Tianzifang and House of Flour, Again
We were watching an episode of “How I met your mother” and they were all eating at a diner after a massive hangover. So naturally the hubs and I were in the mood for diner food. We can get a lot of foods here in Shanghai but there are a few things they haven’t done completely right. Those two things are: New York pizza (how I miss you) and diner style breakfast.
Nothing beats Jersey diners, it’s seriously the best and sometimes… it’s exactly what you need.
I went into massive research mode and saw that a lot of people recommended a place in Tianzifang (a little side street) called Kommune.
Kommune seems like it’s always packed and if you are searching for a place that has AC, this isn’t the place. Though the AC is running, the doors are always opening and closing from all the people going in and out. Their menu is small and simple but their servings are HUGE.
The decor was nice, they had a lot of wall art and framed photos. The seating is a bit crunched but not uncomfortable. We ordered the iced coffee and their standard breakfast meal. The meal overall was good but I really dislike canned mushrooms. If it were made of fresh mushrooms, I probably would have liked it better. I wonder if it was canned or fresh… if it was fresh, it was really not impressive.
Will we go there again? Eh, maybe? Not my favorite brunch spot in the city but definitely not a bad place if you happen to be in Tianzifang.
Oh yes, we went to House of Flour again. I am such a sucker for delicious chocolate! We got the frozen hot chocolate again but decided to get something other than their famous “Death by chocolate” cake.
We ordered the salted caramel mud pie. It was a dense, deliciously chocolate fudge like cake with a perfect caramel sauce that had hints of saltiness. My mouth is salivating from thinking about this cake! We shared it and I was actually tempted to get the death by chocolate cake but decided against it. Mostly because I was full and also I felt like I was being a little piggy that day. 
If you only have time to go to HoF once… I strongly suggest their signature “death by chocolate” cake. It’s really my favorite one out of all the desserts that I tried there. And if you’re feeling really indulgent, take their truffles home… it’s truly the best truffles I’ve had in Shanghai!
Can you guys tell me what is a specialty (food wise) where you live?
NYC is pizza and Shanghai is soup dumplings. Mmmm Yum.
Let me know so I can drool over my computer screen while I look at your comments.
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Kommune
No. 7, Lane 210 Taikang Lu (Tianzifang)
House of Flour
Chocolate cafe/Boutique: 30 Sinan Lu
To pick up truffles: Shanghai Center next to Element Fresh
OMG! Salted caramel mud pie!?! WANT! House of Flour sounds like it could be my kinda place heehee!
You should visit me and I’ll take you to all the places
Oh my gosh, salted caramel mud pie! I will dream about that tonight!
It is a great dream to be had.
mmmmmmmm
I don’t think greasy diner food can be replicated in Shanghai because it’s gotta come with a certain charm and attitude. Not sure if that makes sense.
People think of Boston for it’s clam chowder and boston cream pie. If I had to pick, it’ll be a really good bowl of clam chowder (or chowdah as ‘locals’ say it).
The salted caramel mud pie looks delicious!!
Oh my goodness, definitely the cam chowder!!!! My husband went to college in Boston and we used to visit frequently because we have so many friends there still. I AM DROOLING now thinking about the chowder there. MMMMMMMMmmm!!!!!
I agree about the attitude and charm, definitely a regional thing. I think that’s what I love about traveling… the specialities from that region is so … special!
So you know I’ll be filling up on diners in Jersey and NY pizza when I come back to the states! I hope to come to Boston as well! Love, love, love BOSTON! 
We are huge red sox fans too! <3
You guys shouldn’t be following the team right now because it’s just awful (hangs head in frustration) lol
When you do come to Boston, we should meet up for a good bowl of chowder
I definitely agree about NY pizza. I’m originally from Brooklyn so I’m gonna be a bit snobbish and say that Brooklyn style is the best, haha. Growing up on that, I don’t like thick crust or deep dish. Whenever I get pizza now, I always get thin crust.
Hahaha yes poor red sox!
I agree about Brooklyn pizza! It truly is so much better than anything in manhattan.
And yes please to meeting up in Boston! I’d love that so much! If you ever come to shanghai, please let me know.
Your blog posts make me crave chocolate and shanghainese food, both foods I can’t seem to get enough in my area!
All the more reason to visit!
That chocolate cake looks amazing!
When you visit, I’m totally taking you guys plus T!