KLAY is a contemporary Indian restaurant led by chef Hardeep Somal. It opened in February and has since commanded quite the following.

KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

About KLAY

Located in Jing’an, KLAY is a tightly run ship with a fast-rotating menu of dishes. The food is contemporary Indian, and is similar to what you’d find at upmarket Indian restaurants in the London or LA—traditional roots with global influences. And that’s very much in-tune with Somal’s upbringing, who grew up in a Punjabi household in London.

KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Update May 2023:

Since opening, KLAY has grown into it’s own unique character and commands a loyal following. It’s a no-frills dining destination that promises delicious modern Indian cuisine in a fun, casual setting.

The Food

On the menu are refined Indian dishes that stem from its traditional origins. Other iterations like the butter chicken taco are more playful, while some are showy centerpieces like the whole rack of roasted tandoori lamb, a menu special that not only impresses in looks but in mouthwatering flavor.

KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Spicy Crab Curry (¥118) – Hand-picked fresh crab meat in aromatic spices. Rather spicy. Very addictive.
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Butter Chicken Taco (¥58), pictured on the right – Spiced chicken breast with butter masala sauce and crispy onions on naan. It’s a hearty appetizer.
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Bangladesh Fish Fry (¥288) – A whole halibut in a dry rub of masala spices filleted table-side. Served with pickled shallots and zesty mint chutney. It’s well-executed with good flavor. But when it comes to curry, I tend to lean more towards the next dish:
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Lamb Gosht Curry (¥88) – Slow cooked lamb leg with yogurt. A thick, potent and spicy curry with tender cubes of lamb. Excellent and right up my alley. You definitely need rice with this one.
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Saag Paneer (¥78) with spiced spinach sauce and raita. One for every table.
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Burnt Garlic Tarka Dal (¥68) – A creamy lentil dal.
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Truffle Cheese Naan (¥58) – It’s cheese in a naan with truffle oil and truffle paste. Hard to not like. But if it’s bread to enjoy your curries with, go for the garlic naan (¥28).
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Lemon Tart (¥38)
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Kulfi Ice Cream (¥48) with warm apple crumble and pan-fried caramelized bananas.
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Dhania Highball (¥75) – OUR vodka infused with coriander and topped with olive lemonade. A refreshing drink to help soften those spices.
KLAY is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Old Mumbai-Rita (¥90) – A punchy twist on the margarita. Tequila, celery, ginger, lime, and Cointreau with a dry masala rim.

Lunch & Brunch

Lunch sets start from ¥78, entrée with a choice of garlic or plain naan, rice, and soft drink. Weekend brunch menu is a la carte with dishes ranging from ¥38 to ¥358.

KLAY
Address: 1124 Beijing Xi Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu 北京西路1124号, 近陕西北路
Tel: 52788175
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 6-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-2pm, 6-10pm