Obscura

The chiaroscuro ring logo connotes completeness and the complementary relationship of the enthusiastic chef duo, who travel around China regularly to keep their prix-fixe seasonal menu fresh and inspired. With sound Western techniques, they interpret traditionally Chinese memories with unique scents, tastes, textures and a touch of whimsy, eg Cantonese roast pork disguised as ice cream. Consider pairing the food with non-alcoholic drinks. Leave your preconceptions at the door and be wowed.

Three Unique/Unconventional Aspects of Obscura, Shanghai

Menu Governed by the Lunisolar Calendar
Obscura’s menu changes not just by season, but is specifically structured around the lunisolar calendar, reflecting traditional Chinese timekeeping and adding a layer of cultural and temporal depth to the dining experience.

Cantonese Roast Pork Disguised as Ice Cream
The kitchen employs Western techniques to reinterpret classic Chinese dishes with whimsy—for example, serving Cantonese roast pork in the form of ice cream, challenging both visual and gustatory expectations.

Dining Room as Cultural Artifact
The restaurant is housed within the Tang Xiang Cultural Space, surrounded by a private collection of Chinese antiques, making the physical dining environment itself a curated extension of China’s culinary and material heritage.

Signature Ingredients

• Hunan spicy beef: A standout dish that showcases the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine, known for its spiciness and depth. The beef is sourced from local farms, ensuring freshness and quality, and is prepared using traditional methods that enhance its natural flavors.
• Hangzhou dragonwell shrimp: This dish features shrimp that are paired with the renowned Longjing (dragonwell) tea from Hangzhou, known for its delicate flavor and aroma. The shrimp are lightly sautéed to preserve their sweetness and are often served with a tea-infused sauce, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to seasonal and regional ingredients.
• Dongbei sliders with goose liver, soy, and red wine: These sliders combine rich, luxurious flavors with a nod to traditional Dongbei (Northeast China) cuisine. The goose liver is sourced from high-quality producers, and the sliders are crafted with a blend of soy sauce and red wine, creating a unique fusion of flavors that reflects the restaurant's innovative approach to modern Chinese dining.

Tasting Menu

• Tasting menu from $278 (Key Information)

Signature Dishes

• Hunan spicy beef
• Hangzhou dragonwell shrimp
• Dongbei sliders with goose liver, soy and red wine