When Linda told me she found a really nice Shanghai restaurant in Jiujiang Road, which is next to East Nanjing Road, I was wondering which one she refered to because for me restaurants in East Nanjing Road are usually lack of originality and characters. Restaurants in Nanjing Road are usually for tourists only which means they are either overpriced or chain restaurants like anywhere else. It is not easy to find one which are good priced and have the unique Shanghai characteristics.

I heard of Xian Qiang Fang (by direct translation, it is Fresh Wall House) before and felt a bit strange about it because it doesn’t sound like a typical Chinese restaurant name.

It took me a bit time to figure out where Xian Qiang Fang is located especially I thought I knew East Nanjing Road very well. Actually it is located in the same building of Yong An Department Store. Yongan Building is at the corner surrouded by East Nanjing Road, Jiu Jiang Road and Mid Zhejiang Road. There is a small lane to connect the East Nanjing Road and Jiujiang Road on the west side. So if you walk in the East Nanjing Road from the west to the east, you will find the small lane first where a model of old tram is displayed. The entrance of Xian Qiang Fang is located at the other end of the small lane in Jiujiang Road (Map).

The entrance is so small and hidden and easily to be missed if you don’t pay much attention. There are usually two staff dressed like people in 1930s in front of the door to guide customers. You will have to take an old and small lift to go up to the fourth floor. Once you walk out of the lift, the space is completely opened up.

Compared with the narrow small entrance, the restaurant itself is very spacious and well decorated.The historic old building provides the high Celine and the interior design makes you feel like going back to 1930s Shanghai. There is also a stage inside the restaurant where you can watch Peking opera and local Shanghai opera. And amazingly it is English subtitled!

Majority of the food there is Shanghainese, but the modern twist makes it more delicate. English service is availabe. The price is a bit higher but still reasonable. Average 100RMB per person.

My comments: good choice for tourists and guests who want to experience the old Shanghai. A place for a proper and decent Shanghai meal with reasonable price. A restaurant both tourists and local people would like to come back again. Recommended!

Tags: Chinese Restaurant, Shanghai Restaurant

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