Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan Crafts a New Chapter of Flavors with Contemporary Culinary Artistry

SHANGHAI, China – The newly opened Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan marks a bold new chapter not only for the brand, but for the evolving riverside district it calls home. As the Qiantan District of Pudong rapidly transforms into one of the city’s most vibrant lifestyle destinations, the hotel brings Waldorf Astoria’s global gastronomic excellence into the dynamic, Bund-adjacent neighborhood, redefining Shanghai’s luxury dining scene through its thoughtfully curated culinary offerings.

The hotel  introduces two distinctive restaurants, the iconic Peacock Alley, and an exclusive chef’s table experience, embodying Waldorf Astoria’s storied legacy of culinary innovation. By blending regional flavors with global influences, the hotel crafts a sophisticated dialogue between local heritage and international artistry.

“Culinary and mixology innovation is at the heart of the Waldorf Astoria experience,” said Marvin Alballi, vice president, Food & Beverage Operations, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “As a leading culinary destination in Asia, Shanghai offers endless inspiration. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan’s imaginative and refined dining experiences capture the contemporary spirit of the city while honoring the brand’s commitment to culinary excellence and unforgettable experiences.

ARAME: Exquisite Modern European Cuisine

On the hotel’s ground level, ARAME – named after a delicate variety of seaweed – celebrates a connection to the ocean through contemporary European cuisine. The menu features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients including calamari from Dongshan in Fujian, and sweet shrimp and sea urchin from Dalian in Liaoning province. The warm, residential space with terrace seating welcomes the ebb and flow of the day, including an extra-long brunch service, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely breakfast until 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and 3:00 p.m. on weekends.

Signature dishes include the Blue Lobster, which is charcoal grilled to perfection, wrapped in delicate layers of marinated pig ear terrine, and accompanied by ají peppers, crispy rice cakes, and a rich reduction of Taizhou red prawn broth. The Wellington Potato is a unique creation of layered potatoes, Manchego cheese, and bacon encased in flaky pastry, served with black truffle-infused mushroom sauce. Meanwhile, the Grilled Calamari stands out for its tender texture and bright, tangy flavor, enhanced with fermented chili, Yunnan tree tomato reduction, and aromatic herbs. The restaurant’s wood-fired grill, fueled by lychee wood, highlights the natural quality of each ingredient, delivering pure, authentic flavors.

Fu Cheng: A Fresh Perspective on Min Cuisine

Perched atop the hotel, Fu Cheng is helmed by chef Justin Yang, the famed owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Hokkien Cuisine. Modern Min cuisine is inspired by Quanzhou traditions, with premium ingredients sourced from Fujian and beyond.

Fu Cheng’s signature dish, Deep-fried Eel with Finger Lime, revives a family recipe through a 36-hour air-drying process and precise frying, finished with a honey glaze and citrus accents. The Braised Beef Steak is slow-braised for almost three hours with curry and satay spices, evocative of Southeast Asia’s rich history of spice via the Maritime Silk Road. The Double Boiled Duck Soup with Sandworm, prepared with Fujian duck and dried sandworms, is simmered for hours resulting in a deeply flavorful broth.

The restaurant also offers a personalized tea-pairing service that is led by professional tea sommeliers who select carefully chosen teas, such as Yancha from Fujian and Pu'er from Yunna to complement the characteristics of each dish, enhancing the layered dining journey.

Echoing the spirit of Qiantan, Fu Cheng’s aesthetic is an organic and intentional blend of modern design and historic architectural cues. A contemporary interpretation of traditional Shanghai architecture is expressed through elegant curves and bespoke details, drawing inspiration from the tranquil waterways that frame the hotel. Elevated finishes and panoramic views of the Bund create a refined yet inviting space, perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand occasions.

“Fu Cheng represents a new expression of Min cuisine that is deeply personal yet unmistakably Waldorf Astoria,” said chef Justin Yang. “Qiantan is a district that is still writing its culinary identity, so we have the opportunity to honour Fujian traditions while shaping something distinctly modern. Each dish is crafted to celebrate heritage, seasonality, and the refinement that the Waldorf Astoria brand is globally recognized for.”

Peacock Alley: A Refined Social Setting

Inspired by the original at Waldorf Astoria New York, the Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan continues the brand’s tradition as a refined gathering place and a symbol of timeless elegance. Blending urban energy with tranquil river views, the space features a curated afternoon tea serving Western pastries along with Eastern twists, incorporating ingredients such as kumquats and Chinese walnuts. The atmosphere evolves elegantly throughout the day, and as night falls, the interplay of soft lighting and the river reflections transform Peacock Alley into an elegant lounge, where Waldorf Astoria's timeless sophistication meets Shanghai’s modern charm.

Starlight: An Immersive Chef’s Table

Starlight offers a highly exclusive, personalized dining experience centered on the chef’s table. It is a canvas for innovation, where guests are invited to engage with hotel chefs or guest chef collaborators as they showcase the very best. Each course unfolds in the open kitchen, meticulously crafted to celebrate seasonality, precision, and culinary storytelling.

The restaurant's spacious private terrace offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the West Bund. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the city skyline, the dining experience is elevated to new heights.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan is located at No. 18 Linyao Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 200126, China. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the website or call +86 21 5837 8888.