Shenzhen’s getting healthier and more sensual (cue the Baywatch theme), especially since Sexy Salad’s slow-motion run into town. Located at the top of Central Walk next to Life Cali, the new green spot serves meal salads and cold-pressed juices. Gym rats meet for dinner after working out, and healthy-living specialists network at the dark wooden tables.
The menu lists the calories, weight, protein, fat, carbs and fiber of each salad directly beneath the picture of the dish. Initially sexist sounding, portions come in “guy” or “girl” sizes. Management means well, as they try to portion out all of the ingredients based on differing dietary needs between men and women, but really anyone can order whatever salad they want.
We start with the quinoa okra beef with apple beetroot sauce (RMB78/large, RMB68/small). Though we get the smaller portion, it arrives in a large bowl full of Japanese beef, quinoa, purple sweet potato, okra, beets, lentils, mushrooms and flaxseed. All dressings come on the side here, and we eagerly pour some of the thick pink concoction on top of our greens. The lightly seasoned beef creates an overall sweet and savory flavor when combined with the delicate apple notes.
Next, we take a bite of the Inca quinoa parmesan chicken salad (RMB58/large, RMB48/small), lightly drizzled with onion lemon olive oil dressing. The chicken has no bones or fat, comes barely seasoned and the consistency is tender yet chewy. The sweet potatoes add texture and a bit of starchy sweetness, while the dressing sits light and zesty on the palate.
After checking out the drink section to the side of the entrance, we open a bottle of almond milk (RMB28), which tastes much lighter and less fatty than most others we’ve tried. We also take a swig of the Rudy (RMB28) juice, thick and pulpy with beet, apple, lemon, ginger and carrot goodness.
As we take in the extremely vegetative interior, complete with chalkboard walls and pictures of people pursing athletic excellence, we notice a 21-day challenge ad on the wall. In the same vein as TV show The Biggest Loser, Sexy Salad patrons can sign up for a workout and diet competition and receive a cash prize if they achieve certain results. There’s also a daily lunch special listed below the ad for those looking to spend less as well as weigh less.
With delicious house-made salad dressings, quick service, a clean interior and hard-to-find ingredients like quinoa and avocados, Sexy Salad reminds us of a winter luxury pumpkin or Gisele Bündchen: it will only get better with age.
Price: RMB80-90
Who’s going: Gym junkies, dieters, area-based office workers
Good for: Meal salads, almond milk
// For address, see listing.
[Photos by Elizabeth Perkins]
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