24 Hours: How to Eat and Drink Like an American in Shanghai

Shanghai residents really are spoiled with choices when it comes to food options here. These days especially, any expat can stroll out and get a taste of home in a wide number of places. We asked a bunch of Americans living here where they go when they want to feel like they’re back in the states, whether it be for a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just some drinks with friends. Here’s what they had to say, just in case you'd like to eat and drink like an American for 24 hours in Shanghai...

Alex

(25, Long Island New York, Project manager at Push Media)

There is no place in Shanghai that can compare to the customer service and feeling I get at any of my favorite restaurants in New York. The language barrier, cultural differences and atmosphere of restaurants here are all factors that lead to their demise. However there are some that are close. Boom Boom Bagels is my go to spot for a good breakfast sandwich. Their food is good but its artisanal in a sense. It doesn't have that sloppy amazing greasy my deli has down the street from me in Long Island. Their atmosphere is too hip and curated. It’s nice but not what I like form home. Their customer service is pretty much there but can lack when they get super busy. All that being said they are good at what they do if you aren’t comparing them to some home nostalgia. This is Shanghai and things shouldn’t be done exactly as I want them to be.

Homeslice pizza does it the best in terms of achieving the American vibe. Good pizza. No bullshit. Small menu that is always the same. ready to eat in 2 minutes. I eat and I'm out.

Ginger

(24, California, Copywriter)

Dinner - cages, get some greasy wings and fries and beer with my bros and the game's on. Lunch - Homeslice, the lighting and tiled counter in there reminds me of pizza places back home and the shame I feel when I dab the extra oil off with a napkin.

Gabby

(29, Clevel and Boston, Creator of ShanghaiLoveNotes /LesQueers,Inc.)

I have two favorite “American” places that I go to when I want to get a taste for my homeland.  For breakfast it’s Spread the Bagel— the authenticity of the bagel reminds me of being back in the States grabbing a morning bite of deliciousness. Another recent discovery is Goose Island on Maoming Lu. The craft beer, the design of the restaurant has an authentic American brewery vibe, and the food is classic Americana. Both of these restaurants give a brief escape back to the States in the middle of this thriving Asian metropolis.

Chase

(28, Florida, Operating Partner of The Rooster)

The Rooster probably checks some of those boxes with pulled pork sandwiches and chicken wings. Palmetto is southern food. Cages classic American sports bar food and I hear they're revamping the menu. Never been to Truck Stop Grill but they're supposed to be legit. Hooters!

Patrick

(26, D.C., Manager CPG)

When not bent over Chongqing hotpot or a gutter, I enjoy the place that reminds me most of home: Hooters. Just like America, Hooters has it all - more televisions screens than people, that old man who squats by the bar and just eats wings, a miniature foosball table, my All-American Rejects Greatest Hits SUPERMIX CD from 2007, and wall designs made from bathroom floors. I host an open house on Mondays from 3-4 pm, all welcome.

Maggie

(25, “middle America,” Corporate Audit Associate)

Whenever my diet is getting a little too noodle heavy, I unleash my inner fat American kid and focus on the four main food groups - Pizza, Burgers, Bagels and BBQ. Pizza - Homeslice where you can fold the slice in half and let the grease drip onto the paper plate just like God intended. Burgers - used to be Rachel's (RIP). Now I settle for Beef & Liberty but I'm anxiously awaiting 2019 and the opening of Shake Shack. Bagels - Boom Boom, Sumerian and Spread the Bagel - None can compete with Tompkins Square Bagels or Chicago Bagel Authority but they get the job done. BBQ - Bulldog BBQ where I go less for the food and more for the excellent country music playlist

Jorge 

(30, Virginia, Comedian with Kung Fu Komedy)

Every once in a while, I’ll get a bit homesick and search for something to remind me of home. After I've been kicked out of the American Consulate for crying on the American flag, I head to some of my favorite spots to eat around Shanghai and drown my sorrows in carbs and cholesterol. 

For Breakfast: When I’m in the mood for an American breakfast I tend to head to Mr. Pancake. Now, this is in no way an endorsement of Mr. Pancake as the best place to get American breakfasts in Shanghai. However, if you’re looking for the absolute most basic of food that is reminiscent of breakfast, Mr. Pancake is a staple. They’ve managed to beautifully encapsulate the sadness of eating alone at a Denny’s or IHOP and no one goes to Denny’s or IHOP for the food — you go there to soak up the alcohol that you destroyed your body with the night before. 

For Lunch: When I can get a table, I love Diner. The newest concept from Austin Hu, Diner serves up the absolute best version on classic American diner fare. Imagine going to a diner in the USA, but paying $25 for a hamburger, that’s Diner! I will say though, despite the high price, it’s absolutely worth it. Some of the best biscuits and gravy this side of the Yangtze and the pancakes are so good you’ll want to bring them to Mr. Pancake and yell at them for not being able to make them like this. 

Only downside is if you’re alone you’re probably going to be sat with some strangers since there’s only about 4 tables. 

For Dinner: I like to head over to Market 101 for dinner. Again, this isn’t the cheapest place for a sandwich in Shanghai, but as a true American, I like to live above my means. Market 101 by Goga is an incredible little sandwich shop on Huashan Road that serves some of the best Cuban sandwiches I’ve had. It's a tiny spot with only a couple chairs, but when you’re in there it has a good San Francisco deli vibe to it that makes you forget your troubles.

Justen

(31, Indiana, Teacher)

I never usually eat breakfast but sometimes an early lunch at Mr. Pancake. For lunch I most often go to Max and Salad on Yuyuan lu near Jingan temple. Dinner recently has been a xiaolongbao and fried noodle spot near my place using eleme. No places remind me of America Haha. Maybe Joe’s Pizza. Fortune Cookie used to remind me of the US, but sadly... it's gone.

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