New Opening: Barbarian Hits Jing'an

Have you walked down a bar street recently and realized all the insides of the bars look about identical? Ok, same. We’re here to share some exciting news with you! A new restaurant, Barbarian’s opening will make you rethink everything you know about the restaurant experience.

The Concept

60+ year old cart wheels hanging from the ceiling, from Fujian

The word "barbarian" means a savage, a wanderer, and roughly, “a messy traveler.” That relaxed easiness is translated into the vibe you’ll get upon entering this discrete restaurant. Downstairs there are swinging chairs and upstairs offers floor seating where pillows embody stones. Next to the lounge there’s a patio where you can look up at the pollution filled sky and pretend you’re a nomad..haha we joke.

But seriously, this place is dope. Dim lighting, and surrounded by tables made from the bark of a tree that’s 118 years old, you feel your mind at ease upon entering this venue. Technically, the place is still in its soft opening stage, so if you come in a couple of months, the upstairs’ will have an open kitchen with a charcoal grill for their specialty skewers. Shh, you didn’t hear it from us!

The Drinks

Customers can see exactly what goes in their drinks

There’s no drink menu here. In fact, one reason this venue holds its special place in our hearts is because each drink is made in front of the customer, and the bartenders are trained taste-professionals who know how to create a specific unique drink pertaining to your wants and needs. 

Alcohol infused or washed bases 

From left to right: pineapple, lime, guava, grapefruit, and orange.

What’s more, the base of all the alcoholic beverages are infused or washed with a yummy ingredient, think dates, peanut butter, and marshmallow. No artificial sweeteners or syrups added, only natural homemade ones. Drink on!

Gin infused with black wolfberry

The bartender told us that the goal in going menu-less is so the customers can explore what it is that they like about each drink and explore more options in that flavor area. For instance, if you like a good ol’ mojito, a mixologist at Barbarian will try to understand what exactly attracts you to it. Then he will stray from the norm and make something new, different and better to match your preferences. Think: switching mint to other herbs.

Marshmallow infused with gin.

Typically it's impossible to dissolve oil or butter in water or alcohol, but the alcohol nonetheless can still take the flavor of butter through a process called alcohol washing. Just keep it together for a while and then filter it. Drinks go from RMB50 onward.

The actual fresh Jasmine used in Gin Sour

Gin Sour 

The Food

To go along with the simplistic ambiance of the bar, the food is hands-on and delicious. Furthermore, the restaurant serves dishes that are pan-fusion and non ethnic specific. A win in our books.

Beef Skewers, starting at RMB45 

Shrimp Ala Plancha RMB38 

This dish epitomizes the pan-fusion flavor of Barbarian. The shrimp are soaked in lots of garlic and herbs.

Corn on the Cob with Popcorn RMB28

Conclusion: Everything at Barbarian is arranged to give the customer a languish feel, however the owner shared with us that there’s effort placed in all the details. All the lights are not made to look old, but are actually old, and the random rock chillin’ when you walk in? A historical piece, about 500 pounds. Therefore: this place is worth checking even if just for the aesthetics.

Who you should go with: By yourself (learn about what you like), with a date, or with friends
What you should eat: The Shrimp Ala Plancha and the beef skewers
What you should drink: Nothing. There’s no obligation to drink anything, instead we dare you to explore your passions and give your tastebuds something they've always wanted. Yes, give in to your desires.

Address: 1019 Wuding Road
Hours: 11am-2am Daily, Friday and Saturday 11am-4am
Tel: [phone]
Price: Around RMB150 per person.

WE ARE HIRING

We are looking for people who love life, food and travel to join our team! Currently, we are recruiting for the following positions:

Nightlife Editor

Food & Wine Editor

Wellness & Fitness Editor

Proofreader

Marketing

Sales

Interns

Ideal candidates are talented, energetic and creative people who can work in a fast paced environment, and Chinese skills are a plus. 

Want to take on a challenge?

Please send your cover letter and CV to: 

[e-mail]

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