Wanping Rd's local food gems
By Yang Di and Cerelia Lim |
April 11, 2010, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
WANPING Road connects the commercial area of Zhaojiabang Road to the high-class residential estates of Huaihai Road M., and is home to numerous establishments that serve both the working crowd and residents. Xujiahui Park is situated at the corner of Wanping Road and Zhaojiabang Road and dominates more than half of one side of the street. But opposite it, and closer to Hengshan Road, are modern shopping outlets. The upper floors of these premises are residential homes while the ground level shops are mostly local, family-run restaurants. On our stroll, we found three Chinese restaurants and an Art Deco hotel built in 1934 that you should not pass without a good look. The restaurants are situated a few blocks away from each other and are a testament to China's diverse food culture that is a highlight of many residential areas.
Hengshan Picardie Hotel
Hengshan Picardie Hotel is located at the intersection of Wanping and Hengshan roads and was constructed in 1934. The architectural design of the hotel is typical Art Deco and its former name was the Piccard Villa. It was designed by the Swiss-French architect Minutti. With more than 70 years history, it is one of the city's six famous old hotels. Totally renovated in 2008, the establishment lost many of its original charms but still captures the essence of European luxury. It features 240 rooms equipped with deluxe amenities, making it an ideal stop for business and leisure travelers seeking convenience and comfort in the city center. The promotional price for a superior room is 1,300 yuan (US$190).
Address: 534 Hengshan Rd
Tel: 6437-7050
Hot and spicy Xingfu 131
Xingfu 131 is one of a few restaurants in Shanghai that you would keep returning to if mouth-numbing spicy cuisine is your cup of tea. The restaurant's Chongqing-style food has a strong, spicy flavor derived from different cooking methods. The delectable roast fish ordered by many regulars is simmered in peppers, herbs, oils and filled with vegetables, with the price ranging from 65 yuan to 135 yuan, depending on what type of fish you prefer. Other must-trys include Sichuan Fried Potato and Pork Ribs (38 yuan), Spicy Frog (68 yuan) and Pepper Shrimp (88 yuan). Xingfu 131 is a great choice for a budget spicy meal in a fairly nice environment. The average cost for one person is 60 yuan. For dinner, get there early to beat the masses as it is always crowded, a testament to its quality and value.
Opening hours: 11am-10:30pm
Address: 237 Wanping Rd
Tel: 5466-5551
Traditional Beijing Hot Pot
The northern cities of China consider the hot pot style of eating a panacea for overcoming harsh winter chills. What sets Huang Cheng Gen Traditional Beijing Hot Pot apart from the many other restaurants of its style is its house preference for using bronze pots heated by coal. The heat from the glowing embers charges up the bronze pot quickly and keeps the soup simmering for a long time. In ancient China, only the royals and upper-class families could use bronze ware. The commoners had to settle for clay. The restaurant's signature dish is the Mongolian lamb. For lamb lovers, the meat from the Mongol lands is prized for its rich, succulent taste. The traditional Beijing dressing, which is a mixture of scallions, fermented tofu and pickled garlic, compliments boiled lamb well. Another popular dish here is nutritious stewed sheep spine bones (38 yuan) which is believed to be rich in calcium and keeps the body warm. Dipping sauces start from 5 yuan per serving and diners should expect to spend around 70 yuan.
Opening hours: 11am-10:30pm
Address: Bldg 1, 279 Wanping Rd
Tel: 6415-329
Xiao Bai Hua for homely food
Nestled inside Lane 299 of Wanping Road, Xiao Bai Hua has been around for more than 10 years. Serving home-styled Shanghainese dishes, this comforting eatery leaves diners feeling warm and satisfied. Although its interior resembles an English cottage, its cooking style has not changed to accommodate foreign tastes. Its signature cold dishes are Pig's Liver in Light Brine (20 yuan) and Yao's Drunken Shrimps (38 yuan). Also on the recommended list are Braised Pork and Sepia with Bean Sauce and Dried Bean Curd (42 yuan), Shaoxing Crab (18 yuan/one) and Qiansheng's Old Chicken Soup (98 yuan). Diners should expect to spend an average of 60 yuan.
