Paal

Shanghai, China

There’s an effortless grace to every element of Shanghai’s Paal, from the sparse decor to the compact selection of cocktails. Co-founders Crawford So and Aya Kwan have drawn on American fashion designer Virgil Abloh for inspiration when it comes to the design of their dining room and bar, specifically his theory that an existing object or idea needs to be altered by only 3% to become something new. The result is a space with nothing superfluous, with considered lighting and a select few bottles on the shelves. While this minimalist approach certainly extends to the presentation of Paal’s cocktails, the drinks themselves aren’t lacking in complexity – think sips that combine magnolia, coffee, bael fruit, fermented grape and juniper, and others that blend the flavours of longan, pandan and fermented grape with glutinous rice. Like these, the rest of the selection champions local ingredients from southern China, integrating elements of Nordic culinary techniques to create them.

Key Information

• Average price per cocktail $14
• Mon – Sun
• Visit Paal's Website

Location

94, Nanchang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai,