Travel Shanghai Restaurants | Shanghai Restaurants |
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Shanghai is called the Paris of Asia but the energy is more like New York. The city is alive 24 hours a day. The restaurant scene is exciting and growing. It's become a destination spot for many international restauranteurs. Jean George has opened there and there are plans for many other groups to come. Here are three exceptional restaurants: two Chinese and one, Jade on 36, as fine an international restaurant as you will find anywhere in the world.
South Beauty 881 Central Yan'an Rd, Shanghai, 200041 Tel: 6247-5878, 6247-6682 www.qiaojiangnan.com A bustling hot spot, full of trendy young Shanghai sophisticates that serves spicy Hunan and Sichuan food with panache. It takes stylish dining to a new level in Shanghai. Situated in an "30's elegant mansion, the front features comfortable white and beige banquettes for lounging and relaxing. The back of the restaurant, the shimmering, airy Glass House, has a more tradtitional set up, enhanced by 19 private dining rooms. The food is modern, leading-edge Sichuan elegantly served and presented. Try the fiery, picture-perfect dan dan noodles and the tongue-numbing tofu. Fish and seafood preparations star but the most popular dish is beef cooked over hot stones with a heat-defying sauce of garlic, chilies and peanuts. Service is professional and helpful, but ask for an English speaking waiter. There are other South Beauty restaurants in Shanghai but this is the flagship.
Jade on 36 33 Fu Cheng Lu, Pudong, Shanghai 200120 6882 8888 www.shangri-la.com Jade on 36 (located at the top of the Pudong Shangri-La), is a superb restaurant with a spectacular setting. Designed by American architect Adam Tihany, who designed Le Cirque in New York, the whole feel is a futuristic interpretation of Chinese traditions. To enter the restaurant you walk through a dramatic deconstructed rice bowl. Diners luxuriate in the breathtaking views of the Bund and the Pearl Tower (known locally as the Jetson tower). Chef Paul Pairet, a transplanted Frenchman (who came to China via Australia), cooks like a dream. He practises some molecular gastronomy, with innovative textures and taste incorporated into his food. It is his witty, innovative Euro-Chinese dishes that truly delight and excite. Complex Teriyaki short ribs are surrounded by a pool of velvety mashed potatoes. Caramel-coated foie gras Opera cake is a savoury, not sweet, treat. Shrimps on lemon grass skewers are cooked and served in a Mason jar. Nothing is what it seems, but everything delivers a lot more than you expect. There are 3 or 4 tasting menus at different price points and the very knowledgeable sommelier will make excellent pairing choices if you prefer.
Whampoa Club 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Rd (Fifth Floor, Three on the Bund) Shanghai, 200002 86 21 6329 1003 www.threeonthebund.com 3 on the Bund is the place to eat Chinese. It serves serious, sophisticated modern Shanghai food in an Art Deco atmosphere with Asian touches. Look for the chandelier in the dining room that practically touches the floor! Jerome Leung, the executive chef, is one of Asia's youngest master chefs. He serves contemporary Shanghaiese food and uses the finest ingredients and applies his natural talent and flair to make the old seem startling new. Specialties include contemporary interpretations of drunken chicken and stuffed crab claw with shrimp mousse, crab meat and roe jelly. Shrimps - stir fried with the extraordinary Long Jing tea are delicate and light while his Shanghaiese dumplings are amongst the best in town. The best way to experience the complexity of his food is through his tasting menus. Service is attentive but speaking Mandarin usually improves it. |
