Where Expats Can Go to Remind Them of Home
Many foreigners make the trip home this time of year, but not all. For those who opted to stick around, here’s a list of places you might try out to remind you of the homeland.
JAPANESE
FAMILY MART
No, seriously though! This Japanese chain began with the first store, which opened in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture in 1973. In 2013 they opened their 10,000th Japanese store.
AMERICANS
ANYWHERE WITH CHEESEBURGERS
That’s right, anywhere that has solid cheeseburger and/or drink deals should remind Americans of home. Blue Frog, Bistro Burger, Fat Burger, even Mccdonalds or Burger King.
KOREAN
KOREA TOWN
Korean’s were the 2nd largest group of expats in Shanghai according to the 2010 statistics. If they’re really homesick it’s not too hard to just take the 90 minute flight home, BUT there just so happens to be a Korea town in Shanghai with Korean grocery stores, shops and design.
SINGAPOREANS
JUMBO SEAFOOD
Adjectives fail in the face of Jumbo Seafood’s crab. This Singaporean seafood restaurant is incredible no matter where you’re from. Their award-winning chili crab is a must-try for anyone with a pulse.
GERMAN
PAULANER
Paulaner is a German brewery founded in 1634 in Munich. It’s one of six breweries that provide beers for the country’s legendary Oktoberfest and has been doing so since 1810. They’ve invested a lot of time and money into the Shanghai market and it shows, with their enormous spaces at Binjiang and in Xintiandi.
BRITISH
ANY PUB...WITH A PINT
Is it a stereotype that Brits love the pub? Yes, no, maybe… pubs are great either way, those dim little hole-in-the-walls with a neighborhood vibe and good beer.
CANADIAN
TOCKS
Tocks has a Montreal deli menu that could make any meat lover weak in the knees. Although they had a bit of management drama this past autumn, the food is as good and Canadian as ever, especially the poutine!
AUSTRALIAN
KAKADU
Kakadu is Australian vibes from top to bottom. From the décor to the drinks and menu items. All they need is a kangaroo.
ITALIAN
BELLA NAPOLI
There are probably better Italian restaurants in Shanghai, but Bella has awesome home-style Italian décor and a menu with mouthwateringly authentic Italian dishes, all at an affordable price.
RUSSIANS
DARK NIGHT CLUBS
Everyone knows that Russians in Shanghai are all models. It’s common knowledge. They congregate in dark, shifty nightclubs (possibly for money) to remind them of Moscow.
FRENCH
LE CAFE DES STAGIAIRES
There’s nothing we could put that would be agreed upon by actual French people, so we’ll just stick with Cafe des Stagiaires. French bar, French vibes, French people… it’s just like France but without the looming dread of immigrant terror.
SPANISH
ANY TAPAS SPOT
Azul, El Willey, Barbarossa, elEfante… there are a bunch of great Tapas spots around the city that help Spaniards get a little slice of home.