![People dine at Donghai Cafe [SHINE]](https://i0.wp.com/usachinatrading.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/People-dine-at-Donghai-Cafe-SHINE.jpg?resize=525%2C296&ssl=1)
After the opening of the new eastern extension of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall, a flood of people crowded into the stores along the road. This time, Fiona and Shirlene check out some hidden gems in the narrow streets next to the bustling Nanjing Road.
Donghai Cafe
Of the more than 8,000 cafes in Shanghai, Donghai Cafe, dating back to 1934, is arguably the oldest. Once closed due to a business restructuring on Nanjing Road E., the legendary cafe is back now on Dianchi Road. The cafe is in an old European-style building with red brick walls and white columns. On entering the cafe, a customer feels a strong sense of age, as if he or she is traveling to old Shanghai. The black and white mosaic floor tiles, the retro-style furniture, the wood panelling on the walls, the cheongsam ladies in the wall paintings — there are details in every corner that are worth stopping to admire. Though the location and decor have changed, the dense aroma of Donghai Cafe’s coffee has not.
The classic coffee is made in a syphon, one of the most stylish and exclusive ways to make coffee, just as it was in the 1930s. The counters and shelves are filled with pastries that retain the cafe’s original style: A classic cream lemon pie costs 20 yuan (US$3), and a bag of butterfly cakes costs 28 yuan.
Address: 110 Dianchi Rd | Opening hours: 8am-9pm
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