AnThai is a tiny Thai restaurant with a speakeasy bar located near Xintiandi. It opened late last year, and is operated by Korean bartender Bee.

AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The food is simple and tasty enough, and portions ample. I think the vibe and space is the bigger draw, which attracts a buzzing young and hip crowd. It’s definitely an interesting destination for a low-key date night, followed by drinks at the bar.

AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Minced pork with lettuce (¥68) – Spicy larb with fresh lettuce. Always fun to eat and tasty. The spice level is maybe “three out of five chilies” for me—it packs some heat.
AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Morning glory (¥48) stir-fried with spicy fermented soybean paste.
AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Angus beef with red curry (¥188) – I wouldn’t say it’s a traditional dish. Beef cooked medium over a ton of wilted spinach with mushrooms. The curry was tasty, but too little an amount.
AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
AnThai spiced chicken (¥58) – Chicken thigh with a super thin, crispy casing, served with shredded marinated cucumbers and house fish sauce to dip. Lovely!

As for the bar, it’s through the door at the end of the dining room.

AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Cocktails start at ¥118, made with house infusions. They’re served bespoke, tailored to preference within reason. Infusions rotate regularly based on availability, seasonality, and the creative whimsy of Bee.

AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The two drinks I tried leaned sweet-sour and came across a bit one-dimensional, which was a pity. But a sampler of the “pea” cocktail, which was earthy and grassy, was rather nice.

AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Other cocktails on the night included ones made with passion fruit, yuzu, rose, and cucumber.

AnThai is a Thai restaurant and speakeasy bar in Xintiandi, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

In summary, the cocktails aren’t great and they won’t blow your mind. I just did not get a quality drink for the price, and despite the effort, the drinks were only “OK”. For the vibe of the restaurant and the gimmicky experience of a speakeasy, it’s still a good date night option as something outside of the box.


AnThai
Address: 89 Xing’an Lu 兴安路89号
Tel: 18049883318
Hours: Bistro, Tue-Sun, 5pm-midnight; Bar, 7pm-2am; closed Monday