Umiya 海屋 Cafe In Shanghai Is Going Viral For Its Super Cute Food With Faces

When it comes to stylish cafes, Seoul, Tokyo and Bangkok are often in the spotlight, but Shanghai also has a thriving cafe scene. On your next trip to China's cafe capital, bookmark Umiya cafe (Umiya 海屋) for a cute overdrive!

After an initial phase as a dessert house, Umiya cafe went through a complete revamp in 2024. Soon after, it went viral on Chinese social media for its immaculately cute aesthetic. The interior is decked in blues and the refreshed menu now features not just desserts but also savoury dishes inspired by Japanese cuisine.

Photo from Umiya海屋

Photo from Umiya海屋

But what sets Umiya cafe apart is its whimsical food styling - most food items have a face, reminiscent of the coveted Jellycat toys. It's feast for the eyes and the camera, especially when multiple plates of food with adorable "faces" are lined up together on the table.

Diners can expect comfort food like Chicken Cutlet Curry, Tomato Meatballs and Roast Chicken. Umiya cafe also keeps things exciting all year round with seasonal creations for Halloween, Christmas and other occasions.

Photo from Umiya海屋

Photo from Umiya海屋

Best of all, the prices aren't as preposterous as you might expect from an aesthetic cafe. For example, the Pistachio Strawberry Christmas Vienna goes for 45 Yuan (~SGD 8.40) while the Christmas Fruit Pudding Parfait will set you back 58 Yuan (~SGD 10.80).

Photo from Umiya海屋

Photo from Umiya海屋

Photo from Umiya海屋

The cafe is located in Jing'an, a downtown district of Shanghai that's offers some peace and quiet away from the most popular tourist areas. This relaxing district is peppered with little shops, cafes and restaurants to explore, and is also home to attractions like Shanghai Natural History Museum and Jing'an Temple.

Umiya Cafe (Umiya海屋)
Address: 148, Shanxi South Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China (17-minute walk from Jing'an Temple Station 静安寺)
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm