The Place
The familiar, indulgent aroma of gravy, crisp waffles, caramel milkshakes, Cajun spices and ground andouille sausages envelops you like a hug as you breeze through the bar and neon signs to the second floor, where a humble abode awaits.
Located on Huasui Lu between Social & Co. and McCawley’s, 13 Factories could easily be considered the subtlest, most hush-hush re-opening of 2017. Under the radar for a few years now, it has what could be described as a cult following, and we just rediscovered why.
The Food
With a menu that pays serious homage to bold flavors that comprise various culinary landscapes, from Cajun, Creole and Tex-Mex to New England and Atlantic, the restaurant’s York-born-and-raised proprietor Justin has filled a niche, delivering heritage recipes with a homemade twist.
Here, the food reigns supreme, and without a doubt, hits every single spot you never knew existed.
The oldies prevail from the previous menu: chicken ‘n’ buttermilk waffles (RMB68), southern mac & cheese (RMB75) and BBQ chicken (RMB65) are done generously and wholesomely, with nothing to fault except the fact that the portions are so large, you’ll need a doggy bag. The Cajun jambalaya (RMB68) takes a humble piece of tilapia and blackens it just perfectly, on a bed of seasoned rice that lingers long after you’ve engulfed every grain.
Then there’s the new, or shall we say, rejuvenated, entrants: the chipotle chorizo and cheddar taquitos (RMB45) tastes just as good as it sounds, with a cooling tequila-infused dipping sauce. Lunch is well priced, so it’s no surprise that 13 Factories is often packed with consulate folk looking to sate themselves before attending to burgeoning crowds of visa seekers.
Vegetarians can revel in the fried white cheese salad (RMB48), with pillows of herb- and walnut-encrusted cheese on a bed of greens, and the maque choux corn stew rice bowl (RMB45), which may take you by surprise with its depth of flavor.
Hankering for a greasy yet invigorating brunch after a night out? Try the shrimpy bastard (RMB68), a non-conventional take on eggs benny, or the huevos beneduck (RMB65), chipotle duck patties served on English muffins, with eggs, bacon and chipotle hollandaise. We’re salivating as we type this, thinking of just how many bacon bloodies and mimosas (two hours’ free-flow, RMB118) we can down whilst stuffing our faces.
Oh, and then there are the dishes not found on the menu, like the New England clam chowder, cheesecake and fried Oreo sundae. Yes, a fried Oreo sundae, with whipped cream and a cherry to boot. Ask and you might just receive this godly creation.
The Vibe
This is soul food, so you’d best feel right at home. Come in shorts and slippers and use your hands to dig into the BBQ pulled pork nachos, sliders and atomic wings. No holds barred. Need we say more?
Price: RMB120
Who’s going: cool kids who can pronounce chipotle, Cajun and jambalaya
Good for: all-American fare
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