Opening hours: 11am-2pm; 5:30pm-10:30pm
Address: Bldg 3, 299 Wanping Rd
Tel: 6472-1867
Hengshan Picardie Hotel
Hengshan Picardie Hotel is located at the intersection of Wanping and Hengshan roads and was constructed in 1934. The architectural design of the hotel is typical Art Deco and its former name was the Piccard Villa. It was designed by the Swiss-French architect Minutti. With more than 70 years history, it is one of the city's six famous old hotels. Totally renovated in 2008, the establishment lost many of its original charms but still captures the essence of European luxury. It features 240 rooms equipped with deluxe amenities, making it an ideal stop for business and leisure travelers seeking convenience and comfort in the city center. The promotional price for a superior room is 1,300 yuan (US$190).
Address: 534 Hengshan Rd
Tel: 6437-7050
Hot and spicy Xingfu 131
Xingfu 131 is one of a few restaurants in Shanghai that you would keep returning to if mouth-numbing spicy cuisine is your cup of tea. The restaurant's Chongqing-style food has a strong, spicy flavor derived from different cooking methods. The delectable roast fish ordered by many regulars is simmered in peppers, herbs, oils and filled with vegetables, with the price ranging from 65 yuan to 135 yuan, depending on what type of fish you prefer. Other must-trys include Sichuan Fried Potato and Pork Ribs (38 yuan), Spicy Frog (68 yuan) and Pepper Shrimp (88 yuan). Xingfu 131 is a great choice for a budget spicy meal in a fairly nice environment. The average cost for one person is 60 yuan. For dinner, get there early to beat the masses as it is always crowded, a testament to its quality and value.
Opening hours: 11am-10:30pm
Address: 237 Wanping Rd
Tel: 5466-5551
Traditional Beijing Hot Pot
The northern cities of China consider the hot pot style of eating a panacea for overcoming harsh winter chills. What sets Huang Cheng Gen Traditional Beijing Hot Pot apart from the many other restaurants of its style is its house preference for using bronze pots heated by coal. The heat from the glowing embers charges up the bronze pot quickly and keeps the soup simmering for a long time. In ancient China, only the royals and upper-class families could use bronze ware. The commoners had to settle for clay. The restaurant's signature dish is the Mongolian lamb. For lamb lovers, the meat from the Mongol lands is prized for its rich, succulent taste. The traditional Beijing dressing, which is a mixture of scallions, fermented tofu and pickled garlic, compliments boiled lamb well. Another popular dish here is nutritious stewed sheep spine bones (38 yuan) which is believed to be rich in calcium and keeps the body warm. Dipping sauces start from 5 yuan per serving and diners should expect to spend around 70 yuan.
Opening hours: 11am-10:30pm
Address: Bldg 1, 279 Wanping Rd
Tel: 6415-329
Xiao Bai Hua for homely food
Nestled inside Lane 299 of Wanping Road, Xiao Bai Hua has been around for more than 10 years. Serving home-styled Shanghainese dishes, this comforting eatery leaves diners feeling warm and satisfied. Although its interior resembles an English cottage, its cooking style has not changed to accommodate foreign tastes. Its signature cold dishes are Pig's Liver in Light Brine (20 yuan) and Yao's Drunken Shrimps (38 yuan). Also on the recommended list are Braised Pork and Sepia with Bean Sauce and Dried Bean Curd (42 yuan), Shaoxing Crab (18 yuan/one) and Qiansheng's Old Chicken Soup (98 yuan). Diners should expect to spend an average of 60 yuan.
Opening hours: 11am-2pm; 5:30pm-10:30pm
Address: Bldg 3, 299 Wanping Rd
Tel: 6472-1867
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