265 Jiaozhou Lu, near Xinzha Lu
21/6272-0353
HOURS: Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
COST: Entrées less than ¥100
METRO: Jing’an Temple (Line 2, Line 7)
If you’re all noodled out and in need of a smoothie or a sandwich, head to Wagas. This non-smoking Western café chain has nearly 20 branches across town and is well liked for its fast Wi-Fi, Illy coffee, and locally sourced, healthy food options. Wagas’s bread and cake products come from the Baker & Spice bakery farther downtown and are baked fresh every day.
The letters of the café’s name apparently stand for “we are good at sandwiches” and the salads are great, too. Daily specials include imaginative salads, soups, and sandwiches. The signature Wagas salad is a nutritious mix of fresh leaves, roasted pumpkin and beetroot cubes, runner beans, and cashews topped with a tangy dressing.
Lunchtime can get busy, so head there early morning or late afternoon to be sure of getting a table.