Shanghai is one of Phnom Penh’s most enduring hostess bars, with a history that spans well over a decade. Although the place has seen better days, it’s still worth taking a closer look. Any adult-oriented venue that can survive for so long in a city like Phnom Penh must have had something special going for it at some point.

In its prime, Shanghai was among the most talked-about hostess bars in town. I recall seeing ads featuring dozens of attractive women dressed in elegant Chinese-style dresses, which turned out to be an accurate portrayal. When you walked in, you’d find these same ladies in form-fitting black dresses, creating a glamorous atmosphere. With affordable drinks and even food on offer, it became a hotspot for expats and regulars alike. While it’s far from its heyday now, it’s the kind of place that could regain its former appeal under the right circumstances.

Shanghai on Pasteur Street Shanghai is situated on Pasteur Street, directly opposite the well-known Golden Sorya Mall. Unlike some bars that have relocated over the years, Shanghai has remained in the same spot throughout its history. As businesses around it have come and gone, Shanghai has held steady.

The bar itself is spacious, featuring a square-shaped counter surrounded by stools. Most of the hostesses tend to sit behind the bar when they aren’t interacting with customers. In the back, there are cozy booth-style seats where patrons can either eat or share drinks with the ladies.

Shanghai’s menu offers a good selection of drinks and food at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, the number of women working at the bar has dwindled significantly compared to its earlier years. The overall quality, both in terms of the staff’s appearance and the general atmosphere, has also declined. The lively, fun vibe that once defined the place has been replaced by something more subdued.

In years past, Shanghai had an exciting, almost party-like atmosphere on busy nights. The bar was packed, and the women far outnumbered the men. Guests would even head up to the rooftop for drinks, enjoying the view of a much smaller Phnom Penh. These days, the bar feels more like a quiet spot where people nurse their drinks, and the energy just isn’t what it used to be.

Staff, service, and overview Currently, only a handful of women work at Shanghai, and none of them are sporting the eye-catching Chinese dresses from its earlier days. I don’t like to criticize too much, but it’s clear that the staff here has aged along with the bar. It feels like some of them have been around since before Montenegro separated from Serbia!

That said, the women aren’t rude or unpleasant. They perform their jobs just fine, and I have no specific complaints about their service. But it’s impossible to ignore how much the place has changed over the years, especially for someone who’s been visiting on and off for a long time.

Back in the day, Shanghai had a unique barfine system. Customers had to buy six lady drinks to take a hostess out, ensuring that everyone was clear on the terms while allowing the bar to make money without a traditional barfine. This setup was similar to the system used in certain bars in Angeles City, where patrons would buy bottles of “Party Animal” instead of paying a direct fee.

Nowadays, it seems that Shanghai no longer has any formal barfine system. If a customer and a hostess want to spend time together, they have to wait until the bar closes at midnight. This setup is reminiscent of how the old Cathouse operated in its later years. But given the current state of Shanghai, it’s unclear how many patrons would even be interested in paying for a barfine, even if it were still an option.