Noble House (Xu Hui Branch)

I usually dislike using clichés, but in this case, I am forced to make an exception, Noble House is “the best kept secret in Shanghai”, I say this; because is not easily found in the local expat publications. Maybe, we should keep it this way.

I meet my friend Simon Pan at the restaurant for lunch. He told me that it was near Henshan road, I took the metro and as I exited I turned the corner and was on Anting road and soon arrived to what first appeared to be an oasis in the middle of the city. Once you arrive at the grounds of Noble House you are faced with a peaceful, flourishing place that makes a pleasant contrast to its surroundings and the bustling city itself.

Noble House is a 1936 Spanish architecture building surrounded by a lush green garden. Featuring 12 elegant private dining rooms, that allows you to conduct business or entertain family and friends in an exclusive and private setting.

Noble House caters to the connoisseur of Chinese cuisine. Their master chef is from Hong Kong and his team will delight you with a variety of traditional delicacies from Canton and Shanghai.

The menu offers the traditional expensive fare of shark fin and abalone but continuing with our best kept secret, Simon and I decided to explore the world of crabs at Noble House and we were pleasantly surprised not only by its creative presentation but by its freshness and delicate taste. We started our meal with “Salad with fresh mango and crab meat” (RMB 38), the mango was perfectly ripened and the crab meat was very tasty. We continued with “Superior baked cod fish” (RMB 58) which was a tender fillet and cooked to perfection. Followed by Steamed buns filled with crab meat (4 pieces 25 RMB) an authentic Shanghai treat and if it was not enough we devoured “Sautéed crab meat in tart” (RMB 45) an exquisite phyllo pastry topped with an outstanding crab meat. We crowned our lunch with a very light yet rewarding dessert “Mango pudding” (RMB 18).

The staff is friendly but they not all speak English, they do however, make a great effort to be as attentive and hospitable as possible making their inexperience in service acceptable.

Shanghai's crab craze is similar to the mussel madness each fall in Brussels and across Belgium, the quests for shad roe and soft-shell crabs each spring can be enjoyed at Noble House all year around according to their marketing manager Jane Kong they have secured their supply from their long time faithful vendors.

I could not help but imagine while seating at this tranquil location, looking out at a sunny and unusually blue sky over a green lawn and flowers this would be perfect for a special occasions, a weddings, first communions, reunions, business conferences and romantic dinners.

I also pondered if Noble House should continue to be “the best kept secret in Shanghai” but I am still wondering about that! Lets make a deal, we’ll just keep it here between friends.

Bon appetite!

Average cost per person: CNY 500 – 700 (depends on what is ordered)

By Gustavo E. Gonzalez