Sultry Shanghai speakeasy Light & Salt brings nostalgic sips and sups to historic nabe Rockbund.
Ah, the Bund. Shanghai’s riverside strip is iconic and world-renowned, not least for its wealth of majestic and historic buildings, as well as prime panoramas of the glittering Pudong skyline. Sadly, it’s also regular host to legions of tourists, clamouring for selfies on the banks of the Huangpu, and inevitably, savvy locals have ventured away from the throngs – ask any insider and they’ll tell you to seek stylish refuge at preservation project Rockbund instead.
This historic nabe is just a 15-minute saunter north, and has in recent years welcomed some top-notch tenants like Light & Salt, a sultry speakeasy occupying the former YWCA building, now melding Library Distillery bar, atmospheric balcony, and elegant Ms Ding Dining restaurant.
The menu recalls eras past in name, with sections like ‘The Renaissance’ and ‘La Belle Epoque’, but the dishes themselves take modern, fusion twists through time and taste – Wagyu tartare arrives with butter-poached egg, avocado mousse and squid ink aioli; roasted miso cod is accompanied with sweet potato puree and mushroom salsa. It’s all delectable when served in the dark leather surrounds; but it’s even better enjoyed from a balcony table on a clear evening. Best of all – it’s blessedly crowd-free…
Light & Salt, 6/F, 133 Yuanmingyuan Lu (YWCA), Rockbund, Shanghai, +86 21 6361 1086. facebook @LightSalt1
