China Food | Synotrip

Behind the Wall Cafe

A cozy atmosphere, decent food, live music and cheap margaritas make Behind the Wall a popular hang-out, especially with the foreign student population. Inside, Behind the Wall’s three rooms are linked by over-sized arched doorways, and provide seating for groups of two to ten. Mexican, Latin and Greek cuisine is served. The drink menu is varied and not too expensive by Nanjing standards - margaritas are served for only 15 Yuan from Sunday to Thursday. Live music is played on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from about 8:00pm to 11:00pm.

Note: “Behind the Wall” is sometimes referred to by the English translation of its Chinese name: “Answer”.

How to Get There

Behind the Wall is located near the Nanjing University Campus just off of Shanghai Lu. From Shanghai Lu, turn into the small Nanxiu Cun (南秀村, nánxiùcūn) and look to the left. It is up the stairs that lead behind the wall of the alley side. Swede & Kraut Restaurant is a little further down the alley.

Nepali Kitchen

Nepalese food is similar to Indian cuisine, although a few differences make the gastronomical experience very different. Most notably, the menu here includes more meat options, and the veggies are not cooked as long as they often are in Indian food. Otherwise the dishes are cooked wit...

Nepali Kitchen is located in a renovated lane house, and the restaurant consumes three floors of this charming building. We ate on the third floor, which was beautifully decorated with Nepalese art and photographs. The next time I go, however, I will make a reservation for the second floor – where you sit on pillows on the ground and eat in true Nepalese style.

Our meal was delicious. We particularly liked the “cheese balls” for appetizers, which I found quite similar to Spanish tapas, but were very good nonetheless. For our main courses, the spinach sauté, wild boar, lamb, and vegetable curry were all big hits. The bread was also great – heavier than Indian Naan, but otherwise very similar. The meal was perfect, filling, but not too heavy. Nepali Kitchen also boasts an impressive beer selection, (especially for China), plus a nice staff. Nepali Kitchen is definitely worth a visit.

Take Metro Line 1 to Changshu road station. Exit onto Changshu road and head north. Take a right on Julu Lu after about 10 minutes. Nepali Kitchen is just before the intersection with Fumin Lu.

Zentral Healthy Eatery

My home away from home and office, Zentral is my absolute favorite place to eat a healthy meal, sip on a great latte, and enjoy free wireless internet for hours with nothing but smiles from the sweet (and bilingual) wait staff.

The menu is a fantastic mix of western dishes that are sure to please any foreign guest. My favorites are the fresh bread with olive tapenade, the veggie burrito, and the Norwegian smoked salmon sandwich. For lunch and dinner, Zentral also serves pizzas, pastas and wraps. Instead of fries, each meal comes with Zentral’s home baked tortilla chips and fresh salsa (yummy and addictive – a big basket is offered as a starter). A big breakfast menu features omelets (including an option of egg whites only), pancakes, and build-your-own breakfast sandwiches. The smoothies are also great. My current favorite is the Power Boost, a healthy mix of bananas, milk, yogurt, and protein powder. For lunch and dinner Zentral also boasts a few imported wines and beers as well as the option to add a shot of vodka to your favorite smoothie…

Perhaps the most original aspect of Zentral’s menu is that each item is listed with its calorie, fat, protein and carbohydrates content. In a town (or an entire country) that loves oil on every dish, this health driven restaurant is greatly appreciated by the health conscious and those that need a break from the heavy local Shanghai cuisine.

Zentral offers a fresh ambiance with a non-smoking section in the back along with a cozy corner of couches to lounge on. A small but nice selection of English books fills the shelves in the corner and adds to the feeling that Zentral would love for you to stay all day. Enjoy!

How to get there: Take Metro line 1 to Huangpi Nanlu Exit onto Huangpi Nanlu, and then walk south until you hit Fuxing Lu (about four blocks). Zentral is on the corner and easy to spot.

Other Locations:
R27-28 Pudong Green Sports & Leisure Center, No.633 Biyun Lu, Shanghai (上海市碧云路633号碧云体育休闲中心R27-28)
Tel: +86 (0)21 5030 6047

No.567, Huangpi Nanlu, (by Fu Xing Zhonglu), Shanghai (上海市黄陂南路567号, 近复兴中路)
Tel: +86 (0)21 6374 5815

Simply Thai

Simply Thai offers an authentic touch of classic Thai cuisine. Having lived in Thailand myself, I feel confident in testifying to their authenticity. The Simply Thai location in Xintiandi has a beautiful outside dining area that pours out onto the street. For those who aren’t fond of the cold, worry not, as there is an ample supply of heated lamps. Inside the lighting is soft and though the restaurant is small, you don’t feel exposed or overheard. The wine selection is impressive, particularly the ’wine of the month’ offerings, which are nothing short of spectacular. I recommend the clay pot roast duck and pineapple rice, or the chicken and coconut soup for those with a spicier palette. Many people take their children to Simply Thai, as there are enough options on the menu to keep their softer palettes happy, not to mention the desserts. Be sure to make a reservation on weekend evenings!

Simply Thai locations:

Madang Lu and Xingye Lu (in Xintiandi), Shanghai
TEL: +86 (0)21 6326 2088

5C Dongping Lu (near Hengshan Lu), Shanghai
TEL: +86 (0)21 6445 9551

Mei Entertainment Jie, 28 Lane, 3338 Hong Mei Lu, Shanghai
TEL: +86 (0)21 6465 8955

Yu Garden (Yuyuan)

Yu Garden is located in central Shanghai’s Huangpu District, on a spot within the boundaries of former Old City. It is the only classic Chinese garden in the downtown area and was once a private garden for Ming Dynasty officials. The garden covers roughly two hectares and contains various rambling pathways, hidden pavilions, and classic flora. It is a good place to escape the bustling modern city outside. Take note of the hundreds of plaques and inscriptions written by well-known individuals, as well as the park’s collection of stone carvings. Yuyuan Bazaar, located nearby, is good to browse for antiques and souvenirs.