Photograph: Min An via Pexels
There are few cuisines that are universal. Transcending borders and techniques, these cuisines can be found almost anywhere around the world, presented in different styles according to the traditions of the culture. One that few can argue with is BBQ. No matter which country you look at, it seems that they all have their own take on the delicious art of grilled and smoked meats that we embody in that simple three-letter word: BBQ. From plates piled high with juicy steak, to meat meticulously smoked overnight to reach peak perfection, to stacks of terrifically tasty skewers, here’s your guide to the best BBQ Shanghai has to offer.
Photograph: courtesy Charbon
The newest project by serial chef Paul Pairet who’s brought you heavy hitters in the Shanghai restaurant scene like Mr. and Mrs. Bund, Polux and Ultraviolet, Charbon seeks to push the boundaries of BBQ in new and exciting ways. Fresh cuts of meat sizzle over a Yakitori-style grill. From Indo-Malaysian satays and Turkish shashlik to Spanish pinchitos and Italian arrosticini, just to name a small few, it’s safe to say that this restaurant does a little bit of any kind of BBQ you can think of.
Photograph: courtesy Charbon
While you wait for your skewers, dig in to some starters like their Mezze platter, which sees freshly baked focaccia bread accompanied by hummus, creamy yogurt with cucumber and other delicious things to dip it in. Warm and refresh yourself with some ox tail soup or any of the other chef-recommended dishes signified on the menu by a PP (for Paul Pairet). Tuck into generous skewers of grilled octopus, beef tongue, chicken satay and veggies. A generous list of highballs, draught beer, wine and spirits are of course available to go with your meal as well.
Photograph: courtesy Charbon
After you’ve gorged yourself on all the juicy and gut-busting meat, cleanse your palate with one of the many different ice-cream concoctions on offer like their Pistachio Cherry (pistachio ice cream, cherries, jam, pistachio and Chantilly) or Caramel & Caramel sundae (caramel butter soy ice cream, biscuit, popcorn and pecans). They’ve got soft-serve, shakes, sundaes and much more to cool you down after all that heat from the BBQ.
L6-606 iapm, 999 Middle Huaihai Lu.
Photograph: courtesy Smokin' Hog
Smokin’ Hog has been slinging their mouthwatering BBQ for a couple of years now via delivery apps and pop-ups around town. While of course you should try everything that sounds good, which is most of the menu, if you don’t have enough friends to join in the carnage or just want to dip your toe in at first, start with the brisket; USDA beef smoked to absolute perfection for 16 to 18 hours. Other must-tries are the smoked pork belly and pulled pork. They’ve also got some ridiculously juicy sausage like their smoked cheddar (a mix of beef and pork) and their spicy beef.
Photograph: courtesy Smokin' Hog
Being an American BBQ joint, they’ve got those classic sides as well. Add on some fresh coleslaw, smoked homemade cornbread and mac n’ cheese. Check out their daily deals available across all the delivery apps like their smokin’ cheese burger, fries and a soft drink for 50RMB on Wednesdays or buy-one-get-one on fully loaded sandwiches on Thursdays.
Delivery only. JSS / Eleme/ Sherpa’s / Meituan (冒烟猪烟熏烤肉).
Photograph: courtesy Bubba's
If you’re at all familiar with the BBQ scene in Shanghai, you’ve probably been to or at least heard of Bubba’s. Though they’ve had a location change in recent years, Bubba’s has been serving up American-style BBQ in Shanghai for over ten years. From brisket smoked overnight for 15 hours to a host of gut-busting burgers made from USDA chuck, they’ve got plenty of meaty goodness to sink your teeth into. They’ve also got some tasty tacos and smoked chicken drumsticks to munch on as well. If you’re looking for a bit of a kick, douse your grub in their hot sauce made in house.
Photograph: courtesy Bubba's
Rm 103, Bldg 18, 808 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Kangding Lu.
Photograph: courtesy Cages
You probably know Cages for their massive big screen TVs and sporting events. What you may not know is that every Thursday is dedicated to dishing out heaping platters of American BBQ and sides. Come by any Thursday and pile your plate high with smoked meats, Texas sliders and mouthwatering ribs. Grab some mac n’ cheese, baked beans, mash potatoes and more to go with it.
Photograph: courtesy Cages
3/F, 428 Jiangning Lu. B1/F, 788 Zhongshan Nan Yi Lu.
Photograph: courtesy High Yaki
If you’ve spent a significant time exploring Shanghai, chances are you’ve walked by mysterious large wooden doors that seem to be hiding something. If you haven’t figured it out by now, this is a common sign of a Japanese Yakitori or Izakaya restaurant cooking up tasty bites for those brave enough to heave the door open and peak inside.
Photograph: courtesy High Yaki
High Yaki on Jianguo Xi Lu is one such place. As you walk in, let the many different aromas of sizzling meats, sashimi, and other scents fill your nostrils. If your stomach isn’t growling yet, pull up a seat and watch as meats are meticulously grilled right in front of you in their open kitchen. Choose from a generous selection of grilled meats like Wagyu ribeye, marinated chicken thigh and a host of different Yakitori skewers. Order up a few other dishes to go along with the grilled meats like their beef tartar with sea urchin, sashimi and more. Wash all that food down with a massive selection of high balls, sake and wine.
