The Place
Drawing inspiration from the convergence of Arabic and Spanish influences, Andalusia is a new Middle Eastern tapas fusion concept in Jing'an's Moho Mall.
The name—and logo—pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the historic Al-Andalus region in Spain, a period of Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula that lasted from 711 to 1492 AD.
One of the Andalusia owners is Egyptian, and he has brought in two chefs—Ahmed and Saad—from the Land of the Pharaohs to guarantee authenticity.
The North African influence shines through in the décor, particularly in the spacious dining room’s comfortable sofa seating—ideal for groups or families to gather and share mezze platters and grilled meat feasts.
It all seems to be working. Opening at the end of last year, Andalusia has already proved a hit—winning the People's Choice Award for New Restaurant of the Year at the 22nd That's Shanghai Food & Drink Awards.
The Food
Andalusia offers a vibrant blend of Middle Eastern and Spanish flavors, with a menu that balances traditional dishes and creative fusion.
Start your meal by sharing a selection of mezze. A Trio Of Dips (RMB68) might seem unassuming, but at Andalusia it is an absolute must-order.
The Hummus is smooth and zesty, nailing the perfect texture; the Baba Ghanoush strikes the golden mean of smoky eggplant and nutty tahini; and the Muhammara—a Turkish red pepper and walnut dip—packs a spicy kick that is seriously moreish.
All three can also be ordered individually for RMB48. Do not—we repeat—do not miss out on the Muhammara.
Another on the not-to-be-missed list is the Merguez Bite (RMB68). Spiced lamb sausage—blended with smoky piquillo peppers and sweet caramelized onion—is piled onto crisp laffa toast with a silky eggplant compote and cooling drizzle of labneh sauce.
Middle Eastern Kofta Meatballs (RMB68) are freshly made with a blend of beef and lamb, braised in a fragrant baharat tomato sauce.
Baharat (meaning 'spices' in Arabic) is a deep, aromatic blend that marries the sweet tomatoes with warm, complex spices like black pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and paprika.
The Crispy Calamari (RMB68) sees tender squid lightly fried to golden perfection, dusted with aromatic Moroccan spices, and served with a wedge of lemon and a cool tzatziki.
A classic Spanish Omelet (RMB58)—golden potatoes and sweet onions bound in fluffy eggs—is served with romesco, a rich, nutty, and slightly smoky sauce from the coastal Catalonian city of Tarragona made from roasted peppers, nuts, garlic, and tomatoes.
Moving on from the mezze (kicking and screaming—we could work through that section of the Andalusia menu for days), the Spanish-Style Seafood Paella (RMB188 for 2, RMB318 for 4) sees juicy, rice with a cornucopia of clams, plump shrimp, squid, mussels, and more.
Or opt for a bold fusion twist, the Andalusia Shawarma Paella (RMB168 for 2, RMB248 for 4)—spiced beef or chicken shawarma meets traditional paella, crowned with a drizzle of harissa aioli for a creamy, fiery finish.
Is it really a Middle Eastern meal if you haven't had a Mixed Grill? Lamb Chops, Beef Skewers, Chicken Taouk (tender, marinated cubes of chicken skewered), and Kofta (ground beef and mutton mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, then grilled)—all cooked to smoky perfection and served on a bed of rice, along with dipping sauces to cool them off or spice them up, as per your preference.
At Andalusia, the mixed grill is also a pick-your-size adventure, with Small (one of each) at RMB188, Medium (two of each) at RMB288, and Large (four of each) at RMB488, while all meat options can also be ordered individually.
End your meal on a sweet note with the Arabic Baklava (RMB68), featuring a quartet of puff pastry desserts—Walnut, Pistachio, Coconut, and Chocolate—served with pistachio ice cream.
May we suggest a mint tea alongside this one?
For those with a slightly less sweet tooth, the Moroccan Orange Salad (RMB48) sees juicy orange slices topped with ruby red pomegranate and cinnamon, before being drizzled with honey, fresh mint and crumbled pistachios for the perfect crunchy finish.
A vibrant palate-cleanser.
The Vibe
Andalusia wraps you in warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality the moment you step inside—the kind of place where brunch effortlessly stretches into cocktails, then lingers into a lively night.
Beyond the exceptional food, the venue thrums with energy: sip creative cocktails at the fully stocked bar.
Signature cocktails include the Desert Star (RMB70) featuring arak, rye whiskey, rhubarb, and date molasses; the Shams Oase-Abmat (RMB75) with vodka with hibiscus, citrus, and grenadine, finished with orange blossom water; and the Rosa Ispahan Nougat (RMB75), a luxurious option with gin, roasted orgeat, rose water, and cream.
Unwind with a shisha—such as the Spice Odyssey, which intertwines the exotic aroma of sandalwood with the refreshing sweetness of fruit ice and blueberry mint—or head out onto the terrace, where DJs and belly dancers transform evenings into celebrations.
With its diverse, shareable menu—balancing wholesome bites with decadent delights—Andalusia shines brightest when enjoyed in good company.
Gather friends, order rounds of their legendary dips and grilled meats, and surrender to the irresistible rhythm of a true—north and south coast—Mediterranean feast.
Price: RMB100-300
Who’s Going: Mediterranean food lovers, Middle Eastern flavor chasers, social diners who live for shared plates
Good For: Group feasts, family gatherings, late-night shisha sessions, impromptu terrace parties
Andalusia, Moho Mall, 1/F, 699 Jiangning Lu, by Changping Lu, Jing'an District 江宁路699号近昌平路
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