who placed an order and I then moved forward to place our order. The lady behind the counter completely blanked us and started to walk off I asked her if I could place an order with her. The lady rudely responded with " it will take a while so cant take your order" and just walked off. We left at this point after how rude she was to us and went further down the road and got a completely different response and the staff were lovely and friendly, we certainly wont be calling again I work in hospitality and there customer service certainly needs looking at.

Gorgeous food, brilliant service.

Picked this place based on other reviews and glad we did. It’s hard to spot - no shop front just a sign in the street and a set of stairs. Food is really really good - proper Chinese takeaway. All the usuals were good (curry, sweet & sour etc). The only slightly disappointing dish was the lemon chicken (hence 4/5). The sauce was a bit thin and not very lemony plus it was served on a bed of lettuce which overpowered the chicken. Everything else was delicious. Note it’s currently take away only.

Shame no one ever answers the phone so u can place an order or they answer don't say anything no matter how many times u say hello than hang up

It was nice as a quick takeaway but not expecting much more. It was ok but the curry sauce was very bland. The chow main was very nice as was the chips but the chicken curry wasnt great.

Can see why this is the best Chinese in Newquay, well worth the drive, waiting time was about 45mins from phone ordering, safe and hygienic waiting area

Very natural flavours. Others in Newquay come close, but they normally add too much sugar and soy sauce to dishes and have a very unauthentic taste to them. Also it is slightly cheaper than the others.

We eaten here regularly for nearly 15 years. Food is Always superb. Great menu to choose from and great friendly staff. We're locals and wouldn't eat anywhere else. We have been using the delivery service and it also is superb. Food is piping hot. Highly recommended

They delivered a meal short and then asked us to collect because they had no drivers, I wish you had a 0 star for this dump, poor customer service horrible manger and crap staff

We decided to collect our takeaway. Couldn’t fault it. Duck was pre shredded and plenty of hoisin and salad and pancakes so tasty! They threw in a lovely chicken complimentary dish which was so kind. The chefs special noodles were also a bit hit. I’d definitely recommend.

First time having a Chinese takeaway in ages, wasn't disappointed! Lovely delivery driver. Food was piping hot, it is £5 delivery but worth it!! Tasty, filling and delicious.

Delicious food and very friendly staff on phone! Food arrived very fast and was hot and delicious. Will never use another Chinese in Newquay again! Best I've had in years.

During my stay at the local Parkdean site I ordered a timed order for 8:00pm it did arrive slightly late however the food was worth the wait and the portion sizes are not small.

Musky little place but takeaway only

We ordered from here whilst on a camping trip blind hoping it would be okay. Wow what an amazing chinese one of the best I’ve had 👏👏. We had a selection of dishes and every one was so full of flavour, so tasty, well presented and hot (even though we had it delivered to our campsite) All in all a lovely meal, friendly staff and quick delivery! Thank you!!

Ordered the set meal for 4 and added a few dishes, they were happy to substitute from the set meal. Very nice, no issues with any of the dishes and tasted lovely, recommended,

Everything you want in a takeaway! Tasty food, excellent price, quick delivery, friendly staff. Perfect!

I think the best Chinese takeaway in newquay. The food is always tasty and on time. The staff are friendly and often give you random complimentary dishes which let me try new things which I later order.

Have used these as a takeaway over the years and even happier to see that the are now delivering. Lovely friendly staff, food arrived on time and was perfect as always. They even sent us a free complimentary dish along with free prawncrackers. The food is just the best. Have tride the other chinese in town but there is no comparrison. Yet to eat in the place which is small and some would say needs an upgrade but I think it adds to the atmosphere of the place so even if collecting a takeaway do not be put off as the food is bang on!

Collected this myself and it was ready for me at the arranged time. Fresh ingredients, generous portions and great value. This was better than our local takeaways! 5*

Just ordered a Chinese for delivery and can honestly say I’ve never met such a rude delivery driver as the driver who delivered our food over an hour, he abused my mum and sister with foul language on the phone and then on arrival at the driveway, we had dishes missing and food was average at best. The driver was completely rude and I could call him a lot worse, my family have had a great day and this experience has ruined our day. I’m waiting to see the owner’s response? Food arriving over an hour late without a phone call to explain what’s going on is not good enough, avoid restaurant like the plague.

Great service and food! Another awesome place to eat! Keep up the good work.

Take out- Very nice & tasty, good quality food, free crackers & salt/pepper chicken. Would definitely return if we wasn’t here on holiday!

We had a delivery tonight. I called at 5,spoke to very friendly person and I arranged to have food delivered between 6.30 and 7. It was delivered at 6.45. The food was hot and fresh and we were given an extra dish with a note saying "here is a free dish to thank you for your custom. Take care and stay safe" which was a lovely and appreciated gesture. We were also given 2 bags of free prawn crackers. The food was very tasty and all four of us enjoyed it. Thank you Shanghai for yet another yummy meal.

