The Place
After a year-and-a-half hiatus, Latin American hotspot La Social has made a comeback, this time in the old Mosto space on Shanxi Lu, with its opening night having taken place on – what better date – December 31.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The only major change comes in the form of an added bonus Colombian comfort eats dinner menu designed by Chef Richard Caba.
Aside from that, it still boasts the same late-night cumbia-bolero-salsa-reggaeton-Latin pop vibes of a South American speakeasy nightclub, the "original inspiration behind La Social," according to owner Alex Molina (Moka Bros, Mosto Beijing).
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
With seating for 45, plus an outdoor terrace, dinner – with a background beat of Latin funk – runs daily from 6-10pm, or 10.30pm on weekends.
Then the lights dim, the volume is cranked up, and the dance floor comes to life in a matter of minutes, reminding diners and dancers alike of a faster and looser 2010s Shanghai; the 'Wild, Wild East' through nostalgic La Social paraphernalia.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
There are hanging retro Colombian license plates, neon glowing signage, tea kettle lanterns, glowing disco balls (a design feature that even extends to the bathroom), and the back bar frame from the old La Social Beijing locale.
(The previous Shanghai bar back is now in Madrid. More on that later...)
The Food & Drinks
Right now, our tummies are rumbling, so we are turning our attention to the broad Colombian lineup on offer at La Social – one of the only places in the city offering South Americans a taste of home.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
There’s substantial finger foods to choose from, like crackly deep-fried-to-order Chicharron (RMB68) – pork rinds finished with a gasp of lime, a sprinkle of sea salt, and guacamole...
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
... and Pan de Bono (RMB40/4 pieces) – still steaming fluffy casava starch buns stuffed with cheese.
Salmon Mango Ceviche (RMB98), Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
For more sizeable appetizers, the Oxtail Pabellón (RMB80) is a unanimous favorite, a conventional flavor pairing found more often in Venezuela, made up of a tower of guacamole, mashed black beans, stewed beef and shredded fried leeks.
The down to earth flavors are equally dramatic in heft and history.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Another must-order, the Cachapa Souffle (RMB78) is a modern take on this maize flour-based dish – converting the customarily pancake shaped, griddle-fried corn dough into an airier soufflé-like puff.
The pockmarked savory cake is then surrounded by a moat of queso fresco, a smarmy 'bechamel' sauce of sorts that soaks into the spongy soufflé, ideal for sopping and slurping.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
If you’ve been around in Shanghai long enough, you'll remember that some of the city’s first arepas were offered by the original La Social on Wuding Lu.
Well, that same trio of flavor options has been revived as the Arepas Deluxe (RMB35/each) – overflowing corn cake pockets filled with diner’s choice of chicken avocado, black beans and cheese, or stewed and shredded beef.
This South American staple, most commonly found in Colombia and Venezuela, sits evenly at the cross-section of a tortilla and a pancake.
Eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, side dishes or late night, arepas embody the ol' adage that "good things come in small packages."
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Continuing down the line, there are soups – a Chicken Soup (RMB78) similar to Venezuelan chupe (chicken noodle soup) with yellow pepper, corn chicken and queso fresco…
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
… and Short Ribs Soup (RMB78) – a beloved Colombian hangover broth regularly hand-delivered in the twilight hours before morning breaks after a long night of partying.
Expect warming ingredients, like beef and potatoes, tempered by fresh peach.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
It is the Frijolada (RMB145), however, that is the pinnacle of Colombian comfort, and one of the country’s national dishes.
A thick red bean and pork trotter stew is accompanied by more of those shatteringly crisp chicharron, a bowl of stewed beef, grilled avocado, a poached egg, white rice, and a toasted arepa.
It’s a hearty enough portion to feed a small family – fittingly, as the dish is typically served as a Sunday household meal that preps you for the week ahead.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Aside from traditional Colombian stews, soups, snacks, and starters, the menu also features many Josper grilled meats, beginning with Chuzos (RMB128), a platter of skewers spanning chorizo, grilled beef tenderloin with roasted veggies, and chicken thigh.
And that is just the intro to the grill section...
Lomo Saltado (RMB120), Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
In fact, there’s a myriad of Josper smoked and charred proteins, including Wagyu Ribeye (RMB380), Beef Tenderloin (RMB198), Lomo Saltado (RMB120), Roasted Chicken (RMB140/half, RMB260/whole), Salmon (RMB180), and even a Grill Platter (RMB390) that feeds two to three people.
Grilled Octopus (RMB180) tomato chutney, roasted potatoes, green olive and fennel salad, Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
This 'bar's' menu is so comprehensive it even includes dessert, our newest guilty pleasure being the Brie Cheese Flan (RMB58) drizzled in dulce de leche and finished with toasted almond slivers.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Yet, don’t be misled; while the stellar menu of Colombian soul food is worth a visit alone, when the clock strikes 11pm, La Social is still la fiesta you know and love from Shanghai’s pre-COVID yesteryear.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The drink menu sees many of the same mixers, shots, and shaken cocktails as before, ranging in price from RMB70 for basic mixers to RMB90 for La Social signatures.
Shots go for RMB55, wine for RMB70, beer for RMB55 and mocktails for RMB65.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
And fear not, the Passion Fruit Mojito (RMB88) is still served in a ridiculous bowl, just as impractical yet hilarious for the dance floor as before.
The Vibe
Despite the new digs, La Social remains first and foremost a bar, after all, so expect to sweat through those calorific arepas while shaking that culo to everything from Shakira to Daddy Yankee to Bad Bunny into the wee hours of the morning.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
While technically La Social opened end of December (and trust us – it is bumping to OG La Social levels already) the official grand opening will take place on January 25, aligning with the grand opening of La Social in Madrid – elevating it to the status of an internationally recognized brand.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Continuing the expansion, La Social Beijing is slated to reopen this summer.
Price: RMB120-250
Who’s Going: Colombians, Venezuelans, Peruvians (all the spicy Latin Americans, basically), reggaeton fans, South American foodies
Good For: Colombian food craving satisfaction, old Shanghai nightlife vibes, shaking that booty until 3am
La Social, 5/F, 90 Shaanxi Nan Lu, by Julu Lu, 陕西南路90号五楼,近巨鹿路.
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[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]
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