EAT: New Shanghai

The New Shanghai restaurant is located at the Melbourne Emporium, and is will transport you back to the busy streets of Shanghai. Renowned Mixologist Michael Cheim has specially created a Shanghainese inspired cocktail list exclusively for the New Shanghai, and has been named as 'one to watch' in 2016 by Australian Bartender.

The restaurant is known for its tradition & authentic Shanghainese cuisine, and every dish on the menu has been recreated from ancient recipes using traditional techniques. We made a booking for this hidden gem, and I definitely suggest you do too - it was filled to capacity and was extremely popular.

We had a variety of dishes, but the real stand outs had to be the truffle oil dumplings (yes, they were even BETTER than they sound) and the salt and pepper calamari. We also had a cocktail each (because what else do you do in Melbourne) and they were DELICIOUS.

There is something about serving a dish or drink with flowers that just gets me EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. The flavours were on point and they were strong, so we definitely felt like we got our moneys worth. I had the Shanghair Sour (made with cognac, plum wine, lemon juice & sugar) and mum had the Southern Air (with gin, yvette liquer, lemongrass, gelato messina coconut, lemon and pandan sorbet). They were both absolutely delicious and expertly made.

I'd 100% go back to this restaurant and will definitely be back. If you're thinking of visiting, make sure you book ahead, come on an empty stomach and prepare for a dining experience like no other. You can read more about the restaurant and make a booking HERE.