(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2007-09-13 10:04

The crowd of young, lively Chinese couples dining at San Gu Bullfrog is a testament to the value for money at this clean, comfortable and surprisingly stylish Sichuanese restaurant.

The decor is certainly not luxurious, but the light-wood tables and modern, cream-colored interior are inviting nevertheless. We were pleased with the delicious, smoky flavor and slightly chewy texture of our starter, the cold Camphor Tea Duck (RMB 16).

Next, we couldn't resist sampling the namesake dish, farmed bullfrog (RMB 68 for the small portion). It was a wonderfully tongue-numbing experience, with moist frog legs bathed in a fiery sauce of black beans, red peppers and pulled frog meat.

As long as your dinner companions aren't stuck on five-star fare and glitzy trappings, this is a great, off-the-beaten-path dining option.

San Gu bullfrog
Open: Daily 11am-3am.
Location: 883 Zhaojiabang Lu, by Wanping Lu
Tel: 021-64694611
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 100