The Hilton Shanghai recently launched a new "Eat Right" initiative and in the process became the first hotel in Shanghai to completely ban harmful trans fats.

"Trans fats which are known to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, have been replaced with healthier substitutes in all in-house dishes and gourmet products," said Volkmar Ruebel, Hilton Shanghai's general manager. "The nutrition-conscious menu options not only include organic ingredients, but also reduce saturated fats, cholesterol, carbohydrates and calories from regular dining choices. All ingredients we use are gluten free, good for the digestion and the body."

Conceived by Ruebel and executive chef Emmanuel Souliere, the "Eat Right" program has been implemented and developed over three years in conjunction with the renowned Johnson and Wales University.

"Our desire is to promote a healthy lifestyle for our guests while they are on the road," said Ruebel.

Available at the airy Atrium Cafe, the "Eat Right" menu features a selection of five healthy meals that are changed fortnightly. Highlighted dishes include vegetable and shrimp spring rolls with crab mango salad and grilled lamb chops served with roasted onion, capsicum and ruccola pesto.

"We aim to offer better flavors from healthy fare so we use the same cooking methods and focus on food coordination and ingredient selection," said Souliere. "The new menu is proving to be increasingly popular. Ten percent of our daily dining revenue at the Atrium Cafe comes from this menu."

The elimination of trans fats demands more on style, recipe, skills and costing. A variety of products come from organic farms.

Now the hotel is in the process of extending this concept to room service menus, fine dining restaurant Leonardo's and even its Chinese restaurants.

"Nowadays, people are more and more concerned with looking after their health and balancing their hectic lifestyles. Your body knows what is good for you. It reacts when you eat something," Ruebel said.

"We want to be the front-runner and market leader in the city when it comes to the healthier option. After all, we are what we eat. When travelers say 'take me to the place where I can eat right,' the answer is take me to the Hilton."

For every 12 "Eat Right" meals, diners will win a free meal at Mediterranean fine dining restaurant Leonardo's.



Atrium Cafe

Address: 250 Huashan Rd

Tel: 6248-7777 ext 1860