Aug 7th 2009
Annamaya may be a restaurant/cafe work in progress, but it's one worth admiring -- and paying a visit to. While Shanghai is top-heavy in glitzy, over-priced, over-hyped dining venues, it's underserved in places that are genuinely warm and welcoming, not to mention knowledgably healthy.
GlobalTraveller's SMSH review comment, but you also need to know how to cook, rather than zapping them in the microwave which is hidden under the cashiers counter, is odious: i.e. its stink, and is completely disingenuous. There is a small toaster at Annamaya used for warming bread. It's not a microwave and no food is zapped' there.
Annamaya serves 100% fresh, organic, vegetarian fare, prepared in size-portions that food writer Michael Pollan In Defense of Food would find completely sane. This is not a place where you stuff your face.
The rice dishes are surprisingly tasty for vegetarian food, soups are healthy and delicious (I'm crazy for the cold potato soup) and of particular goodness, are the vegan pastries (apple and blueberry pie yum).
But what's best about Annamaya is owner Kazu Koikeda's kind personality and her authentic effort to bring a healthy, unpretentious, low-key, neighborhood style eating venue to Shanghai.