Shanghai Food | Synotrip

Di Shui Dong

Hunan province is famous for two things: the home of Chairman Mao and spicy food. As the influence of the Great Helmsman fades into the memories of the Chinese people, its apparent that the cuisine will be Hunan's lasting contribution. Great news for those who like it hot though.

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Shanghai is awash with Hunanese restaurants. However, those looking for a bit of extra spice with their dinner will have trouble finding another establishment thats beats Di Shui Dong. The small 2nd floor entrance, lack of waiting area and enduring popularity of this well located restaurant means that the queues are literally out the door on weekends.

The décor is simple, yet attractive enough with reasonable prices. The tastiest dishes are also the messiest. Don't be shy about laying down the chopsticks for the excellent ribs and prawn skewers. The battered eggplant is also a nice change from the standard fare. This can be followed by some crowd pleasing banana or apple fritters and accompanied by cheap beers.

If your stomach is hardened to all things spicy then it’s great for an authentic Chinese dining experience. Much like China itself it’s big, crowded, loud, and not to be missed.

Directions: Di Shui Dong is on the notable Maoming Nan Lu near Changle Lu. The restaurant is 5 minutes walk north of the Shanxi Nan Lu Metro on Line 1.

Indalo - CLOSED

This fantastic Spanish restaurant opened up in June of 2006, but still has quite a buzz about it. I have been to Indalo twice now, and was highly impressed with the décor, service (rare for Shanghai) and food both times! Although Indalo sits at a notoriously unlucky location, I think Indalo will survive in this hidden and serene spot on Sinan Lu, directly behind Fuxing Park and the craziness of Guandi and Park 97. Try Indalo for a romantic date, or with out of town visitors, this place is bound to impress!

Some of my favorites dishes include:

Shrimp and garlic tapas

Calamari

Boar stuffed mushrooms

Chicken and sausage Paella or “Paella de Pollo y Chorizo” (135RMB): If the staff asks you how you would like it cooked, go with the authentic Spanish style and leave it a little under cooked by Chinese standards.

With a couple classes of sangria or wine, (Indalo boasts an excellent selection with about 25 well priced wines by the glass), a hearty dinner for two will cost about 400RMB.

How to get there: Indalo is smack in the middle of the Huangpi and Shaanxi Lu stations on Metro Line 1. From either stop to the restaurant will take about 20 minutes. I recommend a cab, but if you are determined to walk, Sinan Lu is one block east of Ruijin Lu and Indalo is located on Xiangshan Lu, one block north of Fuxing Lu.

Vedas

Vedas is the snazzy Indian food restaurant in town. I have never heard a single complaint about it, and there is no question that the food is amazing. Only 3 blocks away from

Vedas is the snazzy Indian food restaurant in town. I have never heard a single complaint about it, and there is no question that the food is amazing. Only 3 blocks away from Indian Kitchen, you might choose Vedas over Indian Kitchen if you want to impress a visitor who knows his or her Indian cuisine, or prefers a more serene atmosphere. Dishes averages about 10RMB higher than those at Indian Kitchen, but for connoisseurs of Indian cuisine, the extra 10RMB might make all the difference.

I love the Palak Paneer (spinach and Indian style cheese), and it’s always the most popular dish at my table. For meat lovers, the Tandoori dishes and Chicken Tikka Masala are both wonderful.

Reservations are essential, especially on weekends!

How to get there: Take Subway line 1 to Hengshan Road Station. Exit onto Yongjia Lu. Then head east on YongJia Lu, then take a right on WuLuMuQi Lu. Take a left on Jianguo Xi Lu, the restaurant will be on the right side. The restaurant is about 10 minutes walk from the subway station.

Bubba's

Bubba’s Texas style BBQ just opened up in Hongqiao – much to the disappointment of all of those that live in Puxi. Still, the authentic BBQ is definitely worth the drive, so if you are feeling...

Bubba’s Texas style BBQ just opened up in Hongqiao – much to the disappointment of all of those that live in Puxi. Still, the authentic BBQ is definitely worth the drive, so if you are feeling a little homesick for a truly American meal, this locale is the answer to your problem.

