What to eat in Shanghai

Shanghai (上海) is the largest city in China with a population of over 20 million people in its metropolitan area. After 1990, the economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping resulted in rapid development and financing in Shanghai, and in 2005 Shanghai became the world's largest cargo port.The city is a top tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Bund and City God Temple, its modern and ever-expanding Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower. Today, Shanghai is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, and has been described as the "showcase" of the world's fastest-growing major economy. The local food culture is greatly influenced by the western culture while it still have a lot of delicious tradition dishes.

1. Chestnut Stewed Chicken (板栗煨鸡)

This is one of my favorite dishes. (I have too many favorites :-))Chestnut is a very popular nut in China and it has hard shell and it looks like hazel but larger. It tastes sweet and contains high starch. Simmering it with chicken makes the chicken tastes more gentle and luscious. Dried mushrooms are always added to this dish. The chestnut need to be boiled first and added to the chicken that has been fried.





2. Eight Treasure Glutinous Rice (八宝饭)

Glutinous Rice is a type of short-grained Asian rice that is especially sticky when cooked. Eight treasure Glutinous Rice is a dessert made from glutinous rice steamed and mixed with lard, sugar, red bean paste and other kinds of fruits or nuts. It has a round shape and has many different colors due to various fruits. It is usually served when the family is reunited. It is a traditional dessert that is popular in south part of China.



3. Steamed Bun with Crab Cream Inside (蟹粉汤包)

Steamed Bun has already been introduced in former blog post, but this one is special since the inside is crab meat. Not all part of crab is used, only the crab berry. As you can see from the photo, you need a straw to suck the rich crab cream!



4. Oil Gluten stuffed with minced meat(油面筋塞肉)

Oil Gluten is made from wheat flour and made into a ball shape and then washed over and over in water until only gluten is left.Then the balls are fried in deep oil. Fill the Oil gluten with minced meat and vegetables and then steam the balls. When serving, they are always with soup.





5. Eight Treasures Spicy Paste (八宝辣酱)

The ingredients includes shrimp meat,peanut,sliced pork,and bamboo shoot. The secret seasoning is starch. Firstly fries meat with vegetables, then added mixed starch with water and soy sauce. Leave it in the pan and wait until the paste become thick. Eight treasure means there are around eight different ingredients in this dish.