Lotus Eatery
Discover the vibrant tastes of Southwest China with unique dishes, communal sharing, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Lotus Eatery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the vibrant tastes of Southwest China with unique dishes, communal sharing, and a lively atmosphere.
"Experience a delightful culinary journey through the flavors of China's southwest region!"
Relocation Alert
Ensure you have the updated address: 1112 Dingxi Road, Changning District.
Avoid Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours for a more intimate and relaxed dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Yunnanese Chinese
Price
Mid-range
Address
85 Yangzhai Rd, Changning District, Shanghai, China, 200050
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Yunnan Flavors
Experience a unique culinary journey through China's southwest region with natural ingredients.
Unique Sharing Dishes
Savor uncommon ingredients like tea leaves and goat cheese, perfect for communal dining.
Must-Try Rose Cake
End your meal with the beautifully presented and delicious rose cake, a sweet Yunnan delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Relocation Alert
Ensure you have the updated address: 1112 Dingxi Road, Changning District.
Avoid Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours for a more intimate and relaxed dining experience.
Spicy Chili Fish
Order the chili fish for a spicy kick, but be ready to hunt for the hidden meat.
Skip the Eggplant
Diners suggest skipping the eggplant dish for more exciting options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Relocation Alert
Ensure you have the updated address: 1112 Dingxi Road, Changning District.
Avoid Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours for a more intimate and relaxed dining experience.
Spicy Chili Fish
Order the chili fish for a spicy kick, but be ready to hunt for the hidden meat.
Skip the Eggplant
Diners suggest skipping the eggplant dish for more exciting options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lotus Eatery is celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Yunnanese cuisine, offering a delightful journey with unique dishes and communal sharing plates. While many rave about the unique ingredients and standout items like grilled goat cheese and rose cake, some find certain dishes a bit salty or less exciting than others. The atmosphere is noted as good for groups, though language barriers with staff can occasionally arise.
"Located in the heart of Shanghai, it offers a delightful culinary journey through the flavors of China’s southwest region.
With big space to accommodate large groups or small gatherings, this restaurant is perfect for any occasion (nothing fancy). All dishes are designed for sharing, reflecting the communal spirit of Chinese cuisine.
The food is delicious and unique, with ingredients like tea leaves, lemongrass, and cheese which is not common in other Chinese cooking. For those looking to explore beyond the typical spicy fare, this restaurant offers a fresh alternative. Standout dishes include the grilled goat cheese, meat with tea leaves, green beans sauté, and cauliflower in the hot pot.
With reasonable prices, dining here it’s an experience worth savoring. Highly recommended for anyone craving a taste of Yunnan in Shanghai."
Oriana Serra
"Please note: This restaurant has been relocated. The new address is 1112 Dingxi Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China, 200031. Hope you have a pleasant dining experience!"
Haixia Yuan
"Great atmosphere and even better food - loved the goats cheese dish"
Sascha Everingham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Lotus Eatery has relocated to 1112 Dingxi Road, Changning District, Shanghai.
Highly recommended dishes include grilled goat cheese, meat with tea leaves, chili fish, and rose cake for dessert.
The cuisine is known for being flavorful and can be spicy, especially dishes like the chili fish. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
Yes, it's ideal for large groups and communal dining, with options for private rooms.
Yes, the restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid crowds and ensure a more intimate experience.
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The Most Authentic Regional Chinese Restaurants In Shanghai
Yunnan cuisine is so broad, it’s almost a shame that it gets lumped together under one term. Referring to the food from China’s southwestern Yunnan province, the cuisine is inspired by the many ethnic minorities who call the province home. Dishes tend to be very natural in origin, with a focus on flowers, mushrooms, and insects.
An Authentic Yunnan Restaurant in Shanghai
When it comes to Yunnan food in Shanghai, you’d be hard-pressed to beat Lotus Eatery, but In & Out puts in a strong showing, and while it’s not destination dining, it is miles better than almost any other Chinese restaurant in the vicinity of Xintiandi’s touristy laneways. The typical Yunnan favorites, like fried goat’s cheese (乳饼, rǔ bǐng), are on the menu, but this is your chance to go a little more local, so try some off-the-eaten-path dishes like pan-fried tofu topped with chilies and green onions (石屏香煎包浆豆腐, shí píng xiāngjiān bāo jiāng dòufu) or eggs scrambled with edible jasmine flowers (茉莉花炒蛋, mòlìhuā chǎo dàn).
Only in Shanghai: 7 of China’s Best Regional Cuisines (and Where to Eat Them)
Half-owned by a Brit who makes it foreigner friendly with an English language picture menu and a greatest hits section, Lotus Eatery’s other half is a native of Yunnan’s capital Kunming. Expect eats like deep-fried insects and edible flowers on the menu, but the many other Yunnan favorites, like Miao tribe barbecued tilapia (苗家烤鱼) and grilled goat’s cheese (乳饼), make it a must-visit.
A Restaurant Guide to Shanghai, from Annie Shi
I love Lotus Eatery for its rambunctious, raucous vibes - it’s your ideal group restaurant that also serves delicious food from the Yunnan region. Sharing family style is at the heart of Chinese cuisine, and this dining table embodies that. If you’re a large enough group, you get to book one of their private rooms with a gigantic round table that everyone can sit around at.
The Essential Guide for Vegetarians and Vegans in Shanghai
Start with Sichuan Citizen, Lotus Eatery, Lost Heaven, and Slurp!. Shanghai’s local cooking, ben bang cai, also has all types of cold dishes, noodles, and stir-fry that are vegetarian-friendly. We can’t possibly cover everything.
The guide on what and where to eat in Shanghai
In Shanghai my favorite Yunnanese restaurant is Lotus Eatery, located on Dingxi Lu 1112, at the intersection with Wuyi Lu (定西路1112号, 近武夷路).
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