I had a friend in town this week for one night only, she left the planning “in my expert hands”. So I elected to meet her at Nanjing Dong Lu metro exit 3 at 7pm, we ambled down the riverfront on the Bund, and strolled into Lost Heaven where, even on a Tuesday night, we had to wait over 30 minutes for a table- on the beautifully adorned Yunnan-themed roof garden. With stylish cocktails. Tough life.

I have recommended Lost Heaven before, but now it’s time for a review of arguably one of my and many other local expats’ favourite Chinese restaurant. The delectable flavours hail from Yunnan, a province in Eastern China, which borders Thailand and is responsible for the Thai-Chinese fusion cuisine that Lost Heaven is reknowned for.

The food is my idea of the perfect oriental meal, from Kong Pao chicken, to seven spice fish stir-fry to spring rolls, curries and salads, the spread is reasonably priced, starting from 50RMB a dish. There are even a few Thai classics, such as Tom Yum Soup on the menu, too.

Whilst there, when you’ve been suitably impressed by the sumptuous oriental decor downstairs, be sure to head upstairs to check out the exquisite roof garden. The wooden terrace boasts a glorious view of the surrounding skyscrapers, and is scattered with deep and rich coloured cushions, in a mix of private booths and high tables, bathed in candlelight. Inside, there is an elaborate DJ box, and the ambience is warm, decadent and relaxed. The cocktails, although a little on the expensive side, are imaginative in flavour and thoroughly enjoyable- I recommend the Yunnan Mule, a ginger-beer based cocktail, if you’re as keen on ginger as I am, and the Basiltini. Be sure to sample the Lost Heaven ‘Thai Zeed’ signature cocktail- spicy yet zingy! ganbei!

To get to Lost Heaven, hop in a taxi to 17 Yan’an Dong Lu, near Sichuan Nan Lu 延安东路17号，近四川南路. Be sure to take a pre- or post-dinner stroll down the Bund, whilst your in the neighbourhood :)