Restaurant Jesse 吉士, Shanghai
The best Shanghainese restaurant, arguably, is Restaurant Jesse or 吉士. With this site, I get always get asked a couple of questions. One of them being – “What is the best Shanghainese restaurant?” Jesse always comes to mind. With apologizes to 1221, 复兴汇 Fuxinghui, Fu 1088 福一零八八, and 夏味馆 Xia Restaurant of Shanghai, Jesse is in a class of its own.
I have read other sites about unfavorable reviews with Jesse. It is tough to understand why. But I can begin to guess that most of these negative reviews may not fully understand or grasp the unique nature of Shanghainese or Chinese cuisine. Texture is major component that non-Asians may not embrace. I am also included with some particular meats and dishes. I believe Jesse has a great dishes, regardless of texture or mouth feel.
What separates Jesse from others is the drunken crab and the steamed fishhead. The drunken crab is basically a raw crab served in a ceviche style without the lime & lemon juices. The meat is “cooked” in chinese wine, turning into a gelatinous texture. The meat appears to be grayish and translucent. Not boasting lots of meat, you bite into the cold crab and also suck at the same time. Keep in mind, that part of this experience is the unique texture. The roe also adds a creaminess to each bite. The crab gets sold out fast, so you’ll have to order ahead of time. The other dish, not typically found at other Shanghainese restaurants is the steamed fishhead. This river fish presented with dried seaweed covering the fish. The large white meat is tender and delicately flavored. Unfortunately, you’ll have to order this fish way ahead – about a day or so ahead. Keep in mind when you order these dishes, that taste, texture, and flavors are all part of this great experience.
As typical, we started off with some cold dishes, which are usually smaller appetizer ones. The most memorable one that we had was the salty chicken. This dish is served with shredded pieces of chicken. I love chicken and this one didn’t disappoint. We also had a chopped cucumber dish as well. These cold dishes are great for the hot summer nights.
Other great dishes that we had included the mini river poached shrimp with light soy vinegar dipping sauce. Don’t be fooled by these little bite sized and shelled shrimp which are tasty. Another favorite was the sticky rice stuffed dates. I would have assumed that these would be served as a dessert. But they came out with the other hot entrees.
Any Shanghainese meal isn’t complete with out the Hong Sau Ro – the braised pork. I wasn’t exactly sure which part of the pig was used. I have heard shoulder, as well as other parts, are used at Jesse. Regardless, this was favorite of mine. Often times, this dish is most representative of Shanghai cuisine. This is good, since this is so yummy. But this is bad, since many people consider other dishes to be quite sweet and heavy in sauce. Anyways. . .the braised pork is done well here.
Special thanks to Howard W, for arrange this get together at Jesse. Unfortunately, the dining space is small. There’s two small dinning rooms in this restaurant, with another side room, just outside. The restroom is especially small, as well. But it won’t matter after your great meal at Jesse. Remember to call early for reservations – Jess is so popular, that table are booked weeks in advance.
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What to Order: Drunken Crab, Fishhead, Poached Shrimp, and Braised Pork What not to Order:
Rating 3 Pigs Price Range 2 $/¥/NT