The feel is 100% America with country music playing in the background, peanuts on all of the tables (shells SHOULD be thrown on the floor), and a simple menu with great food and beer. Bubba’s is even working with an American importer to offer some amazing American micro brews, so beer lovers should keep an eye out. The owner actually went to the trouble of having an authentic smoker from Texas sent to Shanghai, so customers are guaranteed nothing but the best. The BBQ sauce is the owner’s family recipe, and it will knock your socks off.

I love the ribs, the pulled pork sandwich and coleslaw. YUM.

Sorry, no subway will help you, so taking a taxi is the easiest way. The restaurant is next to the Hongqiao Marriott on Hongqiao Lu.

Mesa

Connected to one of my favorite bars, Manifesto, Mesa is an equally cool Australian influenced restaurant which attracts an upscale Shanghai crowd. I had been looking forward to checking this place out, so I may have hyped it up a little too much in my mind. With that said, I have to say I was a little disappointed with my meal, and I think about half the table was as well.

The ambiance is a little cold, yet sophisticated with great floral arrangements and cool lighting. The simplicity is nicely contrasted with the plush bar upstairs. I definitely recommend having a drink at the bar first and then heading to the restaurant.

Our meals in general, as I said before, were mediocre – but the Sea Bass and risotto was delicious, as was the steak. Everyone else was happy enough to finish their meal, but don’t get too adventurous with your selections. Choose dishes you know you will like on the menu, and you’ll be happy. I have heard nothing but good things from other Mesa customers. Be sure not to skip cocktails, they’re delicious (I like the mango martini the best!)

When the bill comes, expect about 300-400 RMB per person, with appetizers and a drink.

Making reservations in advance at Mesa is certainly recommended.

Take Metro Line 1 to Changshu Rd station. Exit onto Changshu Rd and walk north. Take a right on Julu Lu about 10 minutes later. Mesa is on the right side of the street just before the intersection with Fumin Lu.

Grape Restaurant

The restaurant is always busy, but reservations are only necessary on weekend nights or holidays. If you have a large group, call ahead for a room or large table.

How to get there: Take metro line 1 to Shanxi Road Station. Exit onto HuaiHai Road and head east. Take a right on Xiang Yang Rd. One block down, take a left on Xinle Lu. Grape will be on the left, just after the turn on Xinle Lu.

A 2nd location:

2606 Yan’an Xilu (长宁区延安西路2606号)

Tel: +86 (0)21 6295 2518.

Jade Garden

After a day at the Jade Buddha Temple battling tourists, I headed to Jade Garden with a couple of friends for a late Dim Sum lunch on the other side of town. We were pleasantly surprised by the calm décor and delicious food. I will certainly go back to this exceptional restaurant. ...

Jade Garden is located in a large building on Zhao Jia Bang Lu at the intersection with Taiyuan Lu (太原路）. Despite its location on a busy street, the restaurant was very quiet and nearly empty, although I’m told that the place is packed on the weekends at dinner time and for early lunches. We ordered several Dim Sum items, all of which were delicious. Our particular favorites were the BBQ pork baked pastries, the pork dumplings in soup, the Shanghai style spring rolls (with pork and cabbage), and the grilled rice cakes. These cakes, a former staple of Shanghai street food, are now often served in restaurants as a reminder of old times. For dessert we had a delicious mango and pomello pudding that was fresh and palate cleansing.

For the three of us, including one large beer, the bill came to 100RMB – a steal for three very happy stomachs.

Those who come ready to eat should definitely order the fried eggplant and pork; I’ve been craving this dish from the minute I finished my last one. Jade Garden also serves an excellent version of traditional Shanghainese noodles.

How to get there: A taxi is probably the most convenient and pleasant way. Alternatively, take Metro Line 1 to Metro City at Xu Jia Hui, and then head east on Zhao Jia Bang Lu for about 15 minutes. However, this is a busy street – not my favorite to walk on. Jade Garden is on the left side of the street, just past the intersection with Taiyuan Lu.

