Ah yes, it’s that time of year again. That wonderful holiday where everything smells like pumpkin spice and Aunt Sharon still calls you by your sister’s name, and you have to pretend like turkey is not the least impressive out of all meats (but really how does one keep the breast moist?). Regardless, we’ll take mom’s overcooked turkey roasted with love over kao ya any day. And luckily you won’t have to resort to such extreme measures on Thanksgiving. Here’s a fully comprehensive guide on where to get your gobble on in Shanghai.
Dinners
POP
Popular (pun intended) American brasserie located on the Bund is offering a classic Thanksgiving menu featuring a smoked salmon and grilled pear salad for starters, creamy chowder, roasted veggies, herbed potatoes, and of course a stuffed, slow-roasted turkey. Come for the view, stay for the pumpkin pie.
// Nov 26, lunch and dinner, RMB248 (10% service charge). POP
Mercato
Don’t expect Jean George to be using any cool whip or stuffing out of a box. This top eatery is offering a refined take on Thanksgiving classics. Expect some juicy roast with a chestnut shitake stuffing, kale salad with chili and mint, and a spiced pumpkin cheesecake. We highly suggest early booking.
// Nov 26, dinner, RMB 60-448. Mercato
MAYA
This acclaimed Latin American restaurant is spicing up your favorite Thanksgiving dishes with pairings such as mole gravy and spiced cranberry sauce. Oh, and they will also be serving homemade eggnog! Spots always fill up fast so make sure to book early.
//Nov 26, 6pm-close, RMB350.
MAYA will also be hosting a second dinner partnered with XinXing Aid for Street kids. In addition to a full fledged turkey dinner and free flow drinks, there will also be a Silent Auction and Christmas Cards for sale to benefit XinXing. MAYA is donating the proceeds to XinXing, which will provide relief for impoverished children in Shanxi province.
// Nov 24, 7-11pm, 450 RMB.
Grand Brasserie
Let the Waldorf Astoria prepare the opulent Thanksgiving feast of your dreams. You know, the ones you always see in magazine with an unrealistically golden turkey. Their resident bistro, Grand Brasserie, will offer a delectable holiday buffet that is perfect for large groups and families. A live jazz band will set the tone for a warm, ritzy Thursday. Limited seats, reservations required.
//Nov 26, 5:30-11pm, RMB698 (RMB348 ages 6-12). Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Wishbone
It’s 2015 folks, which means it’s time to get progressive and untraditional. So ditch the turkey and spend Thanksgiving feasting on Wishbone’s famous, mouthwatering roasted chicken. Additions include but are not limited to deep fried pulled pork mac n’ cheese, roasted pumpkin and tahini, bacon gravy, and a sweet potato banoffee pie.
// Nov 26-29, 6pm - late, RMB880 (feeds about four people). Wishbone
Shanghai Slim’s
This year, Slim’s is pimping out your Thanksgiving with a USA Butterball turkey and BBQ pork ribs, as well as a self-titled “BEST” pumpkin pie in Shanghai. Throw in a drunk uncle and some marshmallows and you’ve got yourself an All-American feast. Reservations are essential.
// Nov 26, dinner, RMB428.
Mr. Willis, Henkes, Bang
Restaurateur extraordinaire is pulling out all the stops this Thanksgiving with a special menu offered at all of his restaurants. The decadent platter includes a slow roasted turkey with lemon and pine nut stuffing with all the fixings plus sweet potatoes, carrots, and brussel sprouts. Save room for pumpkin bacon soup and brownie fudge ice cream. Depending on the size of your party, platters are priced at RMB380 for a quarter, RMB680 for a half, and RMB1280 for a whole.
// Nov 26-27, dinner, RMB380-1280.
elEfante
If your mom was a Spanish retired model and your dad an Italian boss chef, then your thanksgiving spread probably looks a lot like elEfante’s. For starters, enjoy some Italian cold cuts, crusty breads, and one (or a few) glasses of wine. Then, partake in some juicy roasted turkey of course, with a free flow (you read that right) of cumin glazed carrots, giblet gravy, stuffing, and much more.
// Nov 26, dinner, RMB328.
El Willy
The acclaimed Spanish restaurant’s holiday menu is surprisingly an ode to American classics. A juicy roasted turkey will be accompanied by a free flow of green beans, mashed taters, spinach dip, and the bane of American gastronomy, the infamous deviled egg. Plus, you can soak up all those leftover juices with their homemade cornbread.
// Nov 26, dinner, RMB398.
Take- Outs
Mr. Willis
Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of your own home and sweatpants with Mr. Willis’ take out platter. This no-fuss alternative includes a whole slow-roasted turkey with lemon and pine nut stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce, and gravy. This will feed eight to ten people and must be ordered three days in advance. Unfortunately, no delivery is offered, only pick-up.
// Nov 26, RMB1280.
Cachet
Let the talented chefs at the luxe Cahet Restaurant do all the work while you reap the tasty benefits. Enjoy a traditional roast turkey complete with all the trimmings and roasted vegetables, including mashed pumpkin, honey glazed carrots, and roasted brussel sprouts.To order please phone Cachet restaurant on (86 21) 2330 2420 or email tlxtd.f&binfo@langhamhotels.com. 24 hours notice is required.
// Available Nov 19 - Dec 31, RMB 1880+.
Slim’s Shanghai
This Jing’an steakhouse is offering you take-home turkeys to make your holiday season a little less stressful. Bring home a beautiful turkey plus gravy and cranberry sauce for RMB1088. But wait, there’s more! Add sides such whipped potatoes, lobster mac n’ cheese, chestnut mushroom stuffing, and veggies for an extra RMB300. Pumpkin pie is an additional RMB300. Call in advance to place your order.
// Nov 26, RMB 1380.
Treats
Pie
Not having pie on Thanksgiving is like not opening your presents on Christmas. Our pick for some crusty, creamy deliciousness is Dutch Pies. They have made-to-order pies all year around, but offer holiday classics such as Grandma’s Apple pie and Pumpkin pie. And if you’re entertaining high-brow guests with more “sophisticated” palettes, we recommend the Pear and Fig or decadent Chocolate Bourbon varietals. Pies are made to order at least one day in advance and delivered at your convenience.
Cookies
Satiating practically all of Shanghai’s cookie cravings, Lexie Comstock & co’s chewy and crispy goods are perfect for any time of the year; breakfast, lunch or dinner. Even better, they’re unveiling a Thanksgiving special: a sweet potato marshmallow cookie. Judging by Strictly Cookies’ records, we have no reason to believe that these will be anything but delicious. Available for the week of Thanksgiving in boxes of 12.
// strictlycookies.com
Cupcakes
If you’re one of those rare specimen of human who doesn’t fancy pie, cupcakes are a great alternative. Thanks to new cupcake company Babycakes, these American dessert staples are now available in Shanghai! Founder Jodi Peterson uses family recipes that make leeway for decadently frosted moist cakes. The red velvet ones are especially tasty, and she’s rolling out a special pumpkin cupcake for the holidays. RMB25 each, available from beginning of November.
Jelly & Chutney
The Thanksgiving trifecta is not to be messed with: turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy. These three components dance in harmony, and God forbid this harmony is ruined with canned cranberry sauce ridden with preservatives. We recommend Amelia’s cranberry sauce, which is the perfect accompaniment to any roasted poultry. Though it’s slightly pricier than your standard supermarket variety, one must keep sacred the aforementioned trifecta. Plus, this sweet and tart spread is glorious on a piece of toast and cheese or swirled into thick yogurt.
