Tai'an Lu

By Liz Grabenstein

Cutting across both Xuhui and Changning districts, Tai’an Lu showcases some unique shops and cafés that have the characteristic ‘concession’ charm, without the negative impact on your wallet. From its humble beginning at Wukang Lu, to its exit on the major thoroughfare of Huashan Lu, Tai’an Lu offers three quiet blocks of apartments, cafés and shops that make for a lovely stroll on a sunny afternoon.

DAGA Café

This new kid on the block has been open since the beginning of February and with its charming, cosy interior, has the potential to become the new local.  The service is second to none, with kind and attentive staff, and a brilliant menu (offering pastas, salads, risottos and some seriously delicious smoothies) to boot.  Take advantage of the free WiFi and come with your laptop for a quiet work session and a pot of one of their teas (RMB 35) and you will be tempted to stay for a signature pear and ginger martini (RMB 48) after the sun goes down.

36 Tai’an Lu, near Wukang Lu

Meuh

This adorable boutique by French designer Hélène Meunier offers both new and unique colourful pieces, as well as a vintage corner with some real gems.  There are designs for both men and women ranging from new shirts (from RMB 300) to a nice selection of vintage accessories, such as leather purses (RMB 900) or funky wellington boots (RMB 200). Still, it’s the box of vintage ties by YSL, Dior and others that are a steal (if they’re real!) at 50RMB a pop.  
29 Tai’an Lu, near Wukang Lu 

Un Paysage

This Taiwanese furniture store relocated from Fenyang Lu a couple of years ago and offers a mélange of furniture and home décor from Taiwan, Germany and Japan. The owner is Taiwanese and has built up a collection of vintage furniture dating as far back as the 1930s. You can pick out flatware, vintage cushions, a cast iron teakettle and other curiosities that aren’t exactly a steal, but we can guarantee no one else will have exactly the same ones, the designs in Un Paysage are pretty unique.
33 Tai’an Lu, near Wukang Lu

nill style Café

A bit of a misnomer since they don’t offer any refreshments, this tiny space is nevertheless worth trawling for the trinkets and the other oddities it sells, designed to give your home a ‘country feel’.  Many of the items unfortunately succumb to typical “made (and designed) in China” spelling mistakes and nonsense sentences.  You can still however pick out some rare treasures amongst the pencil cases and pouches touting the Tour Eiffel, decoupage note cards, and small jewellery chests.
43 Tai’an Lu, near Wukang Lu

aroom

Tucked down a quiet lane, this café isn’t a place you’re likely to simply stumble upon. Boasting an array of knick-knacks collected by Shanghainese owners that range from post cards to old cameras, there is a homely feeling to aroom that makes you feel as though you’re stepping into your friends slightly cluttered living room. Everything that’s for sale is tastefully noted so as not to deter from the charm. Have a look at the selection of local books and stay for a coffee or lime soda.
120 Tai’an Lu, Building 15, near Xingguo Lu

Le Petit Saleya

The younger sister to Le Saleya on Changle Lu, this French eatery is still pretty new, taking over the space formerly occupied by Adobo Latin Flavor last year. Simple Southern French fare is the name of the game here and the menu is an abridged version of the original, offering a selection of main courses such as grilled salmon, duck breast and roast spring chicken for RMB 88,along with some sweet treats, most noteably the lemon tart with meringue (RMB 58).
139 Tai’an Lu near Huashan Lu

Helen Massage

Offering four varieties of aromatherapy massage with imported German oils as well as a combination of foot and body massages (from RMB 138), Helen Massage is an affordable choice to spend an hour or so, and have those kinks and knots massaged away. They also offer four kinds of traditional Chinese massages including foot reflexology (from RMB 98).
133 Tai'an Lu, near Xingguo Lu