Established in 2018, Meet the Bund is Shanghai’s first fine dining restaurant dedicated to Min Cai – Fujianese cuisine. Owned by Fujian chef–turned–restaurateur Wu Rong, Meet the Bund showcases lesser-known ingredients and cooking techniques of Min Cai, while also presenting beloved classics with a modern touch. Helmed by Fujian native Chef Chen Zhiping, who trained under Wu for over a decade, the restaurant has become a pioneer in elevating Min Cai to new heights. Its mission is clear: to highlight the evolving nature of Fujian’s culinary heritage and to secure its place as one of China’s most important regional traditions.

One of its most acclaimed dishes is “Buddha Jumps over the Wall” – Steamed Superior Abalone with Fish Maw in Bird’s Nest Soup. In this refined, shark fin–free rendition, abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, and bird’s nest are simmered into a broth that takes several days to perfect. Elegant and deeply nourishing, it represents the pinnacle of Fujianese banquet tradition.

Another signature is Xiamen Red Mud Crab Glutinous Rice Cake, a festive staple of Fujian celebrations. Chewy glutinous rice, rich red crab roe, and aromatic shallots combine to create a dish layered with umami and memory—a taste of both family and festivity.

Meet the Bund is not just a restaurant but a statement of cultural pride. By reinterpreting Min Cai classics with delicacy and restraint, it shows how a regional cuisine—often overshadowed—can stand confidently on the global stage. From its striking locations across Shanghai to its carefully composed menus, Meet the Bund embodies the evolution of Min Cai’s fine dining: rooted in heritage, refined for today.