The OHA Group opens a traditional Cantonese restaurant on Dagu Lu, The Flask Group expands with a bistro-bar, and upscale Spanish food at Huata.

Restaurant Fu 福餐厅

Address: 431 Dagu Lu, near Shimen Yi Lu 大沽路431号, 近石门一路
Tel: 15921709033
Hours: Tue-Sun, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; closed Monday

Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

From the OHA Group comes Restaurant Fu (福餐厅), a traditional Chinese restaurant dedicated to Cantonese cuisine located on Dagu Lu.

Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Unlike the group’s other Chinese restaurants Maolago and Oha Eatery, which both serve a contemporary style of Guizhou food, Restaurant Fu is strictly traditional Cantonese.

Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai.
Chef Kong (L) and Gavin (R)

Specifically, Restaurant Fu aims to revive lost or soon forgotten recipes from Guangzhou, delving deep into the foods found in Shunde, Chaoshan, Taishan, and beyond.

Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Leading the research behind those dishes is venue manager Gavin, who has more than 20 years of experience working in traditional Chinese fine dining restaurants. Upholding the quality is head chef Kong, who has been cooking traditional Cantonese for 17 years, and his brigade of Canton-native chefs.

Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
A communal table towards the kitchen.

As for the ambience, it’s cool, understatedly chic, hip, and casual. The same could be said about the crowd that Restaurant Fu has attracted.

Signatures at Restaurant Fu are classic Cantonese dishes of crispy pigeon, claypot rice, and double boiled soups, all of which are excellent and delicious, ones I would return for time and again.

Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Poached Goose Liver (¥128) – A Chaoshan delicacy made with the liver from lion-head goose. The naturally sweet liver is poached to a tender and supple consistency, and is served with a dipping sauce of soy and sesame oil.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Chaoshan Pickled Spring Onion & Oyster (¥38) – Lightly pickled spring onions from Inner Mongolia with oysters coated with soy sauce. The spring onions lend a grassy spice to the creamy oysters.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Oxtail with Papaya and Dry Fig Soup (¥88) – Double boiled oxtail soup sweetened with papaya, fig, and dates. So clean yet robust with flavor. A reviving elixir that will be well sought after during the coming winter months.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Crispy Pigeon (¥72) – Pigeon that is marinated overnight and left to air-dry then deep-fried. Shatteringly crispy skin and uber juicy. There’s no elegant way to enjoy this dish—use your hands and just have at it. It came with a plum sauce, but the bird was so tasty the sauce was hardly touched.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Steamed Chicken on Lotus Leaf (¥82) – A light dish of steamed chicken with crunchy dried taro stem. If you haven’t yet mastered the art of tackling bone-in chicken bits, this might prove a difficult dish to enjoy.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Deep-Fried Puning Tofu with Leek (¥38) – Simple but delightful. Crispy puffs of airy tofu with a fragrant leek oil.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
River Eel Claypot Rice (¥102) – A fantastic staple of Taishan. Eels are marinated and fried, then baked atop rice in a claypot. The residual heat crisps the rice to create guoba or “scorched rice,” which is possibly the best thing about claypot rice.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Naturally sweet eel mixed with house soy seasoning. This is fantastic, and a must-order. If eel isn’t your thing, there’s a regular claypot rice, too.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Pan-Fried Chaozhou-Style Beef Dumplings (¥33/three) – Large steamed then pan-fried dumplings filled with diced beef and peppers.
Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Steamed Water Chestnut Cake (¥25) – A light jelly-like dessert with bits of crunchy water chestnut.

For drinks, there are a couple simple cocktails from ¥68, drip wine from ¥69, wine from ¥85, and Chinese teas from ¥38.

Restaurant Fu is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine by The OHA Group, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Having tried Restaurant Fu, it’s clear that the OHA Group can do both modern and traditional with aplomb. The food is delicious, it’s more than affordably priced, and the vibe excellent. Highly recommend.

KRU On Tap

Address: 850 Xikang Lu, near Haifang Lu 西康路850号, 近海防路
Tel: 58388866
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11:30am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11:30am-1am

KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Located in M+ Jing’an, KRU On Tap is a bistro-style bar that’s café by day, bistro by night, serving Taiwanese food with a modern twist, flame-grilled bites, and draft wines and cocktails.

It’s the latest from The Flask Group, which has a proven track record of running some quality drinking establishments in Shanghai, including but not limited to Botanist (cocktails), KRU (wine), and its namesake Flask (cocktails). This is the group’s first foray into the bistro category.

KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The vibe is “low-key cool” with a light color scheme of pale wood tones and warm lighting. It’s a comfortable, airy dining room with a cozy bar counter, and a standing bar area. It’s also dog-friendly inside.

KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The food at KRU On Tap is mostly flame-grilled and features dishes that are heavily influenced by Taiwanese flavors. It is somewhat fusion, but I find it leans more Taiwanese than Western. On the menu are a myriad of side dishes that act as appetizers and elegant bar snacks, steaks, comforting rice bowls, and a slew of house pickles that you won’t find anywhere else in Shanghai.

KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Grilled Bamboo Shoots (¥38) – Juicy bamboo shoots kissed by the grill served with white chocolate custard and nasturtium aioli. Not a fan of the sweet custard, but love the shoots.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Fries (¥48) with garlic confit and shacha mayo.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Grilled Broccolini (¥38) with broccoli purée and XO mayonnaise. Nothing impressive. Just a veggie dish to share.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Taiwanese Bottarga (¥48/three) – Tartlets filled with caramelized onions and black snowed over with gruyere cheese and topped with a wedge of umami-rich bottarga. Little bites that go a long way.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Grilled Chicken (¥68) – Juicy and tender chicken with crunchy granola, lemon oil, and lemon confit. It’s a refined version of sanbeiji, three cup chicken.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Beef Tartare (¥98) with house vinegar and Jerusalem artichoke mousse. Delicious.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Grilled Beef Tongue (¥88) – A hearty bowl of braised pork rice (luroufan) topped with thinly sliced beef tongue and miso salted egg.
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Torched Mochi Tart (¥28) with sesame and matcha cream.

I do recommend getting some of their house pickles, which are an uncommon ensemble of more fruit-based pickles rather than vegetables. I haven’t seen pickled red guava anywhere else, and welcome the tangy, crunchy, appetizing triangles.

KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Red Guava (¥26)
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Star Fruit (¥26) and Tomatoes (¥12)
KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Pineapple (¥12) – Lightly pickled, spiced, and grilled.

Drinks on tap include cocktails, beer, and wine, all priced at an affordable ¥68/glass. The draft cocktails were a highlight, most of which are, as far as I could discern, easy drinking and low-ABV.

KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai.
Image courtesy of KRU On Tap.

I highly recommend the “pistachio, guava, tie kuan yin oolong tea,” “white miso, litchi, chamomile,” and the “pickled green chili, pineapple, coffee.” Mocktails and coffees also available on the menu.

KRU On Tap, a bistro bar for Taiwanese bites and draft cocktails by The Flask Group in Jing'an, Shanghai.
Image courtesy of KRU On Tap.

Great for a casual dinner or date night. Good for popping in for drinks too, that is, when drinking openly is allowed again. Do call ahead to ask, but mind you, if the venue says they can’t serve you alcohol, it is not their decision. As for daytime, I can imagine it to be a lovely café for lunch or as an alternative workspace. (I’ve also been told their breakfast sandwich is excellent.)

Huata

Address: No. 201, Block A, Bldg 5, 8 Hengshan Lu, near Wulumuqi Nan Lu 衡山路8号5号楼A座201室, 近乌鲁木齐南路
Tel: 16621795767
Hours: Daily, 5pm-midnight

Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Huata Holiday Plan is an upscale Spanish restaurant in the newly opened Hengshan 8 complex.

I had some reservations about venturing to Huata. Their press line, “to create a Spanish-style resort in the city, the all-round experience from space, products to meals is an aesthetic journey from body to soul,” wasn’t in the least convincing. Thankfully, I stand corrected, as the food proved to be tasty and well executed, and the service attentive and commendable.

Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

It’s located on the second floor of the new Hengshan 8 complex, a colossal building on the corner of Hengshan and Wulumuqi, one that will soon be home to multiple F&B outlets, including High Yaki The Sea, Il Laboratorio del Gelato, and a dozen others. The interiors at Huata are feminine with a clean, design-forward aesthetic.

What’s more impressive is the terrace, which has been decked out to evoke, as I understand it, a “Barcelona beach vibe.” Come winter months, the theme will change, as I’m told.

As for the food, it’s mostly Spanish fare with the usual suspects of grilled mains like steaks, ribs, and whole filets of fish. It’s a huge menu of nearly 30 tapas, supplemented by the aforementioned restaurant staples, as well as a dozen renditions of pasta and paella, and the coveted suckling pig.

Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Ham Croquette (¥58/three) – Textbook croquettes. Creamy with bits of ham.
Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Tortilla (¥58) – Again, textbook.
Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Spanish Piquillo Pepper (¥68) – Velvety, smoky peppers stuffed with stewed oxtail. Delicious.
Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Spanish Chorizo (¥78) – Enjoyable, but small in portion.
Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Spanish Paella (¥258) – Properly crisped rice cooked slightly al dente, enriched with seafood stock with bits of seafood. Served with king prawns, mussels, and clams. Very flavorful and satisfying.
Huata, Spanish restaurant in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Carbonara (¥128) – A creamy linguine with chunks of fried pancetta, mushrooms, and black truffle.

For drinks, it’s primarily wine, which is available from ¥98 by the glass, and high-end whiskies from ¥108/glass. Beers from ¥58.

The food is good, and the price, well, is a little bit upmarket. What was really lacking in my experience was the ambiance. The near-empty dining room on a rainy weekday didn’t provide the optimum setting for such a meal. If you’re looking for an occasion restaurant in the area, this is another option.