Joanna James
Shanghai thrives on being authentic and unique, both in terms of its appeal and offering. Thus, the food scene here forms an essential part of its culture that continues to be well received.
Lauded for its stunning texture and unmistakable taste, the Peking duck which is also referred to as Beijing roast duck is one of the most sought after of flavours in all of Shanghai though retaining some influence from its neighbouring shores. Prepared in a manner where the meat comes off as being moist and succulent whilst the skin is crispy, this dish is more often than not accompanied with steamed pancakes, scallions and a special paste.
For those in love with steamed crab, perhaps opting for a good feed at the Xinguang Jiu Jia restaurant would be a step in the right direction. The crabs are first tied together and placed in bamboo containers, before being steamed and served to your table with a kind word that this dish is best enjoyed with a sprinkling of vinegar.
Having seen the light of day during the times of the Qing Dynasty, Beggar's chicken is more or less a traditional dish that is a creation from the region of Hangzhou. In short, here is a tasty treat that is a marinated and stuffed chicken, packed with a vast array of ingredients including layers of lotus leaves which is then baked for up to 6 hours.
Called 'Hong Shao Rou' by the locals, braised pork is arguably one of the favourite dishes that travellers can get their hands on when residing in Shanghai. Accommodation options that include the Somerset Gubei Shanghai and its fine restaurant will surely come in handy in the event you crave wholesome, local cuisine. Comprising a pork belly which is initially caramelized, cooked and thereafter served with a distinctive brown sauce that is too good to be described, braised pork is best enjoyed at the Old Jesse Restaurant in Tianping Road.
Though cheap in price, the richness and taste of soup dumplings will leave you with a new found love and admiration for Shanghai. What better way to while away the hours than tucking into a vegetable or crab-filled dumpling in a hot broth? Such experiences would be hard to replicate elsewhere in the area and thus one must try this out before one's time here is done.
With a history of over 100 years and counting, fried pork buns serve as a delicacy in this part of the world and are prepared according to a tried and tested recipe. The wok fried buns which are brown at the bottom and soft elsewhere are stuffed with fresh meat together with scallion or sesame which makes for quite the treat.
Do not be put off by the name of it as this soup is all about the salty chicken broth, finely chopped spring onions and the blood which looks more like red tofu. If you are considering trying out this snack, then make a beeline towards Zhouli Laoya Fensi where you will not only have the best of these flavours but also would not have to spend anything more than 50 to 60 RMB per head.
Remaining on the subject of soup, nothing quits gets any better than the yellow croaker noodle soup which is as authentic as anything else that you will find in Shanghai. Imagine savouring juicy and tender chunks of croaker fish submerged in a thick and mouthwatering broth?
Smeared in every spice imaginable, this dish is for palates that yearn for spicy food. The crispy outer skin of the carp that acts as a prelude to the well-cooked meat inside ought to be given a go when holidaying here.
Here is where variety is given a whole new meaning as the snacks on offer can range from crab shell cakes, fried dumplings, steamed buns, deep fried dough sticks to eyebrow shortcakes that arrive, rich in goodness and zest.
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