Photograph: courtesy Hundo
Just up the stairs from Blaz, Hundo is an Izakaya lounge on Donghu Lu. Pull up a seat at the bar overlooking their spacious kitchen where fresh fish can be seen hanging over a grill with the kitchen staff carefully preparing a host of dishes. Or, if you’re looking for something more secluded, head back into the dimly lit lounge area for a more intimate dining experience.
Photograph: Michael MacLaren
To sweeten the deal, they’ve just released a new menu. Ease yourself in with some small bites like their A5 wagyu ribeye sashimi, a rice ball topped with creamy sea urchin wrapped in a strip of fatty wagyu, or chicken meatball dipped in a raw egg sauce that instantly falls apart in your mouth. For the more adventurous patron, try dishes like beef heart topped with spicy sauce and scallions or chicken cartilage and crispy chicken skin.
Photograph: Michael MacLaren
The crescendo starts with skewers of fried Kushiage, one wrapped in sweet Iberico ham and filled with cheese, the other stuffed with short rib and foie gras. Then tuck into braised wagyu beef rib fingers slow-cooked for 24 hours with red miso and plum jam. Finish it off with one of the roasted fish on offer like grilled Nodoguro; a black throat sea perch butterfly cooked full of scallions and carefully roasted using charcoal.
Photograph: Michael MacLaren
Photograph: courtesy Botong Sikdang
An article about BBQ could never be complete without a Korean BBQ spot. It’s almost a ritualistic experience to sit around the tabletop grill as you watch tender and juicy pork belly sizzle and pop just inches away. Botong Sikdang has become a go-to spot for Korean BBQ in Shanghai for their pork belly and Korean sides. Take your pick of thick- or thin-cut pork belly or go for a mix of the two. Pair it with all those classic Korean sides, like kimchi, potato salad, mushrooms and more. Don’t forget to enjoy your BBQ in true Korean fashion with some Soju and beer. The restaurant’s got three spots around Shanghai and they all get busy… very busy, so be sure to get there early to get your name on the list.
Photograph: courtesy Botong Sikdang
1F, 88 Tongren Lu. 1F, 660-686 Jiujiang Lu. 1F 618 Xujiahui Lu.
Photograph: 0 Point Skewer Bar via Dianping
We’ve all chowed down on greasy skewers from a street stall in the wee hours of the morning after a night out. But, why not enjoy a bit of a change of pace with a nice sit-down spot instead? That’s what 0 Point has to offer. Pull up a chair at this trendy skewer bar on Xiangyang Nan Lu. They’ve got all your favorites, like skewers of beef, pork and chicken accompanied by all those grilled veggies that might not be so healthy after being doused in copious amounts of seasoning and chili powder, but still taste oh so good.
Photograph: 0 Point Skewer Bar via Dianping
Photograph: Mr. Yang's Qiqihar BBQ via Dianping
Most of us are familiar with the Korean style of BBQ; everyone sitting around an open grill with plates of DIY meat and veg to grill up and enjoy. What if we told you China has their own style of BBQ much like this? Really, it’s true! Mr. Yang’s offers northern style Chinese BBQ cooked up right in front of you on an open grill. Order up plates of beef, pork and seafood, some with veggies mixed in to cook yourself and at an extremely fair price we might add. Not confident in your grilling skills? Not to worry. Their friendly and accommodating staff will be more than happy to give you a hand.
Photograph: Mr. Yang's Qiqihar BBQ via Dianping
Photograph: courtesy Bun Cha Cha Grill
Situated in a cozy space in Yongping Lane, Bun Cha Cha Grill is one of the newer projects by esteemed chef Danyi Gao who you might also know from Bun Cha Cha or popular music bar and restaurant Shake.
Photograph: courtesy Bun Cha Cha Grill
The restaurant specializes in Bun Cha, a delicious wrap stuffed with mixed veggies and meat. But of course, this is an article about BBQ. Watch the embers dance right in front of you as fresh cuts of beef, chicken, pork and seafood cook to perfection before you. Dip it in an array of homemade Vietnamese sauces made specially for each dish. There’s also an endless supply of lettuce and herbs to combine with all that tasty BBQ for different flavor profiles. Of course, no BBQ meal would be complete without some cold drinks to go with it. Choose from creative highballs like calamansi, lemongrass and sour plum or just knock back a couple Vietnamese beers instead.
Yong Ping Lane, 199 Hengshan Lu.
Photograph: courtesy Latina
If a non-stop marathon of heaping piles of meat and getting to the point where you think your stomach just might burst from over-consumption is your goal, Latina may just be the spot for you. The Churrascaria chain has been a destination for Brazilian BBQ for many years now. Waiters walk around the space with massive skewers of choice, cuts of steak, chicken, seafood and more. Once they stop by your table, they’ll be happy to pile on as many pieces of meat as you think you can handle. Is that mountain of meat on your table starting to get overwhelming? Turn the place card on your table from green to red so you can dig in undisturbed.
Photograph: courtesy Latina
88 Tongren Lu. Multiple spots around town.
