New & Noted: Madison Kitchen

What: An all-American sandwich shop and deli, with a flavour of Shanghai

Where: 1,414 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Fuxing Lu. Tel: 6404 0025

Why: For indulgent bites and snacks that taste like home

Austin Hu, formally of popular brunch spot Madison, recently made his very welcomed return to the Xuhui neighbourhood in the form of Madison Kitchen. After the closure of Madison in 2014, its reincarnation has been much anticipated, and does not disappoint. Unlike Madison, however, seating space is limited to one, long communal counter, facing towards the busy road, so it is more of a takeout joint, rather than a lazy Sunday brunch location.

 

The deli is still very much in soft opening phase, butcurrently offers a range of sandwiches, soup, salads, and  sweet treats, along with their own cured meats and pickles. Other Western products also adorn the shelves, such as teabags and truffle oil. The convenient location makes up for the lack of space, and the well-lit, cosy venue is welcoming to walk-ins. You may also spot one of their cute rescue animals on the way in.

 

Prices are reasonable, with sandwiches starting from RMB 55 and salads RMB 25. Our favourite item on the menu has to be the deliciously deviant Molten Oppa Love (RMB 55), a grilled cheese sandwich, with Swiss, white cheddar, Gruyere and mozzarella, and the addition of kimchi (one of Hu’s classic flavour combinations) and house made Cola ham. We also highly recommend Green Eggs and Ham (RMB 55), with egg salad, house cured Cola ham and basil pesto.

 

All in all, this deli is a winner in our eyes, and we would kill for another bite of their double chocolate bacon cookie (RMB 30). Crispy on the outside, yet gooey in the middle, these cookies have bacon bits blended throughout the mixture and are dusted with rock salt. A perfect balancing act between savoury and sweet. Have it for breakfast, we dare you.