Shanghai Tang Cafe, Xin Tian Di Shanghai

I believe this is the only one of its kinda for now - a chain of the famous luxury brand Shanghai Tang (apparently it is now owned by LVMH). I'm a fan of their designs, modern fusion of old 1920's Shanghai styles.

I've read up about their cafe, it's clearly expensive by local standards (or even aussie) but apparently they have a cool selection of food items and most importantly, I was there to try a 'fine dining' experience of the famous Shanghai Panfried Dumplings (Shen Zi Boa).

The Xin Tian Di neighbourhood. Really interesting French architecture

Loads of these little nooks

A real sense of the old Shanghai

This is the Shanghai Tang store - but not the one with the cafe

Old style!

Okay now we're talking! The cafe is upstairs, I think downstairs there are some other eatery places

Lift to the Cafe - apparently it's 3 levels!

Old style couches await at reception

I was on the top floor with some pretty cool rooftop decor

Bird Cafe cocktails!

The Bar decoration

Ceiling lights are pretty cool

The menu - they get you to number what you want. Similar to Din Tai Fung ordering system

Of course Xiao Long Bao!

Ooh what I've been waiting for. This is done very nicely, light crisp bottom. The insides actually contain juicy vinegar soup so you don't need to dip it into vinegar. It's quite an interesting taste, but I would say the vinegar is a bit strong for my liking but definitely a unique tasting experience

When in town, I would recommend a quick snack sit down at Shanghai Tang Cafe. Just to take in the decor, the experience and try out a new take on the famous shanghai panfried dumplings!

Shanghai Tang Cafe:
LuWan District HuangPi South Road 333 2-3 Floor, Shanghai, China (Xintiandi)