Beyond downtown:A French entrepreneur’s slice of Shanghai life in Hongqiao
Print Edition
MORGAN Lotterie has found his little slice of heaven in the Hongqiao area, western part of Changning District, where he’s been based for only a year. A Shanghai resident for nine years, he is the founder of Popot, a French bistro known for serving classic French cuisine in stylish glass jars. You’ll also find him on social media (Xiaohongshu and WeChat channels) where he operates the account “摩根在魔都,” to share his life and food journeys in Shanghai.
Could you introduce the neighborhood you live in?
I live on Hongqiao Road, quite close to Hongqiao Airport — still within Changning District, but a bit farther from the well-known downtown core of Shanghai. The nearest Metro station is Longxi Road on Line 10. This area was once famous for “Laowaijie” (Foreigner Street), which long-time expats in Shanghai will likely remember.
What’s the best thing about living in this neighborhood?
This neighborhood is very family-friendly — and more specifically, it’s expat family-friendly. Many grocery stores stock Western products that are often hard to find elsewhere, and there’s a wide variety of international dining options. You’ll also find several international schools in the area. At the same time, it’s peaceful and quiet, offering a welcome contrast to the fast-paced energy of downtown Shanghai.
On top of that, since I often travel for work, being just 15 minutes from both Hongqiao Airport and the Hongqiao train station is incredibly convenient. That’s one of the great things about this neighborhood — it offers easy access to both downtown and major transport hubs.
What are the attractions here that should not be missed?
Shanghai Zoo (2381 Hongqiao Rd 虹桥路2381号) is within walking distance, which makes it a great option for a family outing. And if, like me, you enjoy running, this area is perfect. You can run or bike all the way from Hongqiao Airport to the Bund along Suzhou Creek without encountering a single car — just kilometers of greenery and riverside paths. In a city like Shanghai, that kind of uninterrupted nature is quite rare.
Each person has different tastes, but everyone wants a great cafe. What’s your favorite cafe near home?
I usually make my coffee at home — I love choosing my own beans, grinding them fresh, and brewing it myself. But when the weather is nice, I enjoy heading to FullyCafe (3380 Hechuan Rd 合川路3380号虹桥总部2号集装箱), ordering a latte, and relaxing on their cozy little terrace.
Where should someone eat around here?
So many options here. A lot of nice Japanese restaurants; 九州酒场 (No. 28, Lane 3717 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3717弄28号) is very good value for money; a French crepes restaurant called La Galette (Unit G, 1/F No. 3219 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3219号一楼G室); Laughing Burro (1J No. 3219 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3219号1J) for tacos and burritos lovers. Laowaijie is also full of Western options. On Hongmei Road hidden at the end of a lane is an Indian restaurant — Indian Kitchen (No. 8 Villa, 3911 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3911号8号别墅) — here for over 25 years, tasty and authentic.
There is also a Chinese restaurant I love to go to, it’s called 海上潮 (2/F, 3727 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3727号2楼) — quite conceptual, very nice food, excellent service and relaxing atmosphere.
From high fashion to emerging designers, from flowers to fresh produce, where do you shop here?
I can say the best butcher shop in town is here, called La Petite Boucherie (57 Pingxi Rd 平溪路57号) — the quality of meat is absolutely outstanding and they also have a grocery store. It’s really a French-style shop where you can find everything.
Is there a neighborhood place you recommend for a night out or simply a drink after work?
In the same lane where the Indian restaurant I was mentioning earlier is located, are a couple of cocktail bars in a speakeasy style. You can do some bar hopping and will hardly be disappointed by the quality of the drinks.
For beer drinkers, go to a Japanese Izakaya 九州酒场 (No. 28, Lane 3717 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3717弄28号) for an ice cold Asahi on tap and an authentic ramen!
Have you made any new discoveries in your neighborhood lately?
My latest discoveries that have made my life even better recently:
— Men’s House Barber Shop (3210-1 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3210-1号): they are dressed in suits, beer/whisky service with your haircut, amazing skills, I love this spot.
— JF24 (3219 Hongmei Rd 虹梅路3219号): This gym has been open 24/7 for 15 years. Big, quiet and I can go whenever I want.
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