Since 2006, Kevin Zhu has owned and operated Red Lotus restaurant in Chapel Hill, near Whole Foods on Elliot Road. Zhu originally worked in kitchens while living in Shanghai, building the knowledge base that he would need later once his family moved to the States.
His parents, Wanly and “Ping” Zhu were originally Shanghai bankers but the poor living conditions in the heavily populated city of Shanghai forced them to set their sights elsewhere. His father was the original momentum behind the business, as he was a self-proclaimed worshipper of food and easily picked up the restaurant trade. Zhu’s parents still help out and are often seen smiling and talking with guests at lunch an dinner time.
Ping and Wanly Zhu, Parents of Kevin Zhu
Special Orders of Shanghai Dishes
Many regulars to Red Lotus know that Kevin Zhu added a separate menu to showcase the cuisine of Shanghai, where he lived and cooked before coming to America. With that addition, Red Lotus became one of only a handful of area restaurants offering an authentic Chinese menu, and one of just a few serving Shanghainese cuisine.
Many of these specialty dishes must be ordered 24-hours in advance.
Shanghai dishes often appear red and shiny because they use soy sauce for seasoning. This means that Shanghai food uses considerable quantities of oil and soy sauce. Food is cooked using a variety of methods including baking, stewing, braising, steaming, and deep-frying. Fish, crab, and chicken are made “drunken” using spirits and brisk cooking techniques, and may be steamed or served raw. Sugar is an important ingredient in Shanghai cuisine, especially when used in combination with soy sauce. Another characteristic is the use of a great variety of seafood. Rice is more commonly served than noodles or other wheat products.
For a truly special treat, visit Red Lotus Asian Kitchen in Chapel Hill.
Red Lotus Warmly Welcomes Guests
Red Lotus Asian Kitchen
239 S Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-7778
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
