At one of the fanciest places in town with views on the famous Bund skyline, this restaurant is the first venue of the Hakkasan group in China. After their start back in London in 2001, the Shanghai restaurant opened its doors in 2014.
The kitchen in Shanghai is run by Executive Chef Alvin Chan, a Malaysian culinary veteran who has been in China for over ten years and was attracted specifically to set up the Shanghai branch.
Serving high end Cantonese cuisine in a Western jacket, Hakkasan tries to offer a consistent experience throughout all the venues, whether you are in Shanghai, London or Las Vegas.
This is where their classic dishes such as the crispy duck with caviar or roasted silver cod with champagne sauce and honey come into play, although they do adapt a small portion of the menu to local taste and preferences. Despite the Cantonese influence, the dessert menu is predominantly Western yet the dishes pair well with the rest of the menu.
As is often the case in large metropoles, Hakkasan has a lot more to offer than just dinner. Many people also come here to savour one of the very wellmade cocktails before going out, often in combination with the late night dim sum menu which runs until 2h in the morning. On weekends, those who prefer to come in a bit earlier can opt for the extensive brunch or afternoon tea.
Inside the dining room, the interior is a stylish mix of Chinese elements with tight, modern furniture. Similar to the other Hakkasan venues around the world, most of the restaurant is dressed in black and gives an intimate feeling when dining despite its huge size. Just as is the custom in China, Hakkasan also has five private rooms available for those who prefer to dine in a more select group.
Drinks before or after dinner can be enjoyed at one of the two stylish bars inside the restaurant or in the lounge area with views on the Huangpu river. In addition to the cocktails, there is an extensive wine list with plenty of bottles to cater for every budget, ranging from high end Bordeaux to small Chinese local producers. To adapt for the wide variety of tastes in Cantonese cuisine, there is a good selection of wines by the glass.
All in all, Hakkasan Shanghai offers high quality Cantonese food with a modern twist in a beautiful setting. Though it is perhaps not the most original or romantic venue, it absolutely gives an impression of what high end Cantonese dining looks and tastes like in the twentieth first century.
Written by Sebastiaan
