[Shanghai] Ginseng Bar x Oh My Kebab!

Ginseng Bar | Dianping
Address: 永康路39号 – 39 Yongkang Rd (徐汇区 Xuhui District)
Date visited: 2014.03
Price: ~RMB¥60-100 per drink
Will return: Yes

Edit: This venue (Ginseng) has closed

I don’t fancy Yongkang Lu because I don’t enjoy standing around holding a cup of overpriced beer. Most Yongkang Lu bars rely on location to charge high premiums for so-so products. That’s not my thing. But newly reopened Ginseng Bar is something of a different level: a casually sophisticated haven from the perpetual tailgate outside (let the gods forbid they ever sell red solo cups in China). Ginseng has the best of both worlds: taste and location. It commands an audience with its well-thought-out and well-executed concoctions and happens to be in a prime location. Win-win. Now that’s my thing.

Ginseng has a staple offering of drinks ranging from classics to house infusions. Ginseng reminds me of Hong Kong with its sophisticated casual air. This makes perfect sense because its new owner also owns Origin and Quinary in Hong Kong, the latter of which I have been and liked very much (Earl Grey Martini anyone?).

Ginseng’s Martinez (RMB¥80) with Ginseng gin infusion
When at Ginseng, order the Ginseng drink. I like drinks that are not too sweet but not overly strong. I drink to taste. This drink fits right into that criterium.

Crunchy popcorn to munch on–sweet and salty at the same time.

Manuka Saffron Martini (RMB¥78) with Sichuan saffron and honey vodka
An interlude on the sweeter (but not too sweet) side.

Cuban Old Fashioned (RMB¥78) with chocolate bitters
That inevitable time when the Old Fashioned comes. Wonderful.

Hot Bourbon Brew (RMB¥60) with dried citrus peel and chrysanthemum from Yellow Mountain
Warm and soothing for the heart. ZzzZzzz.

Ketel One Espresso Martini (RMB¥70)
A bittersweet ending (literally) to a good night.

–

Oh My Kebab! | Facebook
Address: 永康路5-号 – 50 Yongkang Rd (徐汇区 Xuhui District)
Date visited: 2014.03
Price: ~RMB¥40 per kebab
Will return: Yes

Oh My Kebab! is a new concept occupying Handle Bar, which is across the street from Ginseng. If you are lazy, you can literally call Handle Bar/Oh My Kebab! and tell them to send the kebabs across the street to you at Ginseng. Exactly what we did.

Chicken Kebab (RMB¥39) loaded up with onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and Long Island dressing. Delicious. Pork is also available, which I was told is very good so I will have no choice but to (willingly) eat this again very soon.

Comments

comments