Alors is a contemporary Chinese restaurant located in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence

Neo-Bistro Alors Dishes Up Modern Chinese Food in Shanghai’s Tianzifang

Alors is a contemporary Chinese restaurant and wine bar located in Shanghai’s Tianzifang, serving up modern Chinese plates with French wines.

The Location

Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The casual wine bistro is located within Tianzifang, a Shanghai tourist trap that’s hoping for a revival. It’s not a destination us residents tend to venture into, but Alors is worth a casual evening.

Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

It’s a simple corner space; a dining room for 30 with a large communal table facing the open kitchen and a few al fresco tables. It’s also dog-friendly indoors. The vibe is chill.

Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The Food

The food is enjoyable, not overly fusion, and has quite a few impressive moments. First impressions are that the menu is still in its early stages of development, and some tweaks are in order. However, some dishes like the roasted pigeon and Xinjiang gnocchi are remarkable, complete, and worth every bite.

Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Hummus (¥58) with fried kale and cubed Sichuan sausage, served with taro crisps. Well-spiced hummus, fragrant with Sichuan pepper and chilies.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Fig Salad (¥58) with sesame oil vinegar and moringa sprouts, which is an uncommon choice for a salad. Moringa sprouts are spinachy, peanuty, and herbal; an excellent vegetable. The salad could have used more than just a couple tiny cubes of goat cheese, though.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Squid (¥78) – Perfectly cooked squid that’s lightly charred and well-salted, served over a fermented green pepper and century egg sauce. Complex funky aromas with zing and spice. Not sure what the jellies were, as the sauce overpowered whatever flavors those cubed pieces held. Otherwise delicious.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Duck Confit Spring Rolls (¥68/two) – I believe that if you’re going to do sticker shock spring rolls, it better be a darn good spring roll. This tasted just FINE—flavorful with reduced citrus sauce—but certainly disappointing for ¥34 per whole spring roll.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Spicy Fried Chicken (¥68) with spicy mayo. Hard to fault! Great snack with wine.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Roasted Pigeon (¥108) – Deliciously tender pigeon with a luscious beef glaze topped mustard seeds. Absolutely fantastic and a must-order.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Xinjiang Gnocchi (¥68) – A twist on the Xinjiang dish Ge Da Mian (疙瘩面). Chewy tubes cooked to a firm finish like you would pasta, drenched in a creamy potato sauce, topped with spicy fermented bean paste and charred maitake mushrooms. Another must-order dish.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Grilled Mackerel (¥78/three) – Grilled mackerel atop tomato toast with sweet-sour wampee jam.
Modern Chinese wine bistro Alors in Tianzifang, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Black Sesame Ice Cream (¥58) with fresh strawberries, mascarpone cream, pistachios, and parmesan crisp.

In Summary

Good for date night or casual evening meal for those living in the area. An especially convenient option for dinner when you’re bringing visitors through to Tianzifang.


Alors
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