Tasty French plates, natural wine and fun

Soif has managed to inject some much-needed fun into the quieter stretch of Wuding Road. The atmospheric natural wine bar has been a daily lure for cool-looking urbanities, natural wine aficionados and local industry folk.

The establishment’s popularity is helped by a passionate professional team of natural wine advocates keen to share appreciation of wines, made without chemicals, with its customers.

Drop by and get to know the juice behind the jargon, lose yourself in a naturally chilled, comfortably designed space. Soif is the kind of place which makes you forget you’re in Shanghai and ensures a getaway feeling thanks to its buzzing atmosphere.

Tasty French plates, natural wine and fun

Credit: Yang Di / SHINE

Caption: Dimly lit and intimate, the mix of exposed bricks, wood and mirrors create a cool yet laid-back, enjoyable vibe.

The philosophy behind Soif is simple: Serve good food and great wine, with a meticulous attention to ingredients and winemaking practices. Dimly lit and intimate, the mix of exposed bricks, wood and mirrors create a cool yet laid-back, enjoyable vibe.

The central glass cellar with glass doors showcases a plethora of global producers carefully selected by the team, which caters for all levels of wine knowledge, from novice to expert.

The team has picked out some of the most delectable wines to pour by the glass to accompany the tasty plates conceived by consultant chef Freddy Raoult, who helms the kitchen of Nest Group.

The delicious plates here are another reason Soif has been pulling in the crowds. Raoult, a French native, shows his boundless creativity and sophistication toward food that gives even the most jaded diners a surprise in each and every bite.

Credit: Yang Di / SHINE

Caption: Soif serves good food and great natural wine, with a meticulous attention to ingredients and winemaking practices.

I gave the food a five-star rating from the first bite of Sardines on toast. One side of the toast is dipped in gazpacho and the sardine piece on top. Sweetness and freshness from gazpacho together with punchy flavors of sardine — an amazingly balanced plate to start off the night.

Another notable plate is Stracciatella salad. To ensure that the best part of the burrata cheese is the star of this show, a mixture of pumpkin pickles, cherry tomatoes, oats granola with a dash of olive oil and honey are added on top to enhance the expected, delightful experience.

Credit: Yang Di / SHINE

Caption: Sardines on toast is a must-try dish.

Besides the all so delicious plates, Soif makes the charcuteries in house. Savory and inviting, the charcuteries’ platter is always a great companion for the selected wines.

Soif is a place that prides itself on being unpretentious and the memorable dishes and natural wines ensure you will find yourself coming back time and again.