Savor the tastes of summer at hot eateries
Shanghai's top restaurants are offering a feast of seasonal specialties, from delicate dim sum to mouthwatering meats.
Here are four of Shanghai's coolest eateries to help you beat the summer heat.
Crab meat dumplings topped with baby cucumber flower at Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang's summer menu is offering great tastes to cool down. The venue is also a perfect spot to catch up with friends while enjoying an enchanting view of the Bund.
Starting with a cold dish like abalone jelly topped with mashed fresh vegetables and caviar, you can enjoy a breath of cool air on any sultry day. The chef adds a bit of sake and homemade sauce to help open the appetite. You will definitely taste a flavor that is delicate and aromatic.
Abalone jelly topped with mashed fresh vegetables and caviar
Stewed pomfret cooked with bean noodles is among the recommendations. The taste of the dish is unique because the chef adds homemade curry as a highlight. Every pomfret weighs around 500 grams and has a bouncy texture.
The deep-fried chicken with spices is also very popular, giving an extra boost of exciting flavor to the appetite.
Stewed pomfret cooked with bean noodles
The private dining room at Shanghai Tang enjoys enchanting view of the Bund
As for the summertime dim sum classic, the crab meat dumplings topped with baby cucumber flower and sliced Wagyu beef wrapped with purple sweet potato pastry are definitely good choices.
Of course no meal can be complete without dessert, and Shanghai Tang offers fresh almond bean curd. The fresh fruits on top add a level of dynamism to the dish and give it a robust aroma and flavor.
Opening hours: 11am-2pm, 5-9:30pm
Address: 5/F, Bldg 3, 600 Zhongshan Rd E2
Tel: 6378-7777
Seafood broth with king crab meat at M on the Bund
M on the Bund
This iconic restaurant continues to elevate the refined dining experience in Shanghai with an all-new seasonal menu.
With inspiration from seasonal produce, starters include high-quality scallops and caviar as well as a selection of soups and salads, from seafood broth to seared tuna.
You won’t want to miss the seafood broth with king crab meat. The fresh mushroom, sweet corn kernels and purple gouqi berries add unique taste to the dish. Other starters include duck liver parfait with buckwheat waffles, and signature salad with grilled artichokes, charred fennel and roasted oranges.
Lightly seared tuna fillet on a salad of celery, cucumber and roasted shiso leaves
For a true taste of summer, you can try main dishes like grilled arctic char with crisp potato latkes, and crispy duck leg on smoky duck breast salad tossed with pink grapefruit, oven-dried grapes and fried shallots.
Besides, you can order from a new category on the menu — M’s sharing dishes, from a mighty Tomahawk steak to a whole red snapper dressed with cucumber, chilli and lots of fresh lime, to the popular platter of crispy suckling pig.
The signature pavlova
The rooftop terrace of M on the Bund
To end on a sweet note, signature desserts such as hot raspberry soufflé, M’s pavlova, salted caramel and peanut butter semifredo, and vegan pineapple tart are among the sweet creations.
Opening hours: 11:30am-2:30pm for brunch, 2-5pm for afternoon tea, 5-9:30pm for dinner
Address:7/F, 20 Guangdong Rd
Tel: 6350-9988
Wagyu beef sirloin at the Log BBQ Restaurant
Log BBQ Restaurant
This is a perfect season for friends gathering together to have sizzling barbecues and drink craft beer. Besides, to guarantee the perfect flavorful experience, this yakiniku (Japanese grill) restaurant uses fine-quality ingredients and charcoal.
You are recommended to choose the Australian Wagyu beef sirloin, beef short rib and various steaks. You can feel the beef melt on your tongue, one of the most pure and flavorful sensations that will ever seep across your taste buds. Moreover, less expensive cuts including the thickly cut beef tongue, abdominal meat and shoulder chops are highly recommended.
The beef tongue
The inner decor of the Log BBQ Restaurant
For seafood lovers, you can try the sea urchin, white shrimp and many other fishy delights.
Definitely don’t forget to try the signature cocktails and craft beer.
Opening hours: 11am-10pm
Address: Rm 801, 500 Zhangyang Rd
Tel: 5042-1211
Fresh ingredients at the Hong Jie Hotpot
Hong Jie Hotpot
Hong Jie Hotpot opened its new branch in Changning District recently. Originated in Chongqing, the spicy hotpot restaurant offers a feast for the taste buds this summer.
Hong Jie attracts diners who are willing to wait more than five hours because of its handmade soup stock. The chef uses dried red chilies, spices, herbs and seasonings, and beef tallow. The rich flavor gives a fascinating feel to the tongue.
The chef uses various dried red chilies, spices, herbs and seasonings.
Then comes the ingredients. Experienced gourmets cook the meat before the vegetables. Add thinly sliced meat or vegetables and toss quickly. Starting from the most-order meats, there's fresh beef trashea, pork aorta, beef tripe and duck intestine.
For vegetables, don't miss the yuxingcao (a herb that translates as “fishy-smelling grass” in Chinese). It is celebrated for its medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine, and it can sooth a sore throat and ease coughs.
Seafood lovers can choose to add sliced groupers, eel, sea whelk and shrimp into their hotpot.
Opening hours: 11:30am-midnight
Address: 1394 Yan’an Rd W.
Tel: 5299-7217
