Alleyway Eats: 5 Hidden Gems in Tianzifang

Though a bit on the touristy side, there's no denying that there is a certain charm to Tianzifang and its winding alleyways...

After perusing the many shops hocking tacky souvenirs and rubbing shoulders with hordes of tourists, you might find yourself starting to get a bit peckish.

While we can't vouch for your maps app giving you precise locations (we admittedly got a bit turned around a few times ourselves) in the maze that is Tianzifang, keep your eyes peeled for the following establishments that guarantee good food and drinks.

Wine bar with creative small plates

📍 120, Building 3, Taikang Road

⏰ Lunch: 12 noon - 3 PM | Dinner: 5:30 PM - midnight

☎️ 178 2178 6277 | 152 2100 3764

Albeit identifying as a "Chinese food and wine bar" on Instagram, Alors feels more French to us than anything.

Head chef Bingjia cut his teeth at La Marine, one of France's most prestigious seafood restaurants, so it isn't surprising to see ample seafood dishes at this modern bistro, from refreshing raw red prawns with dashi, tomato water and seagrapes to squid in a piquant green pepper sauce and chopped century eggs.

And let's not forget the fantastic Fried Fish Burger here that's slathered with tartar sauce and texturally-pleasing ikura or fish roe that pop on the palate!

Seafood dishes and one imposter (king oyster mushroom resembling scallops). Photos by Sammi Sowerby

Two other signatures: the Spicy Fried Chicken that takes inspiration from Sichuanese classic laziji (辣子鸡) or Firecracker Chicken, where every bite is juicy and jam-packed with flavour, and the king oyster mushrooms have great snap to each bite.

Desserts were Longjing ice cream with peaches and meringue and a 64% Black Chocolate Mousse. GIF by Sammi Sowerby

We like that wines by the glass are given nicknames to feel more approachable to the novice drinker. 

Think cutesy monikers like 'Summer Festival,' 'Blueberry Garden' or 'Grape Fruit Bomb.'

Serving British pub grub and cold pints

📍 2/F, 6 Tianzifang, Lane 210, Taikang Road

⏰ Daily, 11 AM - 11:30 PM

☎️ 189 1660 3306

Butler and White’s is your one stop shop for all things British and comforting like breakfast fry-ups and hearty Sunday roasts. We're partial to the latter, which we believe is among Shanghai's best.

Picture a plate piled high with beef, chicken, turkey, sausages, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and cauliflower cheese. Pour gravy over the lot and you're in heaven. 

Advance reservations are a must for the Sunday roast dinners.

Photo courtesy of Butler & White's

Other kinds of fare here include savoury pies, bangers and mash and fish and chips. Don't forget to wash everything down with a Guinness or two!

Like in London, one of the most dietary-friendly cities in the world, vegan and vegetarian options are available for roasts, full English breakfasts, cottage pies and more.

French bistro with spicy surprises

📍 2/F, 169 Middle Jianguo Road

⏰ Daily, 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM

☎️ 136 3669 0315

Photos courtesy of Chateau Chilli

Tucked away in scenic Taikang Terrace, Chateau Chili is a French bistro serving up spicy surprises.

In addition to French classics like escargots and filet de boeuf en croute (Beef Wellington), you'll also spot Sichuan-style snacks like tongue-numbing mala chicken.

Top: Escargots in puff pastry | Bottom: Truffle pasta. Photos courtesy of Chateau Chilli

The escargots are served with perfectly flaky puff pastry, making for a great contrast of textures, and the beef is layered with foie gras for decadence in every bite. The creamy truffle pasta is a crowdpleaser, so add that to your order too.

Pair your meal with the bistro's impressive selection of wines (over 100 vintages!). While the majority come from France, bottles from all over the world can be found in the cellar.

The white tablecloth restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic evening with that special someone, and the spacious covered terrace will be perfect for alfreso meals in the autumn.

Belgian bistro with Xinjiang flourishes

📍 Room 11, Yard 7, 210 Taikang Road

⏰ Daily, 11 AM - 2 AM

☎️ 157 2143 3431

Patio weather is back, baby. Photo by Sammi Sowerby

New kid on the block in Tianzifang, Chuar is central Shanghai's only Belgian pub.

Co-founders Joeri Reynaert, Gavin and Xiya have turned the space into a community hub for people from all walks of life, from artists to footballers.

On International Bald Day (September13th), the establishment even hosted food and drink specials "for baldies and babes." You've gotta love a place that doesn't take itself too seriously!

Belgian beers on tap, from Vedett to La Chouffe. Photo by Sammi Sowerby

From classic draughts like La Chouffe and Duvel to a Sichuan pepper-infused beer, there's plenty to wet your whistle here.

And if you're planning on a late one, line your stomach with the unorthodox combination of Belgian comfort food and Xinjiang-inspired skewers.

Deviled eggs and Carbonnade with caramelised apples. Photos by Sammi Sowerby

For small bites, we like the creamy and crispy panko coated deviled eggs with a bold kick of mustard. 

Feeling proper hungry? Then there's hearty helpings of tomato pasta with massive meatballs, well-spiced skewers (lamb, picanha beef, teriyaki chicken and a meat-free option), and Carbonnade or Belgian beef stew — the last of these is served two ways: atop fries or ciabatta toast. The latter, which comes with caramelised apples, is the perfect combination of sweet and savoury.

Feast on yak at this Tibetan gem

📍 30, Lane 248 Taikang Road 

⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 11:30 PM

☎️ 185 2171 9090

Photo courtesy of Dorje Ram

It's not often one gets to try Tibetan food, and we were very pleasantly surprised by Dorje Ram as a whole.

The roomy restaurant covered in traditional Tibetan décor and flags matching those at Mount Everest basecamp really makes you feel like you've entered another realm.

Photos provided by Dorje Ram

Start with the fried potatoes, generously spiced and full of flavour.

Not a protein we're used to seeing on menus, yak is the star of the show at Dorje Ram.

We found the yak pie with potatoes and bell peppers — think a Tibetan version of shepherd’s pie — especially good. Served inside a Chinese style pancake, the pastry really soaks up all the juices from the tender yak meat.

As for drinks, there are a number of Tibetan beers on offer as well as creamy yak milk tea.

All visuals were taken by Time Out Shanghai or provided by the respective establishments. This article is not to be replicated without prior consent.