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Tidy Tasty Thai
by Jaki Faulkner
on Friday, March 12, 2010 12:00 AM
Set in a traditional 1920s' house, formerly home to over seven Shainghainese families, Oasis is a cozy eatery, which doesn't surprise but does deliver. We'd definitely advise booking one of their terrace spots once this freakish one-day-warm-next-day-cold front moves on and milder weather truly approaches. Not only will you dine under the fresh Shanghai skies but, for the newer readers amongst you, there's the musical pitter patter of tourist feet traipsing lazily through TaiKang Road's pretty alleyways.
Popping upstairs, there are a number of private function rooms, including one where you can eat your dinner over a 300-year-old door, preserved by a glass table top. The balcony spaces don't exactly have the most scenic view over the rooftops but come spring it'll be a lovely romantic place - even just a friends' meet will be great here.
Oasis Thai's assortment of appetizers, which include spring rolls, prawn cakes, seafood cakes and deep-fried chicken wrapped in pandan leaves, all do justice to the traditional staples. More than just competent in the obvious dishes, their Kho Moo Yang is a wonderful barbequed pork neck; the meat tastes beautiful and is only RMB55. The same goes for the Yam Som-O Pomelo Salad (RMB58), both chicken and shrimp proving mutually complimentary. Accompany these with a glass of Hillsview Australian red, which is a reasonable RMB55 per glass, or RMB250 a bottle. The French house white, however, is a mere RMB36 and is a nicely floral, crispy glass of wine.
Tom Kha Cai Soup (RMB40) is non-spicy, creamy and delicious - so that even those fearful of chili overload can safely sample it. Try the Steamed Mandarin Fish with Soy Bean Sauce (RMB128) for a good quality piece of fish that is indisputably fresh.
When it comes to pudding: beware! Khow Niew Mamung (RMB45) - a sticky rice with mango RMB45 - is irresistible and will see a table of friends fighting over who gets the lion's share.
Oasis is the owners' first venture in Shanghai and is relatively new at only six months. Laidback and warmly decorated, if you want to take a piece of the place home - you can, as all of the jolly light fittings and art reliefs are for sale.
The Bottom Line: Cheap and tasty Thai, with cozy welcoming service in an authentic old TaiKang Road setting.
