From the Azul Group comes the expansion of their casual, international cuisine empire with another branch of Xouk, this time in Pudong. The Azul Group currently has seven restaurants in Shanghai and five brands – Colca, Azul Shankang Li, Bhacus, Azul Italiano and Xouk by Azul – making this opening the seventh venue, and their first in Pudong.
Image courtesy of Xouk by Azul
The restaurant offers family-friendly fare in a colorful, open-air space, with room for 80 people in the dining room, plus a spacious patio out front with seating for another 20.
Stop by soon to enjoy their grand opening discount – 22% off your bill from now through March 19.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The menu sees a vibrant mix of both Western and Asian dishes, classics and fun fusion. Case in point, the Poke Nachos (RMB88) – a twist on the usual Mexican nachos, pulling from the flavors of a spicy tuna sushi roll.
Crispy tortilla chips are smothered in an addictingly spicy tuna mayo poke, interspersed with dots of avocado cream, popping roe beads of bright orange tobiko and wakame seaweed salad.
We recommend ordering a second one just for yourself – you're not going to want to share.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Jumping from Japan to Spain, seasoned with garlic, chili, parsley and paprika, the Garlic Prawns (RMB98) arrive on a hot plate, sizzling and succulent, ideal for a sharing-style appetizer.
Charcuterie Board (RMB168), Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The most eclectic and colorful dish on offer is the Xouk House Salad (RMB88), a bed of mixed greens adorned with raspberries, dragon fruit, cucumber, melon, tomatoes, asparagus, nuts, seeds and quail eggs, all brought together with a zippy honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The Amazing Burger (RMB88), is an archetypal burger, but with every element completed to excess – two juicy beef patties oozing with Swiss cheese, caramelized onion, thick-cut bacon and a tangy secret sauce that combines a measured balance of ketchup, mayo and pickles – all atop a plush brioche bun.
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The venue’s best seller, the Tuna Katsu (RMB118) delivers battered and fried tuna loin topped with nori flakes and wakame seafood salad, served alongside a creamy barley, spinach and shimeji mushroom mash – great value for such a generous portion.
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Bringing back the original Azul’s Cuban chicken recipe, the Xouk Grilled Chicken (RMB98) sees tomato salsa pan-roasted oregano chicken atop a medley of Mediterranean vegetables in an aji amarillo – or yellow chili – sauce atop potato mash.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
A balanced brunch, lunch or dinner, the Poached Egg with Truffled Mushrooms (RMB88) is all about the sauteed Yunnan, enoki and shitake mushrooms, surrounding a luscious dollop of potato foam and a 65-degree poached egg, all drizzled in truffle oil and sprinkled with shaved truffle.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Xouk also has a wide variety of all-day brunch selections, like the Strawberry Waffle (RMB68) – a homemade waffle with fresh strawberries, French-style caramel whipped cream and vanilla ice cream.
Or, if you want to get even more fruity, try the Mixed Berry Pancakes (RMB68).
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On the savory side, there’s Avocado Toast (RMB58), the Wagyu Steak Breakfast (RMB148), or the most popular seller among numerous other brunch offerings: the Xouk Big Breakfast (RMB98)– a plate full of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potato hash, sauteed mushroom, sourdough, black beans, mixed greens.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
A few dinner-only items (available from 5-10pm daily) include the Spanish Board (RMB168) – a platter of chorizo, salchichon, Manchego cheese, Spanish olive, ham croquetas and pan con tomato – tomato bread…
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… and the Latin Lobster Rice (RMB628/whole, RMB398/half), a roasted lobster atop a seafood paella rice smattered with prawns, squid and mussels, and seasoned with sofrito, tomato, cilantro and peas – an absolute must try.
Diners can also savor a Mixed Grill Platter (RMB328), USDA Prime Ribeye (RMB448) and Roasted Halibut (RMB158), among the many delectable bites to choose from.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
It wouldn’t be an Eduardo Vargas venue if it didn’t include the Azul Signature Flan (RMB48) – a Shanghai famous crème caramel dessert finished with a crispy caramel tuille.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
And don’t overlook the Chocolate-Peanut Lava Flow (RMB68) – a melty peanut butter and chocolate bomb of a dessert perfectly described by its name, and accompanied by salted caramel ice cream.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
On the drinks side, there are oh-so-many to choose from, starting with classics, like Aperol Spritz (RMB68), to Church (RMB68) with gin, Cointreau, and blood orange liqueur.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The Angel’s Love (RMB68) is refreshingly tart, from the addition of passion fruit and lemon to vodka and Aperol, while the Pink Lollipop (RMB68) is sweet from raspberries, cranberries and ginger ale.
Citronella (RMB68), Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
There are also equally tasty non-alcoholic options, like the Dragon (RMB58) – with grapefruit and cranberry juice topped with lime, tea and soda; or the refreshingly sour La Passion (RMB58) that features passion fruit and kumquat, and can be served hot or cold.
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And if it’s wine you’re after, Xouk is currently running a promotion through Dianping, with 11 bottles to choose from that have been discounted from RMB188 to just RMB98 (limited one per guest).
Speaking of deals, deals, deals, Xouk offers a weekday business lunch set – a choice amongst 12 of the most popular menu items, plus a soup or salad for RMB76-96. Select from options like Asian Prawn Pasta (RMB76), Spicy Tuna Salad (RMB96), Crispy Soft Shell Crab (RMB96) or Lamb Udon (RMB76)... and so much more.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image courtesy of Xouk by Azul
The newly opened location is just as buzzing and energetic as its 1000 Trees spot, and for good reason; high quality ingredients coupled with value-driven prices – clocking in at less than RMB200 per person – make it a popular destination for people of all ages and walks of life.
And don't forget – head in before March 19 to enjoy that 22% off grand opening discount.
Xouk, 82 Weifang Xi Lu, by Pucheng Lu, 潍坊西路82号, 近浦城路.
[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]
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