Best chinese in newquay, don't let the interior from the 70s fool you

had singapore fried rice here recently. not overly spicy, which is how I like it, very friendly staff and quick service

We just had a Chinese delivery from here for 4 of us and each and every one of us thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything was tasty and fresh and they included a complimentary dish with a note thanking us for our costum and to keep safe. Really appreciated the lovely gesture and will definitely be ordering from here again in the future. Very friendly too! Thank you Shanghai Express

This place use to be the best chinse in town! We had a take away tonight and it was taste less and very disappointing! Sad to see its gone so down hill, will not be ordering from here again

Second week we’ve been and had a delicious meal at Shanghai express service friendly from the girls and the food was amazing found out that the owner Lenny is back in the kitchens so food is good again .Lenny and staff are now as one .

Dark and dinghy but food was ok 🤷

We had most wonderful dinner! Wonton soup with ribs and squid to start, followed by beef curry, prawns with veg and their special rice. All amazing, could not fault one thing! Even fortune cookies were lovely! Have to mention a hostes, she made us feel very welcome and looked after us beautifully!

Best Chinese in town. Great food and great staff and Owner. Just don't look at the carpet.

This unappealing and rather grubby little Chinese restaurant, situated above a pet shop hides a bit of a secret. The food is actually quite good. Service was also good. There is no denying it needs deep cleaning and redecorating but if you can look past that you shouldn’t be dissapointed.

Bought a takeaway (salt & pepper chicken) x3 portions and when I got them home they were all burnt so badly that they were black. Telephoned to complain & was told that my card would be refunded, this never happened so I will never purchase another meal from this establishment again.

the best place with asian food, huge portions, lovely taste and great atmosphere - You can fell like You were in China. Regards from Poland

Love the food here... tried the rest but these are a high street staple. Need to do their buffet.

Eaten here a few times. Lenny gives you Great food and service! Love the special fried rice. The food is superb.

I had dinner here while down there for the weekend. Friendly service and good food. Really enjoyed my meal there. Would certainly eat there again.

We have eaten here with friends a couple of times before. This time was up to previous high standards. Excellence in food, service and value. Would highly recommend.

Not recommended, poor quality of food,the restaurant was shabby and in need of a make over entrance via stairs from a single door on the high street, service was ok

I will never be ordering from this dive again. Chicken was horrible and stinking. The rice was freezing cold and the spring rolls were uneadable. If I had to order from here again I'd rather go hungry. If you take my advice, choose another takeaway. What a waste of my hard earned money!

The only place for Chinese food in Newquay. Tis ansome!

Nice food and great service. Good value for money

Excellent food lovely friendly restaurant xx

Thought we would try somewhere new despite mixed reviews. First view of the steep stairs to the 1st floor and small reception didn't give a great impression. We were shown to our table straight away and order taken for drinks as soon as we were ready. There was a good selection of dishes and drinks. The food was delivered quickly and was extremely tasty with decent portions. The manager was polite and helpful. Prices were average but very worth while. Definitely worth a second visit.

We traveled to Cornwall for my husband's birthday and on our first night in Newquay we decided to go there, we looked for the reviews and as they were good we went.Well, we weren't disappointed at all, within 30 minutes the restaurant (which is above a shop, so you need to enter from a little door) was full, constant people are collecting their takeaways well.Quality of food was really good, good portion as well. We took a sharer to start, crispy beef and duck for main.The only downside point is that they are rushing things, so we didn't really feel that we could relax and take our time, but food and price I give 10/10

Ordered a Chinese, they said 40-45 minutes, they took and hour and a half, taking the piss!

Not returning. Shabby and run down. Dirty table cloths and grubby chairs. Steep stairs to access restaurant. Definitely not chicken in my Black Bean dish, too rubbery. Staff lovely.

This Chinese has really gone down hill. We come to Newquay once a year and normally go to this Chinese. Lenny is always friendly. The food this time was appalling. Ordered a chicken fried rice and when we got it back started eating it and was horrified to find prawns in it. Some people might be ok with that but not me especially when allergic to sea food. Wasted dish in the bin. Money wasted. Had to order a pizza after all this. Very poor showing from Lenny and his team.

Really tasty food best Chinese we've had in a long time highly recommend

Always good food served here so don’t pass it by when you walk up the street - it’s not the most obvious of entrances!

Newquay is a little limited for sit down Chinese and I tend to eat at the other one but Shanghai Express was very nice with nice portions. We had chicken balls, beef curry, special fried rice, chicken fried rice, duck in plum sauce it was more than enough for three. My only criticism was the happy hardcore music being played it didn't fit with the relaxing meal or authentic Chinese experience maybe change the playlist for a greater customer ambiance. Nice staff very polite.

