Le Sheng

A harmonious marriage of food, culture and art, Le Sheng, the new Chinese restaurant concept by David Laris elevates traditional Shanghainese cuisine with a modern dining experience.

Bringing together authentic local specialities with Western preferences, Laris has teamed up with talented local Chef Fang Chao, hailing originally from Anhui province. Inspired by tradition and authenticity, Chao’s creations are decidedly contemporary and provide an interesting take on well known favourites.

Leaving behind the heavy sauces often found in Shanghainese cuisine, Chao’s dishes take on a more delicate and refined approach, each plate an exquisite artistic presentation.

Cold starters of drunken chicken and beancurd with black wood ear mushroom is followed by excellent soup of pureed winter melon and dried scallop strips, its’ delicate flavours and textures providing a perfect precursor to the main dishes. Fish, spring rolls made with yellow croaker fish, stir fried eel, a delectable cylindrical stack of forest mushrooms with ham, and the vegetarian mock crabmeat made with potato, tomato and egg, simple ingredients beautifully imagined into one of the best dishes of the night.

Leading the new wave of food and beverage pairings, Le Sheng encourages the matching of fine wines and traditional Chinese teas with their dishes.

The unique cocktail list courtesy of Ryan Noreiks provides a refreshing twist by infusing Chinese teas and traditional ingredients into the mix. An unexpected surprise on the palate, the ‘Oolong Lychee Martini’ and Baijiu Infusions are definitely worth a try.

The space, intimate and calming perfectly embodies what is at the heart of Le Sheng’s concept, a stylish mix of the traditional and the contemporary. Backlit Chinese tea light boxes, calligraphy inspired wooden screens and a soundtrack of easy jazz tunes provide elegant touches to the well considered design.

Accentuating the flavours of Shanghai with contemporary flair, Le Sheng takes Chinese dining to a new era and is a memorable dining experience for both locals and newcomers alike.

Le Sheng
308 Anfu Lu, near Wukang Lu, Shanghai
www.leshengsh.com