Homage to Singapore street food and cafe comfort
Thoughtfully created interior, a relaxing service and generous portions have made PS.Cafe — a homegrown Singapore brand — a widely recognized local favorite.
Locals and tourists always while away their leisure time at its different outlets across the city because PS.Cafe is a fusion cafe chain in the best sense.
Many locals in the know were excited anticipating the first PS.Cafe overseas venture in Shanghai.
It only opened in January yet its 300-square-meter space, inside the brand-new Xintiandi Plaza retail mall, is packed every day. This location reminds me of the PS.Cafe Paragon in Singapore, a great stop off while shopping.
The PS.Cafe may be hidden inside a mall, but it knows how to position itself as an escape from urban life to an expansive outdoor garden terrace. It also features sweeping views of the city’s tree-lined Huaihai Road M.
The Shanghai venture stays true to its original spirit with a black and white tone, statement floral displays, bespoke furniture and a careful selection of magazines you can borrow while enjoying your food. The downside is its overly bright lighting during dinner hours.
The menu is centered on cafe comfort fare which pays homage to the host country and its vibrant street food culture.
One can indulge in hearty pastas, salads, sandwiches and dishes such as the PS.Cafe burger, the tiger beer battered fish and chips, alongside inspired Asian dishes, including crab and prawn laksa, Thai chicken basil bowl and Sichuan chili pepper chicken fried rice.
I started with the PS.Cafe truffle shoestring fries, a big portion of fries for sharing and chunky prawn — another ideal option to start your meal experience.
Singapore chicken rice is an updated version based on a traditional recipe if you prefer the roasted chicken meat.
I found the dishes here were generally a bit oily but the dessert is worth a try.
The restaurant has combined two of its most popular desserts (ginger pudding and sticky date pudding) resulting in the birth of PS.Cafe ginger sticky date pudding that is served with butterscotch sauce.
Info
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Tel: 6151-1321
Address: 3/F, 333 Huaihai Rd M.
Average price: 150 yuan