Stuff Your Face Full With Stuffing: Thanksgiving in Shanghai

Now that Halloween has come and gone, the holiday season is officially upon us! Being so far away from home during this time of year may be difficult if it’s your first (or even second) time, but that’s not to say that plenty of new and wonderful memories aren’t to be made in your new home. Whether you’re an American “pilgrim” new to China, or simply interested in celebrating this feast-filled holiday popular among your American classmates, check out this list of restaurants in Shanghai offering Thanksgiving specials to satiate your turkey cravings. **Note that exact prices and dish selections are subject to change at each of these restaurants per the restaurant’s discretion, depending on availability and their typical seasonal changes. For complete assurance, double check prices and meal offerings when making reservations. Boxing Cat Brewery Arguably the best Thanksgiving deal in town regarding quality, quantity, and overall atmosphere. For 400 RMB per person, enjoy a buffet feast of the Thanksgiving staples most similar to what you’d find at home. Although the menu changes annually, you can expect to find and indulge in classic dishes such as butter roasted turkey, smoked ham, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pies, amongst a plethora of other typical Thanksgiving dishes. Make sure to plan ahead and book early, as reservations are required here at one of Shanghai’s most popular Thanksgiving dinner venues. Book at [email protected] for a spot at one of their two dinner offerings during either 5:00-8:00 PM or 8:30-11:30 PM. (Two locations): 82 Fuxing Xi Lu, near Yongfu Lu 复兴路82号, 近永福路 Sinan Mansions, Unit 26A, 519 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu 思南公馆, 复兴中路519号26A, 近思南路 New Heights Take your Thanksgiving dinner up a notch and enjoy a 4 course meal with one of the best views of Shanghai’s skyline at New Heights, located on the top floor of the iconic Three on the Bund. For 268 RMB per person (plus a 10% service charge), enjoy this twist on the classic Thanksgiving meal with foie gras and cranberries poached in red wine, pumpkin veloute with curry, slow cooked turkey breast with mushroom stuffing, and cinnamon ice cream atop walnut pie. Make sure to reserve seats in advanced for this delectable meal with an unforgettable view. Three on the Bund, 7/F, 17 Guangdong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu 广东路17号, 外滩三号7楼, 近中山东一路 PIRO Popular American joint PIRO offers an inexpensive yet classic Thanksgiving meal of butter roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potato, apple crumble, and more for 280 RMB per person. As always, call ahead to reserve spots, and choose to dine at either 6:00 PM or 8:30 PM. 91 Changshu Lu, near Changle Lu 常熟路91号, 近长乐路 El Willy For another Bund option on the big feasting day, head to contemporary Spanish restaurant El Willy for all you can eat stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mashed potato options to go with Willy’s delicious turkey. The meal, plus dessert, is 388 RMB per person and served from 6:00-10:30 PM. South Bund 22, 5/F, 22 Zhongshan Dong Lu, near Xinyong'an Lu 中山东路22号5楼, 近新永安路 Madison Popular for their consistently good American-style brunches, Madison is a sure spot for some good Thanksgiving grub. Their menu varies from year to year, but Madison will likely host a five-course set meal with head Chef Austin Hu’s variations on roasted turkey, stuffing, vegetable salad, and a memorable dessert. As always, book in advance for this meal at 500 RMB per person. Building 2, 3 Fenyang Lu, near Huaihai Lu 汾阳路3号, 近淮海路 The Four Seasons Head to the Four Seasons Hotel in People’s Square for a classic, American style Thanksgiving meal on their Level One Café. For 368 RMB (subject to a 15% service charge), the Four Seasons offers your usual turkey, ham, stuffing, sides, a glass of champagne, and plentiful desserts. This dinner is available from 5:30-10:00 PM, and includes a 15% discount for bookings of six or more people. 500 Weihai Lu, near Shimen Yi Lu 上海四季洒店, 威海路500号, 近石门一路 The COOK If you’re interested in getting back home to the dorms and sleeping your Thanksgiving food baby away as quickly as possible after your meal, head to The COOK restaurant at the nearby Kerry Hotel for their Thanksgiving dinner buffet. The COOK offers your typical Thanksgiving dishes from 5:30-10:00 PM at 688 RMB per person, and is probably the quickest cab ride away from your sweet dorm bed. The Kerry Hotel, 1/F, 1388 Huamu Lu, near Fangdian Lu 花木路1388号1楼, 近芳甸路 Shanghai Slim’s This popular steakhouse in Sinan Mansions offers a popular and reputable Thanksgiving dinner for just 380 RMB per person. Shanghai Slim’s will have roast turkey, prime rib, the usual fixings, and drinks, granted that you are quick to make a reservation in advance. Sinan Mansions, Block 26D, 523 Fuxing Lu, near Sinan Lu 思南公馆, 复兴西路523号26D, 近思南路 This article was written by Betsie Wilson. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo credit: Christmas Stock Images