popular with locals, this restaurant is always busy (even on weekdays), but well worth the wait. It's technically a sichuan restaurant, but offers many shanghai specialities. My favs are the spicy dan dan noodles with meat mince (擔擔麵), shanghainese soup dumplings (xiao long bao 小籠包) & spicy eggplant / aubergine (魚香茄子). I also love the sweet fried bread (銀絲捲) with condensed milk.
just to be clear, it's not a comfortable restaurant. you'll be sitting on plastic stools (a seat against the wall helps), most likely at a shared table with strangers. but for all the discomfort & potential awkwardness, you'll be rewarded with good food and more than likely, good company. It's a very social space; I've chatted with everyone from families with curious kids to delightful grandpas. The staff are very helpful & will recommend dishes, though their English is basic, at best. Menus are in both Chinese & English. read more