Avocado Lady

A legendary hole-in-the-wall import grocer on Wulumuqi Road, beloved by generations of Shanghai expats. Cheese, avocados, wine, imported staples, and hard-to-find ingredients crammed into a tiny space at prices that undercut fancy supermarkets. If she doesn't have it, she'll find it.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the Avocado Lady?

The nickname comes from the shop reliably stocking ripe avocados - a rarity in Shanghai for years - long before they were common. The name stuck among expats, and the friendly proprietor became a neighborhood institution. The official signage is in Chinese; everyone just calls it the Avocado Lady.

Is it worth a special trip?

For a tourist, it's more of a fun cultural peek at expat Shanghai than a must-see. If you're staying in the area, cooking, or hunting a specific ingredient, absolutely. It pairs well with a stroll through the leafy former French Concession.

Do they take mobile payment?

Yes, WeChat Pay and Alipay are standard here as everywhere in Shanghai. Cash also works. Set up a mobile wallet before you arrive in China to make small purchases like this frictionless.

Is it cheaper than City Shop or Ole?

Generally yes, often significantly - that's the whole draw. Prices on cheese, wine, and imported goods undercut the glossy import supermarkets. Quality varies item to item, so inspect produce, but the savings are real.

Can she order things she doesn't stock?

That's part of the legend - regulars say if you ask for something she doesn't have, she'll often source it for your next visit. Build a rapport and the shop becomes surprisingly accommodating for special requests.

Is it easy to find?

It's a small, unassuming storefront that's easy to walk past - look for the produce spilling onto the sidewalk on Wulumuqi Road near Wuyuan Road. Once you spot the avocados and crowd, you've found it.

What can I actually buy there?

Imported cheeses, cold cuts, avocados and other produce, wine, baking supplies, spices, sauces, and hard-to-find Western pantry items. It's crammed floor to ceiling. Think of it as a treasure hunt for ingredients regular Chinese supermarkets don't carry.

When is it least crowded?

Avoid the after-work window (roughly 6-8pm) when locals and expats stock up. Mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays are calmest. The space is tight, so fewer people makes browsing far easier.

Nearby in Ask Shanghai

• Former French Concession Street Walk (Wukang Road to Anfu Road)Attraction0.25 km · 3 min walk
• Oha EateryCafé0.49 km · 6 min walk
• Old JesseRestaurant0.53 km · 7 min walk
• FunkadeliBar1 km · 12 min walk
• Bar No. 3Bar1.04 km · 13 min walk