Last night I broke down from my usual 入乡随俗 approach to China and visited the Shanghai Brewery Donghu, a brew pub serving Western style beers and food. An American has a right to a burger sometimes. If you looked at the crowd you would agree, it was about 50% Western, had English speaking staff, and didn't have a Chinese language menu (much to the dismay of the Chinese guys sitting across from me). I had a hard time finding the place since one of the two locations on their website is actually closed for renovations, not like they tell you that one the site. Forntually they opened another branch close by, that they also didn't mention on the website, that I went to instead. They must be doing well to afford two rents in that neighborhood; on my way to Shanghai Brewery I passed a brand new glittery purple Porsche driven by some obviously wealthy Chinese lady. While I normally feel that non-Americans don't really understand hamburgers, Shanghai Brewery at least got the concept, perhaps thanks to their Western ownership. Was it the best burger I ever had? No. Was it the best burger I have had in China? Yes. Did it hit the burger spot? Yes. While the Chinese are (in)famous for their adventurous food, most Chinese beer tastes kind of like Qingdao (except Qingdao because they make a stout). Shanghai Brewery does not stick to this tradition and serve a wide array of beer styles including two different IPAs. I tied both the IPAs, North Star IPA and Donghu White IPA, because I wanted something a bit heavier than normal Chinese beer. The North Star, according to the menu it is named for the stars on China's flag, wasn't too hoppy for an IPA, but was very citrusy. Not a bad beer. The next IPA, the Donghu White, I liked a bit more since it was hoppier, it still wasn't too hoppy since, interesitng enough, it was part IPA and part wheat beer. I kind of liked it actually. The environment wasn't bad, the Chinese don't seem comfortable with the concept of sitting at the bar though which is a bit annoying. I don't believe I could make Shanghai Brewery my bar, even if I lived closer, but I can recommend it for ex-patriots in Shanghai who want some Western quality food with Western style beer.
1 Comment
Dad
12/10/2016 01:34:03 am
Looks pretty damn American to me. Did you go with any Chinese friends? If yes, what did they think of Western food?
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI am a junior at Juniata College spending a year studying abroad at East China Normal University. Please feel free to join my on my journey to China and beyond. Archives
November 2021
Categories
All
|