Brew Ha Ha

Kaiba Beer Bar

Shanghai’s beer culture has evolved from near non-existence to mainstream presence in but a few short years – where once there was only Tsingtao on tap at bars few and far between, now there are craft beers and even local microbreweries aplenty. As the demand for quality beverages continues to rise, spearheading the imported beer movement is Kaiba owner Rudy Wimmer, who opened the original Kaiba Belgian beer bar on expat-central Kangding Lu in 2008. Four years on, Wimmer has expanded his empire, with a wildly successful branch catering to the local market on Dingxi Lu and a Taikang Terrace Taphouse, with an expanded food menu and charming deck added into the bargain.

His latest project is the relocation of his original outpost, which now calls Wuding Lu home, and where in an atmospheric brick-walled, wooden-beamed basement it serves up over 65 lager and ale varieties and up to 20 draughts, mostly hailing from Europe and in particular Belgium. Standout Trappist brews, Blonds, Trippels, Lambric Kriek and Geuze all feature, along with a small selection of international beers like Brooklyn IPA, Fullers London Porter and Canada’s Moosehead Lager. As for bar snacks, the appropriately specialised selection of Belgian waffles, homemade sausages and moules frites are perfect for pairing. Hop to it!