FINDING charm in one of Shanghai's pulsing commercial centers might seem farfetched, but a closer look down Xingeng Road and Tianyaoqiao Road in the middle of frenetic Xujiahui reveals a calmer and even quaint feel. Despite the prevalence of corporate chains stores, these streets with their boutiques have an ambience similar to that of the former French concession. This area has a much more Shanghainese vibe than the old concession, catering to locals and not exclusively expat-oriented. The following shops and restaurants represent an eclectic mix of untapped quality shopping and affordable eating.

Premium Birdnest

Renowned for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits, the bird's nest is a Hong Kong tradition dating back hundreds of years. Known as the "caviar of the East," the nest is made of the saliva of swiftlets that make their nests high on cliffs. It is a tonic and is said to relieve stress, boost the immune system and even reverse signs of ageing. The outlet on Xingeng Road has been providing quality bird's nest to upscale clients for nearly three years. Imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, nests range in price from 29 yuan (US$4.40) per gram to 62 yuan per gram. Nests that have been washed or cleaned are considered less valuable than "all-natural" nests. It's an extravagance but if you eat bird's nest soup every day, one package of 200 gram for 8,600 yuan can last for as long as three months. Also sold as a tonic are cordyceps, also known as caterpillar fungus (also winter worm, yartsa gunbu in Tibetan). It benefits the heart, liver and kidneys and is said to boost the libido.

Opening hours: 10am-9pm

Address: 38-7 Xingeng Rd

Tel: 5425-5238


Green Massage

A calming, aromatic Zen-like environment awaits at Green Massage on Xingeng Road. A huge traditional Chinese in-wash painting blends with Western abstract interior decor and tranquillity pervades the space.

A wide range of treatments and techniques are derived from traditional Chinese medicine and therapies. Green signature techniques use pure essential oils. Treatments include traditional Chinese body massage (118 yuan/45 min), aromatic essential oil massage (288 yuan/60 min), foot reflexology (118 yuan/60 min) and relaxing aroma flow massage (378 yuan/80 min). It offers 17 treatment beds and privacy.

Opening hours: 10:30am-2am

Address: 88 Xingeng Rd

Tel: 6468-7076


Su Ren Handmade

This small store sells high-quality leather for young urban professional. The Beijing-based Su Ren company has numerous Shanghai outlets and sells casual footwear, hand bags, briefcases and wallets.

The 10-year-old company with a devoted client base imports leather from around the globe, from Europe to Australia and parts of Asia. Items are classic and unisex. Wallet costs 200-400 yuan. A horsehair handbag cost 4,280 yuan. The tiny shop is a great find for affordable essentials with an elegant, minimalist flair.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: 1355 Xingeng Rd

Tel: 3368-6200


Wow Cakes New Jersey

At first glace from the street, Wow Cakes New Jersey appears to be a boutique, but it sells edible delights, designer cakes. Customers can order cakes made to specification or buy them shaped like luxury brand handbags and cartoon characters. All flavors, fillings and icings are available. Prices vary greatly depending on size, ingredients and detail. The starting price for a six-inch cake is 480 yuan. A multi-tiered wedding cake can cost 45,000 yuan. One of the most unusual cakes is shaped like an iPhone 4 with colorful applications made in icing.

Opening hours: 10:30am-8:30pm

Address: 06B, 133 Xingeng Rd

Tel: 3368-6773


Lemongrass Thai

You might not be able to travel there by tuk-tuk, but Lemongrass Thai restaurant transports your tastebuds to the bustling streets of Bangkok or the white sand beaches of southern islands. A futuristic touch screen menu outside lures you into a rather ordinary eatery, but its prices and specials are not to be missed. Lunch sets include either green, yellow or red curry with salad and choice of soup or beverage for just 38 yuan. Happy hour runs from 12pm-7pm, offering buy one get one free option of Hoegaarden Belgian wheat beer and house cocktails. With mains ranging from 38 to 100 yuan, and afternoon tea promising a tapas-style selection of appetizers and desserts, Lemongrass won't burn a hole in your wallet.

Opening hours: 11am-2am

Address: B06, 131 Xingeng Rd

Tel: 3428-1700


Alexander Yoga Club

Yoga is popular among stressed-out urbanites and the spacious Alexander Yoga Club offers a variety of styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa flow, hot, power, slim yoga and facial yoga. The club offers Pilates, body balance, belly dance and tai chi. Yoga teachers are a mix of local and expats. With three yoga rooms available, classes run from 7:15am to 8:40pm. Members can use the indoor swimming pool. Personal trainers are available. The club offers high-quality facilities and services. A one-year membership costs 7,600 yuan.

Opening hours: 7am-10pm

Address: 318 Tianyaoqiao Rd

Tel: 6428-8999


Jinsadao Islam Entertainment Restaurant

Don't be put off by the generic mall exterior of Ascendas Plaza on Tianyaoqiao Road - inside is authentic central Asian cuisine and entertainment. The decor is Arabia-meets-the-East. The chef hails from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It offers Muslims and everyone else diverse food from the region, including a variety of delectable kebabs, grilled foods and rice dishes. The signature dish is fruit wood mutton or lamb (158 yuan), grilled over a fruit wood fire. Lamb shashlik is just 3 yuan per stick. The restaurant is suitable for large groups and parties and offers traditional Xinjiang dancing from 7pm to 8pm every night. A whole roast sheep/lamb costs more than 1,000 yuan, serves 10 and must be ordered a day in advance. After a hearty meal, homemade yogurt makes a great desert, with multiple flavors and toppings.

Opening hours: 11am-11pm

Address: Unit 218, 333 Tianyaoqiao Rd

Tel: 6426-0901