First Bite: Xixi Bistro is Back!

We’ve all been waiting long enough for it, and thankfully the wait is over! The new Xixi Bistro is here, and it’s as classy, elegant, and breathtaking as ever. Here’s what you can expect…

THE CONCEPT

Xixi bistro has been a shooting star in Shanghai’s F&B history, like many other hot venues it was abruptly shut down after gaining fast success. This was terrible news for fans, even worse for those who didn’t get the chance to try it. But Xixi Bistro is back, they’re in a chic new Xintiandi location that fits their exotic charm like a glove. 

In case you didn’t know, Xixi Bistro offers a fusion environment and concept based on a mix of shanghainese culture, blended with some foreign flair. Their new spot has three rooms, which all create a distinctive vibe and atmosphere. There are two bars at the first floor plus a lounge restaurant on the second. It’s a devilish combo of tiki bar, Victorian boudoir and Shanghai electricity all wrapped together!  

First room : The Tiki Bar 

First look at this room will no doubt surprise you, an unlikely but seamless combination of classic Shanghai style with island accents. 

The cocktails follow the island vibe, not too strong, quite fresh with fruits and rum (no tiny umbrellas don’t worry). They’ve also got spicy selections with Goji sour, rosemary and Jagermeister. These are all original creations, and will cost you around RMB70 each.

To access the second floor you need to walk through an ancient and mysterious-looking wooden door, with no clue what’s waiting for you on the other side…

Second Room: the Victorian Boudoir 

And what’s waiting for you on the other side: velvet sofas, vintage curtains and lampshades, floral tapestry, crystal ashier, candles… our best crack at a general description: it’s like strolling into a 5-star Chinese-owned Hawaiian hotel in the 1970’s. And yes, we mean that in a good way.   

It’s comfortable and sexy from top to bottom; a perfect spot for a low-key, perhaps romantic, cocktail or two. Whiskey and Bourbon for bitter tastes, sugary beverages as well with coffee liqueur, chocolate bitter, crème de cacao. Drinks are around RMB90 each and well worth it.  

And then there’s the second floor, just as energetic and intriguing as the first.

Third room: Shanghai electricity 

The bite of the color is balanced with subtle touches of grey and black.  Still Shanghainese for the most part, with some art deco influences. And most importantly, here’s where the magic happens: the cuisine!

THE CUISINE

Most of the dishes are Asian with a twist. Actually you may be surprised by the menu. Such a sophisticated and high venue usually offers molecular, or other highly-proceed dishes with all the bells and whistles (and of course the price tag to match). Breath easy though, Xixi Bistro is good food without pretention. The menu is accessible for any taste or budget. 

The Starters

Foie Gras Mousse with Spring Onion Pancake RMB68

Let’s start with our favorite: Savory Duck liver mousse with a smooth and unctuous texture, spread on an onion pancake (a less oily version of Dabing). It is an unseen conception, where the aerial mousse matches with the unrefined pancake with some crispness from the nuts. It is ambrosial and comforting. Totally perfect.

Parma Ham with Osmanthus Cherry Tomato Rice Bruschetta RMB36

Perfectly-balanced dish. The Ham and the cherry tomato mix into a juicy and mellow combo, whereas the rice bruchetta gives it a more consistent base. Maybe one of the best tapas we had in Shanghai, ideal way to begin the show. 

Deep Fried Frog Legs with Soy Mayonnaise RMB58

Have you tried frog legs? The best often have skin like chicken, but with the soft insides of sea food. Delicate treat for greedy teeth. If you’ve never tried frog, this would be a great time to start.

Bolognaise Spring Roll RMB38

This dish is surprising and no doubt you are going to like it. Spring rolls filled with bolognaise sauce: tomatoes, beef… the recipe is original and the magic works.   

Curry Beef with Cabbage Jiaozi RMB32

Fried dumplings rearranged with curry flavors, another dish here that we’d put firmly in the ‘must-try’ category.

The Mains 

Grilled Short Rib with Osmanthus Sauce RMB 240 

Delicious hunk of beef which melts in mouth (literally) wrapped in a sweet Osmanthus coat. With just a few pinches of salt and pepper to enhance it, this is a stellar dish for any meat lover.  

Grilled smoked Tiger prawn RMB168

Pawns are tricky in Shanghai. Many venues served some with a sluggish flesh for an astronomical price. Not Xixi Bistro. These are simply great prawns.

Desserts

And of course a dinner without a sweet is like a date without a kiss so we had a big smooch of this Osmanthus  ice-cream with Herb smoothie. Perfect scoop of ice-cream with punches of basil and apple lemon leaf. Creamy and fresh way to finish the meal!

Osmanthus Ice-Cream with Herb smoothie RMB36 

Cheese Pineapple Tart RMB 38 

If you still need something sweet, go for the pineapple tart, which blends rich cheese cake cream and the pate sablée dough. Crispy sugar braised on the top. Delicate tart for a delicate palate. 

Who you should go with:  Your date! 

What you should drink: A cocktail crafted just for you  

What you should eat: Indulge yourself with the Foi Grass mousse and then the prawns 

XIXI BISTRO

Address: 181 Taicang Lu, No 16, Room 02

Hours: Daily 6pm-12pm 

Tel:  [phone]

Price: Around RMB250 per person 

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