CHAR @ Hotel Indigo, Shanghai

The newest addition to the already bustling nightlife scene of Shanghai’s South Bund, CHAR is here to play – and stay.

Nestled on the top of Hotel Indigo Shanghai, CHAR serves up a unique combination of good food and spectacular views of Shanghai’s beautiful night sky in a relaxed setting. The interior design aims to give off a refined, yet laid-back vibe – stone feature walls and exposed ceilings, coupled with unconventional modern art pieces and installations – and will surely attract more than its fair share of people who appreciate a slower pace of life – albeit temporarily, in this exquisite environment.

With a focus on serving authentic quality steaks and entrees, CHAR does not disappoint, even when it comes to their seafood and side dishes. All the ingredients have been sourced and selected from local and overseas producers with great care by the staff at CHAR, ensuring the food that they serve is fresh and of quality. Head Chef Will Colmenares is adamant that this is the best way to enhance the overall “steakperience” at CHAR.

The steak here has been selected from four of Australia’s most reputable suppliers by a tasting panel, ensuring the quality and flavor of meat dishes at CHAR. One of the most important features of CHAR is that the dishes are well-conceived and balanced, promising contrasting textures and complimenting flavors that bring out the full potential of the ingredients. The signature dish features a 600-days fed tenderloin using traditional farming methods from David Blackmore, a premium Wagyu beef producer in Australia, and the beef itself has a marble score of 9+, making it one of the best you can get anywhere in the world.  The dish is served with half a grilled lobster, seared foie gras, shaved black truffles and wild mushrooms. With such a mouth-watering and luxurious combination of ingredients, diners are assured of complete indulgence.

CHAR does not only focus on the design and food, they take pride in the smaller details as well. This is evident from the selection of handcrafted steak knives made available to diners for their perfectly grilled steak. The knives have been imported from around the world and the pure variety gives a subtle feel of personalization and a wow factor in the whole dining experience at CHAR. Not only that, CHAR provides a selection of six of the finest natural sea salts available for diners to use as they wish to.

Not only does CHAR serve up some seriously good food, they have an extensive drink menu available at the CHAR bar above the restaurant. Favorites include Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic, and a specialty drink named CHAR Creation. You can get a good ol’ pick-me-up from just RMB 50 per glass or RMB 280 per bottle, just don’t get tipsy before the dinner!