A Taste of Sunflour on Shanghai’s Anfu Road: One Finger Éclair, and I Was Completely Hooked

Meta Description: Discover why Sunflour on Shanghai’s Anfu Road is a must-visit for food lovers. From the legendary sea salt coffee finger éclair to hearty lunch sets, here’s your complete guide to this iconic bakery.

If you ask me which Western restaurant in Shanghai is worth a dedicated trip, Sunflour would always be on my list. And if you press further, asking which single dessert from any restaurant has me coming back again and again, the answer is simple—the sea salt coffee finger éclair at Sunflour on Anfu Road.

To be honest, when I first walked into this shop, I was there for lunch. Little did I know that after a satisfying meal, I’d only have room to try one éclair—and my only regret was not taking a few more home. That explosive, creamy sensation still makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Today, I’m sharing my full experience and a must-order guide, holding nothing back.

About Sunflour: The "Bread Kingdom" That Started on Anfu Road

📍 Address: Room 104, No. 308 Anfu Road, Shanghai, near Wukang Road

Sunflour has five branches across Shanghai, but the one on Anfu Road is their original location—a sentimental "ground zero" for many loyal customers. The shop is small but has a cozy, reassuring warmth. The glass display window out front is filled with golden, crispy breads and éclairs, making it nearly impossible for passersby to resist.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the finger éclairs and artisanal breads. But what many don’t know is that their lunch menu is also thoughtfully crafted. If you’re like me and want to try a bit of everything, I recommend coming with an empty stomach—or making two trips: one for a proper meal, and another dedicated entirely to desserts.

Why Sunflour Stands Out Among Shanghai Bakeries

Sunflour isn’t just another bakery—it’s a destination. Unlike many trendy spots that rely on gimmicks, Sunflour focuses on quality ingredients and precise execution. Their éclairs are made fresh daily, and the breads are baked in small batches to ensure peak freshness. This dedication to craft is why locals and tourists alike keep coming back.

Must-Try Items at Sunflour: Miss These, and You’ll Regret It

❤️ Sea Salt Coffee Finger Éclair (💰20 RMB) — The Best Éclair in Shanghai, No Contest

I have to start with the éclair that completely won me over. Honestly, the first time I saw it, I wasn’t expecting much—it’s a slender, unassuming stick that looks almost plain. But the moment it hit my mouth, I was utterly conquered.

The second you bite into it, the cream filling explodes in your mouth, like popping a little treasure bomb. The filling is a perfect blend of toffee and coffee—sweet with a hint of bitterness, followed by a lingering sweetness. The layers of flavor are so rich that you can’t help but close your eyes to savor it. The outer shell is light and crispy, shattering with each bite, creating a stunning contrast with the silky interior.

What really elevates it is the sprinkle of coffee powder and sea salt on top. The saltiness doesn’t overpower; instead, it amplifies the coffee aroma and makes the sweetness more dimensional. One éclair leaves you craving another.

In a nutshell: This is the best finger éclair I’ve had in Shanghai, hands down. If you only buy one thing, make it this. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

💚 Cappuccino (Price Escapes Me) — Decent, with Beautiful Latte Art

If you’re a coffee lover, pairing a cappuccino with your éclair is a solid choice. The coffee itself is average—nothing groundbreaking, but not bad either. What stands out is the latte art: intricate and delicate, showing the barista’s care. It’s definitely Instagram-worthy.

That said, if you’re not set on having coffee, I’d suggest saving your budget for more éclairs and breads—those are Sunflour’s true stars.

💙 Select Set Meal (💰58 RMB) — Best Value for Lunch in Shanghai

If you’re here for lunch, this set meal is a no-brainer. For 58 RMB, you get a small portion of brown rice, two types of salad, and a soup of the day—a steal for this area of Shanghai.

The brown rice is perfectly cooked, each grain distinct with a subtle fragrance. Both salads are refreshing and light, pairing well with the rice. The only weak point is the soup—it’s a bit bland and forgettable, the weakest link in the set. But given the overall value, it’s a minor flaw you can easily overlook.

