New Southeast Asian Treats at URBAN Cafe, The Sukhothai Shanghai

By S. R .S. Teimourian, August 3, 2020

URBAN Cafe, the award-winning Southeast Asian restaurant at The Sukhothai Shanghai, is a place to explore the breadth of the region’s rich culinary traditions, serving an eclectic collection of its specialties. And the good news is that they have just expanded their menu.

While it is possible to order a la carte, we’d advise taking advantage of the sharing menu options as it offers you an array of dishes and works out more economically: Select any three dishes for RMB238; five for RMB358; or seven for RMB458.

Coconut Chicken Soup – Tom Gai Kha – (RMB98) is a Thai classic. URBAN Cafe’s rendition is packed with lemongrass flavor and is a gently warming start to the appetizers we try. Other great starter dishes include the sticky, tender and sweet Chicken in Pandan Leaf (RMB88) and the meaty mouthfuls of the Vietnamese-Style Rice Paper Roll with Beef (RMB88).

Coconut Chicken Soup – Tom Gai Kha – (RMB98)

Chicken in Pandan Leaf (RMB88)

Vietnamese Style Rice Paper Roll with Beef (RMB88)

While all the above are great for sharing, the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich (RMB108) is a trickier proposition – and, frankly, on a hungry day why would you want to? Shredded salad, succulent tomato, crunchy onion and delicious curry mayonnaise cementing the flavor combination.

Soft Shell Crab Sandwich (RMB108)

The Lobster Pad Thai (RMB238 a la carte or RMB138 supplement on any set) is the absolute star of the day. The rice noodles come inside a delicate omelette; it’s street food, with the salty sweet tamarind and pleasingly greasy texture that give a slight addiction factor. But this pad thai is elevated to something truly special with the addition of the beautifully cooked fresh half Boston lobster.

Lobster Pad Thai (RMB238)

Another timeless Thai street food favorite is the Stir Fried Oyster Omelette with Bean Sprouts (RMB92), which has a creamy souffle texture and comes with a delicious sauce.

If you are going to opt for the sharing plate option, then do remember that desserts are included, so those with a sweet tooth should prepare to leave room. Desserts include Black Sesame Ice Cream (RMB68), Coconut Ice Cream (RBM68) and, of course, Mango Sticky Rice (RMB78).

Black Sesame Ice Cream (RMB68)