(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2006-07-24 11:42

Bland decor and confusing service aside, Babela's Kitchen is the place to go if you've got a near-empty wallet but a stomach that needs filling.

Tucked away in a corner of the International Shopping Mall on Pudong Nan Lu, you can enjoy both a pizza and a pasta dish for less than RMB 30; for an additional RMB 10, you can enjoy a glass of fresh watermelon juice (RMB 10). Be warned, most all of the pizza selections taste rather the same, of grease and sugar. Still, they are by no means unpleasant. Garlic bread or potato wedges sell for just RMB 5 and RMB 6, respectively, and serve well to satisfy you during the pre-pizza wait. Wind up your meal with a choice from the wide choice of ice creams, or try the mango pudding (RMB 8).

Free of pretensions and complete with hilarious staff motivation exercises, Babela's Kitchen is the expat's guilty pleasure.

Babela's kitchen
Location: International Shopping Mall, 1068 Pudong Nan Lu, by Zhangyang Lu
Opening time: Daily 11am-10pm. No cards. 
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 30 
Tel: 021-58766315