[Shanghai Girl Eats] Chikalicious

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Chikalicious | Dianping
Address: 1-2/F, 123 Xingye Lu (inside 88 Xintiandi Boutique Hotel) / 兴业路123弄5号(88新天地会所1-2楼)
Date visited: 2016.01 for dessert
Price: 1st floor a la carte ~RMB58-98; 2nd floor prix fixe RMB188+10%
Will return: Yes

I could not believe it when I saw the Chikalicious sign while passing by the newly renovated 88 Xintiandi Boutique Hotel. Chikalicous is a dessert bar originally from New York that has expanded to Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Dubai, and now Shanghai. Chikalicious Shanghai occupies two floors — the 1st floor serves a la carte desserts around RMB58-98 and the 2nd floor serves prix fixe for RMB188 (amuse-bouche, choice of dessert, and petit fours) + 10% service charge. The dessert selections on both floors rotate frequently for variety.

Dessert heaven in Xintiandi ain’t cheap, I tell you, but I am so excited that a New York spot has come to Shanghai with the same quality. This is a good place for girls to come to with girl friends. I don’t see guys coming here and having the patience for three-course desserts but if any guy does, I would like to be on the other end of that date. Call me.

Chikalicous Shanghai

We tried the prix fixe on the 2nd floor and I recommend booking seats at the bar in front of the pastry chefs so that you can catch them assemble the desserts. This is a part of the experience (and price) of dining here after all. There are also regular dining tables to face your companions if you prefer.

Chikalicous Shanghai

The Executive Pastry Chefs here are Maya Sitti and Eugenio Mauro Pompili. Chef Maya was previously in New York as Executive Pastry Chef at The Dessert Club by Chikalicious and has also worked at Eleven Madison Park (that place that costs a fortune to eat at and has a long waiting list even if you do have the money).

Chikalicous Shanghai

Chikalicous Shanghai

Tea, wine, and champagne are available for additional purchase. The tea cup and saucers are deliberately paired so that the saucers have distinct patterns while the cups are reflective and can automatically match any saucer.

Chikalicous Shanghai

Today’s amuse-bouche was pineapple brûlée with yogurt panna cotta and pineapple sorbet — a light and refreshing starter. I especially liked the yogurt panna cotta.

Chikalicous Shanghai

Chikalicous Shanghai

For the main dessert, Chef Maya recommended the formage blanc island cheesecake — a super airy and light cheesecake with a mousse-like texture.

Chikalicous Shanghai

Chikalicous Shanghai

We also tried the warm chocolate tart with pink peppercorn ice cream and red wine sauce — a bit small but tasty nevertheless though I did not pick up any spiciness in the peppercorn ice cream.

Chikalicous Shanghai

Chikalicous Shanghai

The petit fours included a chocolate brownie with sea salt, pecan basket, and coconut marshmallow.

Chikalicous Shanghai

Chikalicous Shanghai

If you are not up for an entire meal of desserts, the 1st floor offers a la carte dining and desserts by the piece, including this vanilla mille crepe cake (RMB68).

Chikalicous Shanghai

My friend counted 20 thin layers of crepes alternating between fresh cream with vanilla bean specks. I’ve never had a crepe cake in Shanghai that I thought came close to the standards of Lady M, my favorite crepe cakes in the world. If not Lady M (yet), I am still happy a reputable crepe cake has come to Shanghai.

Edit: I just had the Nutella crepe cake on the first floor and it has lived up to all my expectations. If it is available during your visit, definitely try it!

Chikalicous Shanghai

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