T+L Reports: China Goes Global

Once a staunch dumpling-and–braised pork town, Shanghai is finally cultivating gourmet ethnic restaurants to feed its growing international population. A few of our favorites:

INDIAN Fill up on Shanghai's tastiest tandooris and spicy curries at Vedas (550 Jianguo W. Rd.; 86-21/6445-8100; lunch for two $31).

ISRAELI Chef-owner Haya Ronen focuses on simple, olive oil–based cooking at Haya's Mediterranean Cuisine (514 Dagu Rd.; 86-21/6295-9511; lunch for two $12).

CUBAN Traditional pressed sandwiches complement sweet mojitos at El Cubano (3896 Hongmei Rd.; 86-21/6242-3349; lunch for two $25), owned by one of the handful of Havana expats in the city.

SYRIAN Platters of spice-rubbed lamb and baba ghanoush—along with shisha pipes—are served at Zahara (3911 Hongmei Rd.; 86-21/6261-0376; lunch for two $24).

AMERICAN Grab a seat among the Yankees at Moon River Diner (3338 Hongmei Rd.; 86-21/6465-8879; lunch for two $20) and order the chicken pot pie.