Lost Heaven on the Bund @ Shanghai

I was treated to some fine Yunnan 云南 fare on my first night in Shanghai at Lost Heaven. Located by the Bund, this restaurant specialises in the tribal cuisine of China's Yunnan Province.

Exterior of Lost Heaven.

I'd never had Yunnan food before but the entrance to the restaurant, with its enchanting decor gives one a good first impression. Lined with beautiful potted plants, the walls are adorned with framed photographs of the faces and scenery of Yunnan.

The walls adorned with photos.

Stairway to Lost Heaven.

The dim lighting adds to the ambience as walked up the stairs into the dining area. In fact, it was so dim that a torchlight was required to view the menu!

The food didn't take long to plate, much to our tummies' delight. First up, the Crab Omelette. Not a huge fan of crabs, but this dish was simply delicious with the egg and crab cooked just right and drizzled in some kind of sweet sauce.

Crab Omelette.

Next, Pork Ribs. Again, not sure what they used to marinate these babies but whatever it was, it sure passed the taste test. I especially liked how the ribs weren't too oily.

Pork ribs, Yunnan style.

Then, there's the Taro Spring Rolls. Taro - good. Spring Rolls - good. Marry the two and it's pure heaven!

Taro Spring Rolls.

Last but not least, Pumpkin Cakes. These cakes were simply delectable. Much like glutinous rice cakes, these deep fried cakes from heaven were crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Best part was I didn't feel sick from having one too many. 

Pumpkin Cakes.

If these dishes were indeed authentic and representative of Yunnanese cuisine, I'm definitely sold! *Pens down Yunnan Province on travel list*

Where:
上海市延安东路17号
17, Yan'an Dong Lu,
Shanghai 200002,
PRC.

When:
Daily 
Noon- 2pm
5:30pm - 10:30pm

Central Perk @ Shanghai

The Shanghai foodscapade continues, this time at Central Perk. Those who are familiar with the hugely popular Friends TV series will know that this is the hangout place of Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, Joey, Monica, and Chandler. Of course, being the typical tourist and fan of Friends, we had to stop by to check it out! (Also, the cold was getting to us haha..)

Central Perk, Shanghai.

The place was packed and we were lucky to get a spot without having to wait long, on the famed couch too! The layout is pretty much the same as is in the show, complete with a TV showing Friends episodes.

The menu - Which Friends cupcake would you like?

I picked the 'Rachel' which was a red velvet cupcake with supposedly cream cheese frosting which tasted more like whipped cream. The cupcake was only alright.

The 'Rachel'.

How you doin'?

The drinks here are unsurprisingly overpriced and only just fine tastewise. However, this is definitely a place good for those wishing to be part of the Friends craze.

Where:

160 Harbin Lu,

Shanghai,

PRC.

When:

Daily, 11am - 10pm.

Kommune 公社 @ Tian Zi Fang 田子坊

So, I was in Shanghai over new year's and my friend brought me to Kommune. Located in the back alley lanes of Tai Kang Lu (泰康路), nestled in the commercial village of Tian Zi Fang (田子坊) is a funky little cafe.

Kommune Cafe.

We had just been walking around doing some shopping, and decided it was time for a hot chocolate! It's winter time so naturally indoor seating was not easily available so outdoors it was.

Outdoor seating complete with hot water bottles, scarves, and heaters.

It wasn't all too bad as the cafe is equipped with hot water bottles, scarves, and heaters. I like the cold, but a balance of some warmth is nice too! I can't quite sum it up, but the ambience of the cafe was just perfect. Perhaps it was the artsy and creative feel to the surrounding shops as well.

Yarra's Hot Chocolate Bomb

I usually don't mind the cold, but when wind is added into the equation, that's a totally different ball game. Yarra's Hot Chocolate Bomb couldn't have come at a better time.

Marshmallow sticks dripping with melting chocolate.

Marshmallow sticks dipped in hot milk and delicious melting chocolate at the bottom of a mug deliberately dented and chipped for character is all one needs on a cold, windy day. On the side, in an old style thermos flask is a refill of hot milk. 

I've heard good things about the food too, but tummy space had to be saved for the next hip cafe. This cafe turns into a bar by night too. Next time, for sure!

Where:

The Yard No. 7,

Taikang Road,

Shanghai 200025,

PRC.

When:

Daily 7am - 2am