Hi!!! I can’t believe it’s already been a week! Job update: I’m hired! … well… as a remote uploader until the summer. (decision still pending for now). I’ll be responsible uploading some recipes to their website each week, which I can’t wait to get started on. However, the increased workload means that the blog may have to take a back-burner 😦

…BUT…. that doesn’t start until next week and I have a food adventure to share so let’s eat!

Haxnbauer 

A couple of months ago, my parents and I were wandering around Shanxi rd when we stumbled upon Haxnbauer. We walked in and enjoyed some of the best German sausage in Shanghai (a lot harder to find than may first appear). What we didn’t try was their signature dish- the Haxe, roasted pork knuckle. Honestly, I never stopped dreaming of the uber crispy skin and rich meat promised in the pictures and reviews. However, we never had the time (or motivation) to go ..so…. far…., especially not at night. Well, last week while passing by Changtai Plaza, I saw this:

We HAD to go. Yesterday, my dad and I did go.

The Haxe

Let’s be honest- the purpose of the dinner was Haxe. While the roasted ribs, spatzel and sausage platter were tempting, nothing would distract me from my haxe, especially not with ads floating around like these.

I was set on Haxe, but the choice proved harder than expected. The restaurant offered 6 versions of Haxe (on the first page of course) ranging from tomato to garlic to even cheese stuffed. Each featured a picture so delectable I could practically feel the crunch of the crackling. I stuck with the original, just to set a baseline.

Although the pictures were AMAZING, nothing could compare to the sight (and smell) of the real thing

 (sorry, too excited to eat to put much effort into the picture)

How did it taste? Like an instant trip to Munich. First, the thing is HUGE, at least 1.5lbs. More importantly, the skin was literally puffed as if fried, far superior to the (now disappointing) version at Paulaners. The haxe also wasn’t overly fatty and full of tendon, which meant more food, less digestive issues- Win! However, it wasn’t perfect. The waitress admitted that , in order to cater to Shanghainese tastes, the meat wasn’t as flavorful as the ones in Germany. Indeed, I found the haxe seriously lacking salt. The meat itself was also quite tough, a tradeoff for the crispy skin that was DEFINITELY worth it. I can’t wait to try some of the other varieties

Side note: The dish comes with a side of AMAZING potato salad (probably the best I’ve had… ever) and sautéed sauerkraut. Again like last time, Haxnbauer got the proportions right- 1.5lbMeat : 1/2 cup or so of potatoes so you don’t get filled up. Definite win!

The “Side dish”

Under normal circumstances, a haxe would have been enough for the two of us, but I’d been DYING to have some good weisswurst since Munich. Plus, I have like 5 stomachs for meat (refer to this post). Hence…

– Boiled Weisswurst

Like the Haxe, it was close but no cigar to the original in Germany. The meat was incredibly smooth and tender as well as perfectly seasoned. BUT… it lacked the distinctive, strong- spiced, parsley taste (probably an adjustment to “suit Shanghai tastes”) Either way, it’s probably the closest rendition to the traditional German version in Shanghai.

Service and Atmosphere

Haxnbauer has one of the best, most versatile atmospheres of any restaurant in Shanghai. For small parties, hangouts and dates, there are two seaters, small boxes and, of course, a bar with full beer tap.

For  larger parties, there are boxes for up to 12 people. They also offer group meals from a 4-5 person platter to a catering menu for up to 25 people.

The clear German theme also livened the atmosphere

While German decorations and TVs were nice, the coolest feature by far was this Lego wall

Our food also came out extremely fast- both dishes out within 15 minutes, which really added service points. However, the staff kind of ignored us and it was pretty hard to get their attention.

Overall Impression

Overall, Haxnbauer is probably the best German restaurant in Shanghai for both food and atmosphere. I’m pretty much already dreaming about that Garlic Haxe, so yes… I will be back.

So that’s it for now. I hope everyone has a good week. Until next time, bye!

 

 

 

• Dining
• International