Le fromage is the food I miss most when working in China. Nothing but pickled herring, my other big favourite, seems to be more repulsive to the average Chinese connoisseur.

But wait, the are a few gallic villages that have not succumbed yet. One of the best is the lobby bar at the Hyland Sofitel in Shanghai.

Ok, you would rather come here with your better half, but the cheese plate makes for a good substitute. Good variety from mild to almost pungent and served with great chutneys. Enough quantity also to make for an almost full meal.

The bread here is nothing much but the wine list is notable for a hotel bar in Shanghai. Have not been to the hotel restaurant proper but a friend originating from Paris mentioned he thinks it's good value as well.

Any other known cheese escapes?

Nothing approaching le fromage, but occasionally I find some Laughing Cow, Emmentaler, and small packets of Jarlsberg and whatever else the exporter tossed in the shipment at the Lotus Supercenters that are located in expat-heavy neighborhoods

Lujiazui in Shanghai has at least one cheese oasis, the international shop tucked between the Citybank building and the Huangpu river.

Actually a very enjoyable delicatessen also for charcuterie and wines. But the cheese selection is superb.

+1

City Shop is the name of that place. It's where i go for my Gouda and Danablu cheese runs.

South German Bakery in Beijing (I believe that they have recently opened a 2nd location) has wonderful German meals, including a wide variety of open faced sandwich plates and traditional German breakfast plates with cheeses. Finding decent German food is usually an oxymoron, but I love this place.

Kempinski Beijing has a rather overpriced deli (which recently relocated across the lobby) which has a small variety.

Lots of German influence in Shanghai, including several German restaurants ranging from mediocre to mediocre. JW Marriott at Tomorrow Square has a small deli area in the lobby with some good cheese and cheese sandwiches.

I cannot comment on Marks and Spencer other than the Shanghai location is small and randomly stocked, but they may have something of interest.

I don't actually eat a lot of dairy outside of Germany but have found some very good cheese in China.

A German friend got food poisoning several times from one of the most well known German eateries in Shanghai. Pudong location...

Will check that out sometime, thanks.

Doesn't surprise me. Someone suggested that one to me and I decided not to eat there; Xintiandi was really disappointing (how one can make a simple plate of rye bread, fried egg, and cheese taste so bad is amazing)

That is why South German Bakery/Cafe Constance is such a pleasant surprise in Beijing - they get so many things right. I have also been presented with a packet of breads and cheese at the end of my meal if I couldn't finish the very large breakfast offering - which is much appreciated.

Assuming you're talking about Paulaner, and assuming Monday's are still half price (last time I was in town, they were contemplating phasing out that deal), the Hengshan Rd location is the only one worthy of consideration (and only on Mondays, of course). Even at half price, it's not as good a deal as the Makati (sorry to switch countries on you guys) branch, but it's provided many quality dining experiences for yours truly and friends.

Bumping this thread due to a recent good experience in Shanghai:

Would readily recommend the Hofbrauhaus Shanghai in Pudong to any FT'er wishing to partake in authentic and tasty German food (including cheese ). It has a nice riverside location (and riverside terrace) close to the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Website is here: http://tjhofbraeu.com.cn/home-en

They have a very ambitious and likeable German chef whom I had the chance to chat with, introduced by a mutual friend. Soft spoken, laid back gentleman who prepares good portions of tasty food with his team.

Xin Tian Di, there is a fantastic cheese and wine shop with every imaginable cheese available. We were so impressed with the selection including the very stinky ones.

Yes, it is pricey but to satisfy a yen, it is worth it.

Sorry for the life of me, I can't remember the name but in Xin Tian Di, there was only one.

Enoteca (various locations) also has a great cheese selection.

The famous Avocado Lady on Wulumuqi Lu also has a tasty blue cheese for great value.

City Super in the basement of the new IFC has a good selection also.

It that one relatively new? I cannot recall seeing it.

I am a regular customer of the French bakery chain Paul in France, but their locations that I have tried outside of Franch are usually very limited in selection and not as good quality. There is one in Xin Tian Di but I cannot recall if they do anything with cheese ie sandwiches etc as I have only bought a few sweets there.

I haven't had Paul enough time in France to compare (1x) against in other locations, but I've always thought that it has been fine in Shanghai (the Portman) and in London (Victoria Station, amongst others). The Former had a full menu, the latter was more pastries/takeaway.

I think that the Paul locations outside France often don't have the wide selection, and in particular often lack two items which are almost identical to how my mother makes them so are a nice treat. The London locations are decent tasting, if not the full range. The US ones however....

Good to know that the Portman location has a broad menu as that may mean a variety of baguettes including possibly cheese.

AFAIK they only have the sesame baguette with brie here in Shanghai. Its not bad. No other cheese options, but i could be wrong.