A feast of riches
Photo: Yang Zhenqi/GT
Running from Yan'an Road Middle and intersected by Julu and Changle roads, two of Shanghai's most bustling thoroughfares, Fumin Road is an integral part of Shanghai's cultural scene, as well as its commercial heart.
Fumin Road, which literally means "rich people" in Chinese, offers appropriately abundant choices of good food, high fashion and fine arts, while retaining a strong local flavor with grocery stores dotted along both sides. The Global Times paid a visit to feel the richness of this small, charming street.
Food, glorious food
Fumin Road boasts an extensive assortment of great dining destinations. Gu Yi (87 Fumin Road, 6249-5628) serving authentic Hunan cuisine is an all-time favorite of food lovers with adventurous palates. With another couple of outlets in the city, some of this chain's most-ordered dishes include electrifying chili fish head and spare ribs.
At 271 Fumin Road stands an unassuming, timeworn building, which houses the legendary Shanghainese eatery Paul's (5403-7239). A fixture on Fumin Road for years, Paul's has built a huge fan base across the city with its Shanghainese classics. Some popular dishes include fried buns and braised pork hock. The ever-popular Swiss steak is its signature dish.
Another high-profile tenant on the street is the Italian restaurant Dolce Vita (291 Fumin Road, 6170-1318). This inviting two-story restaurant-cum-bar treats diners to hearty Italian cuisine ranging from pasta to pizza, and seafood to desserts.
The street is also home to a string of Southeast Asian eateries. At Coconut Paradise Thai Cuisine (38 Fumin Road, 6248-1998), diners may choose from various appetizers and curry dishes, against the backdrop of an exotic setting featuring soft music, dark teak wood and palm trees.
Pho Real (166 Fumin Road, 5403-8110) offers authentic Vietnamese fare in a cozy and trendy environment. The small eatery has appetizing set lunches including a starter, a salad, Vietnamese noodles and a soft drink, all for the reasonable price of between 50 yuan ($7.87) and 60 yuan.
For a quicker bite, diners can head to B Real Vietnamese Sandwich Café (185 Fumin Road, 3419-0220) where Vietnamese-style pork and shrimp summer rolls, beef noodle soups and sandwiches are all available.
Dress to impress
The street is home to a handful of fashion houses and designer boutiques. Acclaimed Shanghai fashion designer Helen Lee recently relocated her flagship store from Taikang Road to the current premises (172-1 Fumin Road, 5465-6618). An early graduate from China's most prestigious fashion institute, Lasalle International Design College at Donghua University, and now a leading figure in the city's fashion scene, Lee draws inspiration from Shanghai's long history of innovative culture. She combines Shanghai icons, people and ideas with bright colors, energetic shapes and cross-cultural themes for her practical designs. Her store showcases the latest collections in women's and men's clothing, as well as in accessories. One rack in the shop is offering items from this summer's collections at up to 50 percent off.
The latest newcomer to the street is Dong Liang (184 Fumin Road, 3469-6926), a multi-brand designer boutique hailing from Beijing. Hidden in a three-story villa, this classy fashion house introduces work from some 20 independent Chinese designers, among them Vega Wang, Leo Kong and Angel Lee. The designs Dong Liang carries vary from retro and minimalist, to the avant-garde.
Another multi-brand fashion boutique is The Hive (No.1, Lane 210 Fumin Road, 5404-7252). This small boutique features a moderate selection of women's and men's clothing and accessories from six Chinese designer brands.
Ceramics central
The Pottery Workshop (176 Fumin Road, 5403-1366) displays an amazing array of handmade ceramic wares by a group of Chinese and international artists. Established in 1985 in Hong Kong in an attempt to revive this century-old art form, the workshop has now grown into a nationwide ceramic art center with galleries and design studios scattered across the country. The exquisite ceramics on display at the Fumin Road store range from mugs, bowls and tea sets to vases and sculptures. Its Shaanxi Road South studio conducts entry-level classes in ceramics making for both adults and children.
Article Earth (211 Fumin Road, 5404-3273) boasts a wide selection of brightly-colored, hand-printed decorative ceramics. With hand-painted ceramic paintings becoming a new trend in home decoration throughout much of Southeast Asia over the past decade, this local brand has opened three outlets in Shanghai with its signature Chinese rustic figures and life-themed paintings. Their products cover everything from decorative ceramic tiles, to murals and other accessories.