New Wudaokou International Food Plaza: Mei Ming'r Shengjian, Ri Chang and More

Wudaokou's eating options just got a little bit more exciting, with popular Cantonese chain Ri Chang, baozi hotspot Meiming'r Shengjian, and an express version of Isshin opening up in the new "Wudaokou International Food Plaza." Read on for photos and details.

For over half a year now, we'd been watching this massive building come up next to the Wudaokou lightrail station and wondering what it would house. Well, the wait's over as restaurants have begun opening up in the last few weeks.

The one we're most excited about is Meiming'r Shengjian, which already has locations in Jianwai Soho and Gulou. Sure, we've played these guys up pretty hard on the blog, but it's mainly for selfish reasons. The more shengjian bao followers we generate here, maybe the more options we'll start to have. Then we'll all have fewer reasons to have to go to Shanghai.

There's also a new location of Korean market Green Tree.

Isshin opened up an Isshin EXpress in the building. No word yet on whether their half-price sushi deals will still apply here. Anyone been there yet?

Just to the left of Isshin is Yizhi (whose English name is, funnily enough, "Isshi"). Apparently the owner of Yizhi worked at Isshin for 16 years before leaving to start her own similarly named and menu'd place on Xueyuanlu. This is her second location. Let the battle of the sushi joints begin!

And last but not least, there's Ri Chang. This greasy Cantonese place is already packed with customers. They're known for their baozaifan (starting at RMB 38 and they're HUGE), but if you go, make sure to order a pitcher of the mango, pomelo and sago drink. Delish.

Oh, and there's also a Kangshifu Niuroumian. Not as exciting, but hey if you're in a pinch and you want a relatively safe bowl of noodles, you're better off there than at the crumbling Mr. Lee's above KFC, right?

Photos: Marilyn Mai