It’s a coffee and art gallery kind of day.
Intro
If you would ask me what my favourite place in Shanghai is, I would without a doubt say that it is the M50 Art District - an old industrial-park-turned-wonderland filled with little cafés, art galleries and design studios. In the heart of this district you’ll find the modern art café called Undef/ne. It is the perfect café to further unwind and drink a o-so-good-cup of coffee after strolling through the wonderful galleries (My favourite is island6). And BONUS: It is conveniently located just a mere 1.5 km walk from my apartment!
Decor
Undef/ne is a quiet, minimalistic café with big open spaces, cement floors and an exposed ceiling. As you enter you’ll find a modern art photography gallery to your left and to your right you’ll find the café. I take a right and walk up to the counter that’s filled with beautiful white orchids and freshly baked pastries. I order a Mocha (my usual) and take the stairs up to the second floor where I spend the rest of my morning reading and drinking coffee.
The crowd
The café is usually quiet, with only a few people working on their laptops here and there. I love Time Out Shanghai’s description of Undef/ne: “[…] you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by artistic youngsters typing on MacBooks and trying to snap the perfect WeChat moment.” YUP, it is most definitely the go-to place for hipsters.
What I had
I usually only come for the coffee, although it’s been said that the café serves some of the best brownies in Shanghai.
To drink: A mocha
Next time
I am a creature of habit, so same seat & same coffee for me next time around.
Good to know
The M50 Art District is a 15 - 20 minute walk from Zhongtan Road Station (situated on line 3 and 4).
Undef/ne has a sister café in the Jing’An Kerry Center called The Brownie Project.
The café regularly hosts art exhibitions.
Hours: Daily, 10:30 - 18:00
Out of all the places in the whole of Shanghai, I think I will miss this place the most.
Comments