Other Locations:

No. 895 Dalian Lu (虹口区大连路895号(近飞虹路))
Tel: +86 (0)21 5595 5385

No. 877 Dongfang Road (浦东新区东方路877号(近潍坊路))

Tel: +86 (0)21 5058 6088

No. 1121 Yan’an Zhonglu (静安区延安中路1121号(近华山路))

Tel: +86 (0)21 6248 5155

No. 127 Maoming Nanlu (卢湾区茂名南路127号(淮海中路口))

Tel: +86 (0)21 5403 7028

Shikumen Bistro

Shikumen Bistro provided me with the most memorable meal I have had yet in Shanghai, and remains among the top 5 meals I have ever had. While Shikumen is a well respected restaurant within Shanghai, it is not on the radar like Jean Georges or M on the Bund. It absolutely should be though. Despite its Chinese name, Shikumen features a French Mediterranean menu, but so subtle I did not detect any particular influence – I only noticed that I desired everything on the menu.

To start with we ordered drinks (the Shanghaipolitan was the big winner), and appetizers. We then ordered three appetizers; a delicious fresh and salty tuna tartar, can’t miss lamb meat balls, and baked, garden-fresh zucchini fritters. Each of the four of us ordered a different main course. We were each so pleased with our selection that we were practically unwilling to share! My choice was the lamb shanks with gnocchi. The dish was so hearty and rich that I’m still dreaming about it right now. We also loved the vegetable ravioli, the mushroom and foie gras risotto, and the lamb chops with fresh vegetable. Our waiter replenished individual servings of fresh baked bread throughout the meal. The meals were so filling that we sadly had to skip dessert, but I have no doubt it would have lived up to the high standards set by the rest of the meal!

The total per person, with drinks, appetizer and a main course, was about 500RMB. If your budget allows, do not miss Shikumen Bistro!

How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to the Huangpi Nanlu Station. Head south on Huangpi Nanlu, and look for the sign for Shikumen Bistro on the right side of the street at the edge of the Xintiandi complex.

HaYa's Mediterranean Cuisine

Owned and operated by an Israeli family, Ha Ya’s is far and away the tastiest and most authentic Israeli cuisine in Shanghai. Israeli food incorporates Mediterranean and European flavors to create a deliciously fresh menu full of unique veggie and meat dishes. Following kosher practices, this restaurant is perfect for vegetarians, as meat and veggie dishes are carefully labeled on the menu and cooked separately.

The décor is simple, open and clean with bright Mediterranean colors tastefully placed throughout the restaurant. It is the food here, however, that makes the restaurant worth a visit. Do not miss the homemade hummus and pita (simply delicious, and also for sale at the international grocery store, City Market), and the tzatziki for starters. We also loved the Israeli and Greek salads as a compliment to our main courses, which were amazing. I recommend the falafel, chicken shawarma and the schnitzel – all healthy servings that ensure customers will not leave hungry!

Check out HaYa’s website.

How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Huangpi Lu Station. Head north on Huangpi Lu and pass by Yan’an Zhonglu. Take a left on Dagu Lu., Ha Ya’s will be on your left. It’s a 15 minute walk from the subway station. (Edited by Xiaoqing)

Tapas Bar

Tapas Bar is a well liked restaurant on the somewhat depressing Maoming Lu. Better days for the once popular bar and restaurant alley have long since past. There are a few great spots on the street (

Tapas Bar is a well liked restaurant on the somewhat depressing Maoming Lu. Better days for the once popular bar and restaurant alley have long since past. There are a few great spots on the street (House of Jazz and Blues, Blue Frog), so do not just wholly pass it by. Still, don’t be surprised by the clearly run-down bars that endured extreme popularity three years ago when neon lights and drunk partiers spilled out onto the now dark and lonely street.

Tapas Bar is a two story bar and restaurant that offers great specials (cheap tapas and drinks during happy hour), but keeps customers coming all night for its inexpensive and tasty food. For tapas, we particularly liked the calamari, bruschetta, and Gambas, which were all priced around 30 – 40RMB. The selection of main courses is smaller than the tapas style menu items, but we loved the veggie penne, with fresh, not over-cooked, veggies and pesto (45RMB). Drinks cost around 45RMB; I recommend trying the Sangria.

Tapas Bar is a cheaper, but not quite as good an option for tapas than Azul and Viva, a great choice for a swankier evening.

Take Metro Line 1 to Shanxi Road Station. Head south on Shanxi Lu. Take a left on Fuxing Lu, and then a right on Maoming Lu. Tapas Bar will be on the left side.