Actual post date: 3/27/08

First of all, I would like to apologize for the long hiatus. The necessary travails of everyday life, combined with traveling causes such delays, but not leaving me empty- handed. Thus I present to thee...

Shanghai: How to Eat Cheap and Well

The first thing that comes to my mind when someone says "Shanghai" is Shanghainese food. Well known for being oily, deep-fried, but oh-so-delicious, the region's food has a lot to offer, but it's most famous offering is the soup-filled, meat dumpling called Xiaolongbao ("shee-ow, loong bao").

Before leaving for Shanghai, I call my brother who tells me, "You have to get the xiaolongbao at the Temple. Even the locals wait in line for it."

Taking his advice to heart, I arrive, embark on this Temple visit, and take note of the the line for these notorious dumplings.

I think to myself this xiaolongbao must either be a) so damn good that the locals line up for it, or b) so damn cheap that the locals line up for it.

At 12 RMB for 16 dumplings, that's $1.70 for 16 dumplings. And for more math, that's eleven cents per dumpling. Economically a deal, but if time is money, this ain't no deal.

After one hour of waiting we arrive to the window. And at last, the reward for our wait.
These dumplings are made with a thicker flour skin - not my favorite because I prefer a more delicate, thin flour skin. When I bite into a dumpling, I want the skin to yield easily, allowing the juices and meat inside to fill my mouth and demand my complete attention.

So in short, the "temple xiaolongbao" resulted in an interesting one-time-experience, ideal for people who like deals and dumplings with thicker skin, but if there's a next time, we are paying extra to (actually) sit upstairs and order.

Shao long bao, redux.

The next place we hit up is Din Tai Fung. Perhaps better known in Taiwan, Din Tai Fung has a few locations in China with one in Los Angeles. The one we visit is located in Pudong, and it serves the xiaolongbao of the variety I prefer. The dumpling is petite, delicate and literally melts in your mouth. Paying a little more to be seated at a table with a view of the city is worth it to me. In addition to the dumplings, traditional Chinese dishes such as drunken chicken and soy sauce tofu with green beans, are made with quality ingredients and executed with finesse. Definitely a place to visit if you want good local food served with simple class.

Four RMB noodles.

Outside the Fabric Market is a little cluster of food carts. And the food is ridiculously cheap. The "noodle lady" lets you pick out a noodle of your choice: flat noodles (huh fun), thin noodles, or vermicelli to combine with green onions, chinese vegetables, egg, bean sprouts, soy sauce, chili sauce, and meat. This costs 4 RMB or, sixty cents.

I already skimmed the top of it in a ravenous fervor while at the bus stop. It was delicious AND I did not get sick.

Though Shanghai has a variety of restaurants such as Secret Garden which serves different types of foie gras, People Seven (with annoyingly frustrating bathrooms, lovely decor, but okay food), and Whisk - for when you are craving good, chocolate desserts, remember that when when you only have two bucks in your pocket to spare, the four RMB noodles and temple xiaolongbao are waiting for you.

*Temple xiaolongbao located at Yu Gardens.

Labels: good eats, ShoutsOfAdoration, travel