A tip: If you don’t expect too much from the soup, this set will leave you full and satisfied without breaking the bank.

🧡 Chicken and Mushroom Brown Rice (💰50 RMB) — A Tomato-Based Risotto I Could Eat an Entire Bowl Of

This dish was the highlight of my lunch. A tomato-flavored chicken and mushroom risotto—tangy and appetizing, with the rice soaking up all the savory broth. Every bite is rich and flavorful. The chicken is tender, the mushrooms are fragrant, and the slight acidity of the tomato keeps you coming back for more.

Honestly, I’m usually a sucker for risotto, but this one broke all my rules—I finished the entire bowl and still wanted more. If you love tomato-based dishes or crave a warm, comforting main, this won’t disappoint.

💛 House Beef Burger (💰85 RMB) — Good, but the Fries Steal the Show

The beef burger is one of Sunflour’s signatures. At 85 RMB, it’s not cheap, but the quality matches the price. The patty is thick and juicy, paired with fresh veggies and a special sauce, making for a hearty bite. However, compared to dedicated burger joints, it didn’t blow me away.

The real highlight is the side of fries—golden, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dusted with sea salt for a savory kick. I’d honestly order the burger just for the fries.

One Visit Isn’t Enough: My Next-Time Bucket List

Sunflour has so many standout items that one trip simply isn’t enough. As I was leaving, I stood at the counter, eyeing everything, wishing I could take it all home. I silently made a mental list of what to try next time:

Little Sun Bread (小太阳面包): Rumor has it this is their flagship item—shaped like a little sun, golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside. Many customers line up just for this.
Other Finger Éclair Flavors: Besides sea salt coffee, there are chocolate, vanilla, matcha, and more—each worth a try.
Various Cakes: The cakes in the display case looked incredibly tempting. Next time, I’ll save room to sample them properly.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Sunflour on Anfu Road

1. What is Sunflour best known for?

Sunflour is best known for its finger éclairs, especially the sea salt coffee flavor, and its artisanal breads like the Little Sun bread. The bakery also offers a solid lunch menu with set meals starting at 58 RMB.

2. Is Sunflour on Anfu Road worth the hype?

Absolutely. The original Anfu Road location is a beloved institution among Shanghai foodies. The quality of the éclairs and breads consistently impresses, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual meal or dessert stop.

3. What is the price range at Sunflour?

Éclairs are around 20 RMB each, lunch sets start at 58 RMB, and mains like the chicken and mushroom brown rice are 50 RMB. The house beef burger is 85 RMB. Overall, prices are reasonable for the quality and location.

4. Does Sunflour have other locations in Shanghai?

Yes, Sunflour has five branches across Shanghai. However, the Anfu Road location is the original and most popular, situated near Wukang Road in the former French Concession.

5. What should I order on my first visit?

Start with the sea salt coffee finger éclair (non-negotiable), then add a Little Sun bread or the chicken and mushroom brown rice for a savory option. If you’re hungry, the Select Set Meal (58 RMB) offers great value.

Shanghai is never short of trendy spots, but Sunflour feels like a place that stands the test of time. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or heavy marketing—just solid quality and flavor that keeps customers coming back.

If you ask me what to take home from Sunflour, my answer is: one sea salt coffee finger éclair and one Little Sun bread. The former will wow you; the latter will warm you. And if you have time, sit down for a Select Set Meal or the chicken and mushroom brown rice to enjoy a simple yet satisfying lunch.

One last reminder: If you’re ever on Anfu Road, don’t walk past this shop. Even if it’s just for one éclair, it’s worth stopping for.

Ready to Visit Sunflour? Here’s Your Next Step

Plan your trip to Shanghai’s Anfu Road today. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, Sunflour deserves a spot on your food itinerary. Pair your visit with a walk along Wukang Road for a perfect afternoon in the French Concession.

[Link: Best things to do on Anfu Road, Shanghai] [Link: Top bakeries in Shanghai for artisanal bread] [Link: Shanghai food guide for first-time visitors]

This article is based on my personal dining experience. All prices and menu items are subject to change at the actual store.