Food blogger's tips for a Huangpu District neighborhood
Insider's Guide:
This section is designed for foreigners living in Shanghai to share their experiences and insights on daily life in their local communities. From hidden gems to popular spots, they will introduce you to the best food, drink, entertainment, and more in their neighborhoods.
Rachel Gouk
Rachel Gouk is a content creator and food & beverage consultant in Shanghai, as well as founder of Nomfluence, a Shanghai-based food and drink blog and WeChat account.
Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Gouk has been working in the media industry across Chinese, English and cross-cultural platforms in Shanghai since 2011. She founded Nomfluence in 2018, a platform on which she could share her views, experiences and knowledge about the food and drink industry.
The platform covers food and drink news, new restaurant and bar openings, city guides, hotels and industry-related columns.
Introduce the neighborhood you live in.
I recently moved to Huangpu District. (I've also lived in Pudong, Jing'an and Xuhui in my 12 years here.) The area of Huangpu I live in is between Dapuqiao and Xintiandi. It's very different from where I was previously in Xuhui in the sense that it's largely "local" – there aren't that many options for cafes or Western restaurants. Fantastic Chinese restaurants and noodle shops are in oversupply!
What's the best thing about living in this neighborhood?
Being in close proximity to a lot of excellent Chinese restaurants. It's a new area for me to discover in terms of eating. It also takes me closer to the West Bund, where I can bring my dog to the park.
What's the attraction here that can't be missed?
Not much really. I guess, if it's your first time traveling to Shanghai, you'd go to Tianzifang. Knick-knacks galore, but I've probably lived here too long for it to be of interest to me. I'd say the Xing Guang Photography Equipment Center ranks higher for me in terms of an attraction, for professional photographers and videographers, or hobbyists.
Café del Volcan
Each person may have different tastes, but they all want a great cafe. What's your favorite cafe near home?
I'd have to get into Xuhui to get to a good working cafe. Yongkang Road is always solid for a good cafe, and I'm still loyal to Café del Volcan, which moved closer to Jiashan Road (still on Yongkang) from their original location.
Top: Ren He Guan is a Shanghainese restaurant in Huangpu District.
Above: Da Chang Noodle is a popular noodle shop on Xizang Road S.
Where should one eat around here?
Again, there are so many excellent Chinese restaurants nearby that I've never had the chance to try. One of them is Ren He Guan (人和馆), which is possibly my new favorite Shanghainese restaurant, toppling my previous favorites Old Jesse and Jianguo 328.
There's the famed dachang noodle (大肠面, or pork intestines noodle) shop on Xizhang Road S., a Dongbei tieguodun (东北铁锅炖, or iron wok stew originated from northeast China) place I've yet to try, the Cantonese restaurant Boduo Xinji (博多新记) and a new Wei Xiang Zhai (味香斋) just outside of Tianzifang. My favorite ramen shop Ramen Mitsuyoshi is 1km away.
From high fashion to emerging designers, from flowers to fresh produce, where do you shop in your neighborhood?
I don't shop at stores, to be honest. If I did, it would be to pick up a pair of new Feiyue, and the closest store is at Tianzifang. There is a wet market on Mengzi Road W., but I still go to the one at 1239 Fuxing Road M. It's the one I've been going to for years, and I've been buying from the same store owners.
Is there a neighborhood place for a night out or simply a drink after work?
I usually end up in Xintiandi either at The Odd Couple or Revolving Door. Once they reopen in Fuxing Park, I'll be a regular at Sober Company. (Opening planned for August/September.) If it's drinks for entertaining guests, it would probably be all of the above, plus Black Glove in Tianzifang and Speak Low, which isn't far.
The Odd Couple
Are there any new discoveries in your neighborhood lately?
I'd say Ren He Guan, which isn't really a new discovery, more like a restaurant I've really wanted to go to for a while but haven't had the chance to due to proximity. I have a long hit list of noodle shops that are closer to Laoximen, which I'm looking forward to!
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Editor: Liu Xiaolin
Designer: Shi JingyunWriter: Yang DiPhoto: Ti GongSource: Shine