Late last summer saw the reincarnation of Azul in Shankang Li, and the team behind it hasn’t seemed to have slowed down since. Soon after opening for dinner, Azul launched a full brunch menu, which is now followed by a weekday lunch menu.
With our prediction that Shankang Li will become the new ‘it’ spot already proving true, having more options for all hours of the day is only making us want to be there even more often than we already are.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Azul, as the flagship brand by Peruvian restaurateur Eduardo Vargas, has received a full makeover from top to bottom in its new home on Kangding Lu. “The only thing we kept the same is the name and Eduardo’s flan,” says Azul’s head chef Willmer Colmenares, previously of Char Bar & Grill.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Whimsical would be the word to describe the dinner menu, and lunch maintains that same playfulness, only with a healthier twist. Available Tuesday through Friday from 11am-2pm, diners can order a set of one starter plus one main for RMB120. The menu will change every few weeks, ensuring the freshest ingredients, most seasonal produce and rotating interesting options for those who work nearby.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The current iteration sees six starters and seven mains to choose from, with a handful appeasing the vegetarian and vegan crowds as well as those who are gluten free. The regular menu is mostly available during lunchtime too for those who are craving a specific dish.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
For the starters, think mostly vegetable forward options like Pumpkin Veloute – with rich coconut milk, mushrooms, cubed roasted pumpkin and fresh cilantro – or Quinoa Salad with sliced avocado, mixed vegetables, kale, dollops of crème fraiche, pickled lemons and crushed spiced nuts.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
If you skipped breakfast and need something more substantial, drop an extra RMB8 for the Avocado Bacon Scone. A perfectly poached egg atop avocado and Canadian-style bacon, smothered in a creamy truffle hollandaise that had us licking the plate clean.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Moving down the menu to the mains, these substantial bites will keep you feeling satisfied through the end of the workday. From roasted Pork Loin with confit potatoes, fried eggs and crispy onions to Sea Bass served on a thick polenta ragout, seasoned with herb pesto, chorizo and crispy garlic, this is a lunch worth making it through your morning meeting for.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The Beef Super Bowl is the king when it comes to epic salads – for just RMB18 extra on top of the regular set menu price enjoy an entire medium rare steak on a bed of mixed greens, kale, barley, avocado, jalapeño peppers, pickled onions, harissa-coated chickpeas and mixed veggies.
If you plan to dine with a friend, or you’re feeling extra peckish, an additional starter can be added to any set for RMB40, and an additional main will set you back an extra RMB80.
See a listing for Azul.
[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]
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