New Chinese cuisine: tradition and fusion
As an international metropolis, Shanghai has taken innovation and fusion to the extreme, bringing out the creativity and quality of new Chinese cuisine. From the dishes to the environment, new Chinese cuisine is not just a meal, but a feast for the senses and culture. Here are the characteristics of new Chinese cuisine in Shanghai and a list of recommended restaurants.
Main characteristics of new Chinese cuisine in Shanghai
- Innovation and fusion
New Chinese cuisine combines the classic techniques of traditional Chinese cuisine with modern cooking techniques, while incorporating international elements to enhance the sense of layering in the dishes. For example, traditional dishes may be reinvented through molecular cuisine to give them a new look. - Ritual and experience
Restaurants not only focus on the dishes themselves, but also emphasize the atmosphere and sense of ritual of the meal, providing exquisite plating and ingeniously designed environments to enhance the overall dining experience. - Health and sustainability
New Chinese cuisine places more emphasis on healthy eating concepts, reducing the use of oil, fat and high-calorie seasonings, highlighting the natural flavors of raw materials, and choosing sustainable sources of ingredients. - Art and culture combined
Restaurants often use cultural stories as the theme to create a unique dining experience, blending traditional Chinese culture with modern art.
Recommended restaurant list
1. Fuhehui | 1037 Yuyuan Road
- Special features: Fuhehui specializes in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, fusing it with high-end Western dining to create an amazing taste experience with plant-based ingredients. The restaurant is located in an old Western-style house, in an elegant and tranquil setting, perfect for enjoying a slow-paced, exquisite meal.
- Reason for recommendation: A leader in new Chinese vegetarian cuisine, combining traditional health concepts with modern cooking techniques.
2. Ling Long | 105, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu (in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel)
- Special features: Located in the Waldorf Astoria on the Bund, Ling Long is known for its elegant environment and exquisite dishes. The restaurant's cuisine emphasizes a combination of tradition and innovation, and each dish is full of artistry.
- Reasons to recommend: It is suitable for both high-end business banquets and for diners to experience the international expression of Chinese cuisine.
3. Liangshe 良设夜宴 | 1st Floor, 688 North Shaanxi Road
- Special features: The restaurant specializes in high-end new Chinese cuisine served in the form of a banquet. The dishes are designed to incorporate Jiangnan flavors and Western plating techniques. The dishes are known for their diversity and sense of layering, and each dish is a work of art.
- Reason for recommendation: The restaurant has a full sense of ceremony and is suitable for celebrations or special occasions.
4. Obscura by Tang Xiang | 538-2 Xikang Road
- Special features: A high-end Chinese restaurant run by chef Tang Xiang, with creative cuisine at its core. It reinterprets the classic dishes of China's eight major cuisines, with each dish paying tribute to tradition and deconstructing it in a modern way.
- Reasons to visit: A unique dining experience, suitable for diners looking for innovative Chinese food.
5. The Pine 松涧 | 333 Changle Road
- Special features: A high-end restaurant that focuses on Chinese ingredients. Inspired by the theme of the mountains and forests, the dishes are fresh and healthy, with delicate cooking techniques that emphasize the fusion of nature and the ingredients themselves.
- Reasons to recommend: The environment is quiet and chic, providing a high-quality and healthy new Chinese food experience.
New Chinese cuisine in Shanghai has reached international standards in both form and content, from high-end and exquisite vegetarian food to innovative fusion dishes, which fully embody the modernization and diversification of Chinese cuisine. These restaurants not only break with tradition in terms of the dishes, but also bring diners a refreshing experience in terms of the environment design, cultural experience and service details. For diners who pursue quality and creativity, these restaurants are an excellent choice.