Eatbeat

Shanghai

Old world Shanghai cuisine at Xintiandi

Xinjishi, the old brand-name restaurant that serves classic Shanghai cuisine at the city's hot spot Xintiandi, is still as much a crowd favorite as ever. It's been several years since we last ate there, but it really has not changed much. For visitors to the city looking for a taste of Shanghai, it is easily accessible, and the quality is consistent. Its signature dishes are Grandmother's Braised Pork, Fresh Poached River Shrimps, Honeyed Ham Sandwiches and a fiery basket of deep-fried chili peppers hiding deep-fried prawns and chicken pieces. And to really experience old Shanghai, don't forget to order a bottle of Guyue Longshan huadiao yellow wine. Watching the friendly waiters prepare your tipple is worth the high price tag. Clue: They add pickled plums and ginger julienne to help you enjoy your drink better. - Pauline D. Loh

Xinjishi Shanghainese Restaurant (New Jesse), Xintiandi, North Block, Lane 181, Taicang Road. (Inside the lane diagonally opposite Starbucks.) 021-6336-4746

Hong Kong

Mediterranean on the run at Bene

Bene Pizza + Pasta was a welcome addition to Olympian City when it opened late in 2012. A quick and casual version of Gaia Group's fine dining staples Isola and Va Bene, Bene is bright and friendly, with crates of juicy tomatoes on the vine on display. The emphasis is on freshness, with pastas, pizza and mains big enough to share. Our starter of deep-fried vegetables kept the inherent firmness of its broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini trio while retaining their sweetness. Smoked-duck pizza featured a chewy crust while the Tuscan-style pork chop was flavored with a hint of rosemary and included perfectly roasted potatoes on the side. Our only gripe was that the dishes could be more robust. It was like someone painted a black-and-white version of the Tuscan countryside instead of using Technicolor. - Rebecca Lo

Bene Pizza + Pasta, Shop 106, G/F, Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong. 852-2352-4848

Macao

Gourmet hotpot of popular soup bases

A five-star hotel calls for five-star dining, and Xin is the first in Macao to offer that in a hotpot restaurant.

It takes its name seriously, offering fresh ingredients for diners to design their own hotpot with a wide range of popular Asian soup bases - including Japanese oxtail and yuzu pepper, Nyonya laksa and Sichuan hot and sour.

Individuals can also indulge in hotpot for one, or opt for Xin's signature dishes such as a decadently rich Iberico port char shiu, refreshing roast duck and mandarin with betel leaves (photo) or crispy fried crustacean filled prawn dumplings.

- Rebecca Lo

Xin, Ground Floor, Sheraton Hotel Macao, Cotai Central, 5 Cotai Strip, Macao. 853-8113-1200

(China Daily 03/24/2013 page13)