Shanghai Surprise

If you are walking down Sapru Marg in Lucknow, you might have passed by Shanghai Surprise at 1-A. We have been here for a long time, and the street has changed a lot around us over the years. It’s a solid location, and we get a good mix of office workers during the day and families in the evenings. The building itself is older, which gives it a certain feel that you don't get in the new malls. We aren't trying to be the most modern place in town, we just want to serve decent food that people enjoy. Inside, it’s usually a bit dimly lit, which people seem to like for a quiet dinner. Our staff has been with us for quite a while, so they know how things work. There are days when the plumbing acts up or a light bulb flickers, but we fix it as we go. It’s just part of running an older place. We don’t spend much on advertising because word of mouth usually keeps us busy enough. You’ll see people coming in for a quick lunch or staying longer for a birthday dinner. It’s a bit of a landmark for some who grew up in this part of Lucknow. We just keep doing what we know, making sure the kitchen is prepped and the tables are ready for whoever walks through the door next.