Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
floor of a shopping centre doesn't dent its
popularity - reservations are a must. Try the
barbecued pork and leave room for mango
pudding. Solitary diners are made to feel
comfortable at the long central table. The
second branch in the Hong Kong Plaza is
not as swanky, but is also less busy, so if
it's a weekend night and you haven't
booked, go there.
Dongbei Ren
东北人
dōng b
"
i rén
1 Shaanxi Nan Lu, by Yan'an Zhong Lu.
T
52289898.
Hale and hearty and no la-di-da
stuff, the way those sturdy dongbei ren -
northeasterners - like it. It's all meat and
potatoes, like standard Scottish fare; must
be something to do with the cold. Try the
dumplings, lamb skewers and braised pork
shank. ¥60 a head.
Fu 1039
福一零三九
fú yī líng sān ji
lamb with leek or duck pancakes and make
room for a few of their savoury cold dishes.
¥100 a head.
Guyi Hunan
古意湘味浓
g
yì xiāng wèi nóng
89 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu
62495628.
This
stylish place is the best in the city to sample
Hunan cuisine - known for being hot and
spicy and for its liberal use of garlic, shallots
and smoked meat. Reserve in advance and
bring a few people to get a good range of
dishes. Go for the spare ribs, fish with
beans and scallions or tangerine-peel beef,
which tastes better than you might expect.
About ¥80 per head.
Hot Pot King
来福楼
lái fú lóu
2nd Floor, 146 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Fuxing Xi Lu
T
T
64736380. 11am-4am.
An accessible place
to sample a local favourite, thanks to the
English menus, understanding staff and
tasteful decor. Order lamb, glass noodles,
mushrooms and tofu (plus whatever else
you choose) and chuck them into the pot in
the middle of the table. Perfect for winter
evenings. ¥70 per person.
KABB
凯博西餐厅
k
Lane 1039, Yu Yuan Lu
52371878.
Located in
a well-restored 1930s mansion, this is one
of those places that looks like it's going to
be fearsomely expensive but isn't. Attracting
local foodies in the know, it clearly doesn't
feel the need to brag - you can't see it from
the street and there's not even a sign; to
find it, head up the lane at 1039 Yuyuan Lu
(close to the Jiangsu Lu subway station) for
about 100m then turn left. The cuisine is
sweet and mild Shanghainese, and includes
dishes such as steamed carp drizzled with
shaoxing wine and sautéed chicken with
mango. Not much English is spoken.
Fulin Xuan
福临轩饭店
fú lín xuān fàn diàn
37 Sinan Lu, two blocks south of Huaihai Zhong
Lu.
Ty p ically massive Cantonese place with
an English menu and a good reputation
among locals. The abalone and shark's fin
are almost as good as in Hong Kong, and
the beef with black pepper and Hong
Kong-style claypot rice are also
recommended.
Grape
葡萄园
pú táo yuán
55A Xinle Lu, close to Xiangyang Bei Lu.
Unchallenging decor and some English-
speaking staff make this Shanghainese
place popular with expats, but it's good
enough to draw the local crowd too. Try
T
k i bó xī cān tīng
181 Taicang Lu, 5 Xintiandi Bei Li
33070798
7am-1am.
This casual American-style diner
is one of Xintiandi's more relaxed places.
Portions are huge and it's especially good
value at breakfast and lunchtime. About
¥100 per person.
Lapis Lazuli
藏龙坊
cáng lóng f
T
f ng
9 Dongping Lu, near Hengshan Lu
64731021.
Very stylish hideaway (if a little dark), with an
intimate garden terrace that makes it a great
place for a date on a summer evening. The
Continental food is reasonably priced; try
the seafood risotto and leave space for one
of their quality desserts. About ¥100 per
head; cocktails around ¥60.
Mesa
梅萨
méi sà
748 Julu Lu, near Fumin Lu
T
62899108.
10am-late.
Fine dining, Western style, in a
classy converted factory. Try the carpaccio
of beef or seared duck breast but leave
room for the dessert tasting platter. Service
T
119
