Cover Tom Holland and Zendaya during their Shanghai press tour for Marvel Studios’ ‘Spiderman: Brand New Day’ (Photo: courtesy of Sony Pictures)
Tom Holland and Zendaya during their Shanghai press tour for Marvel Studios’ ‘Spiderman: Brand New Day’ (Photo: courtesy of Sony Pictures)
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From noodle joints to a vegetarian fine-dining establishment, here’s where the power couple dined during the Shanghai press tour of ‘Spiderman: Brand New Day’
24 hours in Shanghai is hardly enough, but Zendaya and Tom Holland found a way to experience the city’s full charm. In one day, the Hollywood power couple hit the spots that spoke to Shanghai’s storied past, trendy present and vibrant culinary landscape. No tourist traps, just honest good food and drinks that passed the ultimate local foodie test.
From sharing bowls of spicy sesame noodles at a humble neighbourhood joint to experiencing the zen-like precision of vegetarian fine dining, their whirlwind press tour for Spiderman: Brand New Day offered a brand new way to explore the city's diverse and soulful energy. Here is a Tatler Dining editor's guide to why these spots are legitimately worth the hype.
Read more: A food lover’s guide to Shanghai
Undefeated Café
Above The Undefeated flagship store in Shanghai features a multi-level retail space with an integrated coffee bar
The Undefeated flagship store in Shanghai features a multi-level retail space with an integrated coffee bar
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The couple only dropped by the brand’s Spiderman-themed pop-up (running until August 16) at the shopping mall Hai550, but Undefeated’s Shanghai flagship store is also worth a visit.
The venue bears a three-fold concept that combines a retail space, café and basketball court. Interiors reflect the LA-based sports and apparel brand’s distinctive style, where (basketball planks lie underfoot) and sneakers line the dark-coloured walls. The menu is everything you can expect from a west coast neighbourhood café, with a touch of Chinese influence in the food menu.
What’s more, both the pop-up and flagship stores are located in Shanghai’s historic districts, where French architecture and leafy lanes create a distinctly European feel.
How to get there
Take the Shanghai Metro to Middle Huaihai Road Station (served by Lines 13 and 14). Alternatively, South Huangpi Road Station (Line 1) and Dashijie Station (Line 8) are also a short walk away.
Undefeated Café x Spiderman pop-up
Address: Shop 4, L1/F, Hai550, 550 Huaihai Middle Road, 550 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Undefeated Café
Address: 112 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
Matcha Wang
Above Matcha Wang’s beverages are crafted with intricate lily lamb latte art
Matcha Wang’s beverages are crafted with intricate lily lamb latte art
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If matcha is more your cup of tea, make your way to Matcha Wang on Huaihai Middle Road. This matcha bar is best known for its lily lamb matcha lattes, but there’s more to its virality than cuteness. Each drink is hand-whisked from high quality powders farmed across China: the Chunxi offers a light and gentle taste, the Lingyun Cui bears a vibrant green hue and fragrant aroma while the ceremonial grade Xuanbi is rich and bittersweet.
Despite temperatures rising over the 30s during their visit, the couple ordered the viral version, which comes warm and decorated with lily lambs drawn with vanilla bean foam. While iced versions are also available, they are decidedly less adorable.
How to get there
Take the Shanghai Metro Line 14 to Yida Huizhi Station and take Exit 1.
Matcha Wang
Address: Shop 2, L1/F, Hai550, 550 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Wei Xiang Zhai
For lunch, the pair dropped by Wei Xiang Zhai, a neighbourhood noodle joint best known for its unfussy bowls. The spicy sesame noodles are a must-try, which tastes even better with a side of fried pork cutlets. The space is compact, expect to queue or share a table if you’re dining solo or with a small group.
How to get there
Take the Shanghai Metro Line 1 or 10 to South Huangpi Road Station. Leave via Exit 2, walk south toward Huaihai Middle Road, and turn left onto Yandang Road.
Wei Xiang Zhai
Address: 14 Yandang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Balathe
Above Balathe’s apricot iced tea is presented with traditional tea elements and fresh fruit
Balathe’s apricot iced tea is presented with traditional tea elements and fresh fruit
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After a quick stop at local clothing brand Semir where Holland changed into something decidedly more summer appropriate, the pair headed to Balathe, a heritage jasmine tea specialist located inside Yu Garden.
A declared national monument that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (16th century), this Chinese garden is an urban oasis complete with stunning pagodas, scenic lakes and stone bridges bearing Ming-style canopies. Balathe sits within this serene complex, serving hand-poured teas and cold brews from a minimalist bar, with seasonal fruit infusions available.
How to get there
Take the Shanghai Metro to Yuyuan Garden Station (served by Lines 10 and 14). Exit via Exit 1 or 7 and and walk 5 to 10 minutes.
Balathe
Address: Gate 7, Yu Garden, 218 Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Fu He Hui
Above Fu He Hui’s seasonal menu features a selection of refined vegetarian plates
Fu He Hui’s seasonal menu features a selection of refined vegetarian plates
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The couple ended their day at Fu He Hui, a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant known for its thoughtful menus, zen interiors and bespoke tea pairing options. Set menus rotate seasonally and feature a range of traditional and contemporary Chinese recipes, crafted using the best of local ingredients. Some past highlights include lily bulbs with osmanthus honey and passion fruit foam, mushroom rice, lotus root three-ways (sugared, fried and made into a mousse) and a hidden menu that features reimagined comfort dishes like mapo tofu available with advance booking.
How to get there
Take the Shanghai Metro to Jiangsu Road Station (served by Lines 2 and 11). Exit via Exit 4 or 5 and and walk 5 to 10 minutes west down Yuyuan Road.
Formerly a lifestyle editor, Celia is now an Associate Dining Editor at Tatler Hong Kong, where she covers local dining stories with a strong sense of narrative and cultural context. She focuses on the people, places and moments shaping the city’s food scene, bringing a storytelling-led approach to restaurant features, chef profiles and on-the-ground coverage.