Very very good. Friendly staff. Tasty food and good prices

3 of us visited and really enjoyed our meals, it’s a small restaurant that also does takeaways and deliveries, the phone did not stop ringing whilst we were there, which speaks for itself. Recommended

First time visiting Newquay & fancied a nice chinese. Look at reviews online & this restaurant was top of the list for good reviews. Loved the food & service was good. Thankyou will be back.

Always a good choice food good and very helpful staff

Decent meal good service party of 7 no-one had any complaints with all the various dishes ordered reasonable price as well

Extremely disappointed! Been coming to this restaurant each time I visit Newquay, which is at least three times a year for the past ten years. Really sold this place to my partner, but was extremely disappointed with the evening. I was expecting the restaurant to be particularly busy on a Friday night, but there was just our table, my partner and I and another table for two. A few walk in takeaway orders, but nothing too challenging for the restaurant. Our food was served very quick, but was bland and not exciting. Each visit I've had previously, I've left feeling amazing and full. Today, my dishes was left half full as I didn't want to each the food. I've turned a blind eye to the out dated decor, due to the high quality of the food, but feel if someone was to open a competing Chinese restaurant on the High Street, Shanghai wouldn't last long. Perhaps this was just a one off, but not acceptable for the price paid. Drop the reviewer a like to show your support 😁

We visited the shanghai express last time we were in Newquay 2 years ago and loved the food. It’s still just as good ,we had 4 main courses and they were all excellent and swiftly served. The restaurant could definitely do with a face lift and lick of paint and perhaps a new sign outside as it’s easy to miss but the important thing to us is the food and that is worth going for and it’s very reasonable.

What can i say 7 of our family went for a chinese at 8pm without booking and the restaurant found us a table without no fuss.

Wasn't bad I asked if they did egg noodles with the chow mein they said they did but when it arrived they where vermecelli noodles but all in all they weren't bad and not too expensive

Ordered a take away meal for the family. Ordered a veg chow mein with mushrooms. Got home and the dish which should have been vegatarian had chicken in and no noodles! Consequently nice family meal ended with one member having no meal spoiling whole event. If you're happy for a Chinese lucky dip this is your venue. As for other meals okay at best

Hard to find, very warm in the restaurant, but good was better than expected and prices weren't too bad either

Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere

Great good Manager is brilliant 5 stats6

Hope this is helpful 😊 take away menu for people who don’t have one at home. Foods lovely never disappoints

Was there for a large birthday party. Owner was very attentive and the food came out quickly and hot. Be aware of the stairs as very steep, especially going back down!! Food very tasty

Me and my partner came here for a meal. It had a lovely atmosphere and the staff were nice and helpful. The chef was lovely and valued all his customer's feedback. The food was amazing, the beef was melt in your mouth and the chicken was amazing. Great value for money and quality food, would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a nice meal. Thank you!

Good prices, friendly staff, tasty food. But could be cleaner. Very dirty place.

Sorry to say that although the young ladies who served us were very good, the main meal did not match up to the standards set by the ladies.

Went in with high hopes as my partner has been here many times before and sung it's praises but we were nothing but disappointed. The food was bland. The service was substandard and they had atrocious phone etiquette when taking delivery order. The restaurant is dated and not particularly clean. We will not be going back.

I came In on a Tuesday to order a takeaway with my two children, the two girls behind the bar were amazing so friendly and just made me laugh so much. They were brilliant with my two young children aswell. The restaurant itself needs a good refurbish however the food it’s so tasty !! Def recommend

Go here every time I come to Newquay. Not much to look at from the outside, but the food is consistently good quality. Highly recommended.

The worst Chinese “restaurant” I have ever visited! The FSA (Food Standards Agency) Should be shutting places like this DOWN. Over priced for dire food, what a insult to Chinese cuisine.. It was only because we had a few drinks we had the misfortune of “dining here.. We had to send the chicken satay back the chicken was like it was covered in jelly and rubbery and the satay sauce was oily.. My partner sent it back as soon as she had one mouthful. We was then informed by the waitress that the chicken was boiled!! SMH.. Was replaced with a beef satay which was worse again rubbery and looked like winalot prime ie DOG FOOD.. Absolutely disgusting... I could say more about this place but I can’t be bothered.. I had the runs for days after eating here.. All I can say is if you in Newquay Cornwall as a tourist etc AVOID!

Lovely food. Will be back again this year.

Lovely owner and great food. Best Chinese food in town at very reasonable prices. Always eat here when in town and so do most of the locals by looks of things.

sugar on chips... and too much sugar in satay.. chicken balls greasy.. Rubbish..

Luke warm duck but only in places ......the rest of it was cold. Chicken & cashew nuts had 'chicken' slices in it that we have never seen before - slimy and opaque in places. Service very slow. Overall cleanliness poor. Don't waste your money!