8 Perfect Lunch Sets to Try in Jing'an
There is no shortage of restaurants in Jing’an, that’s for sure. But, as a creature of habit, or maybe out of pure laziness, you tend to go to the same few places for lunch every. single. day. So I thought it'd be useful to share a few notable lunch sets that will help you break out of your lunchtime rut.
Bites & Brews on Fire
If it’s options you want, head to Bites & Brews. Their incredibly affordable and extensive lunch menu features grilled cheeses and panini, bagel sandwiches, salads, pitas and wraps, all in the RMB 28 - RMB 58 price range. Sets include a side dish such as soup, french fries, fruit or salad. Add another RMB 10 for their homemade lemonade, a soft drink or coffee. It’s also one of the latest lunch sets we’ve found that is available from 11am until 5pm. Enjoy the cozy vibe and outdoor seating while the weather is cooperating.
Address: 999 Wuding Lu, near Jiaozhou Lu
Hours: Daily, 11am to 2am
The Rooster
Did you know that your favorite watering hole is also open for lunch? The Rooster’s reasonably priced lunch sets range between RMB 35 - RMB 50 for bar food staples like quesadillas, chicken sandwiches and salads. Add 10 RMB for soup or salad. Sets include coffee, tea or a soft drink, but the real value is adding a Budweiser beer or a house wine for only RMB 10! Some workdays are so agonizing, a drink at lunch is needed. We won’t judge.
Address: 455 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu
Tel: 156 1880 8692
Hours: Daily, 11am to 12am
Bali Bistro
Add a little spice to your day with lunch at Bali Bistro. This spot near Jing’an Temple offers authentic Indonesian food, along with a generous helping of Indonesian hospitality. Lunch sets range between RMB 38 - RMB 78, including favorites like beef rendang and ayam bakar (grilled chicken). All lunch sets come with veggies, soup and a mini dessert or Indonesian cake. Upgrade your steamed rice to coconut rice or tumeric rice for RMB 5 - go ahead, you deserve it! Add another RMB 10 for a drink. On your way out, pick up a coffee to-go at Balini, their coffee shop which features beans from their own coffee plantation.
Address: 75 Wanhangdu Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu
Tel: 021 6288 5778
Hours: Daily, 11am to 10pm
Tokyo House
A favorite around Wuding Lu for bang-for-your-buck sushi, this Japanese spot is packed at all hours. Try to get in before noon or after 1pm to get a seat, otherwise be prepared to wait. Expect to pay RMB 45 - RMB 60 for sushi sets. Rice bowl sets are priced between RMB 42 - RMB 45 - we’re partial to the assorted sushi rice. Sets come with the typical Japanese sides of miso soup, chawan mushi, and a small salad. Keep in mind they are cash only - that’s right, no WeChat or Alipay accepted. What is this, the 1950’s?
Address: 1106 Wuding Lu, No. 1, near Yanping Lu
Tel: 1592 167 8285
Hours: Daily, 11am to 11pm
Lil’ Laundry
Why is it so hard to find a basic soup and salad deal in Shanghai? Look no further than Lil’ Laundry’s simple and affordable lunch sets. Prices start at RMB 50 for a simple soup and mixed green salad, which also includes housemade focaccia and chicken rillette. Upgrade to the Deluxe Soup + Salad set for RMB 88 and choose from any soup and salad on the menu. We’re big fans of the sweet and spicy Thai Me Up Salad. Other options featuring roast chicken, a side and a salad go for RMB 65 - RMB 80.
Address: 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai Centre, 1/F, near Xikang Lu
Tel: 6289 8201
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 12am; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 2am
Da Camilla
There are few things more comforting than a great plate of pasta. When the carb craving hits, head to Da Camilla for a fresh set of pasta imported straight from Italy. They change up their offerings frequently, from which you can choose three different pasta/sauce combinations. The set also includes soup, Italian focaccia, and a drink for RMB 78. Do as the Italians do and add a beer or wine for another RMB 15. Their friendly service is just the icing on the cake.
Address: 600 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Xinzha Lu
Tel: 021 6074 6987
Hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
MUST Grill
We usually think of MUST Grill when we’re in the mood for a giant steak, but their lunch sets are a lighter way to enjoy quality French dishes. You can choose a starter, a main, and a drink from three different price levels. We love the beef carpaccio as a starter. Options from The Express Set (RMB 88), Executive Set (RMB 108), and Epicurean Set (RMB 128) include a niçoise salad, their famous burgers, duck breast, and lamb chops. If you’re feeling extra French, add a glass of wine or a Vedett for RMB 25. Get a table on their private sun-soaked patio - it’s the perfect escape from a hectic workday.
Address: 881 Wuding Lu, Bldg 2, 1/F, near Changde Lu
Tel: 021 6176 1378
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30am to 11pm
PELIKAN
If you’re looking for a fancier venue for a business meeting or a special occasion, forget about trekking to The Bund and head to Pelikan instead. This Nordic eatery has an elegant yet easygoing atmosphere as well as unique dishes. Offering a starter and a main for RMB 138, their lunch sets are an excellent value for the quality and portion size. Chef Kasper Elmholdt Pedersen changes a few dishes each month to keep the menu fresh. Recent favorites include the beautiful zucchini and beet salad and the butter braised pork belly. Go all out and add a dessert for RMB 30.
Address: 225 Xikang Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu
Tel: 021 6266 7909
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11:30pm
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