On Shanghai, Soup Dumplings, and Frilly Drinks

Welcome to Shanghai!

T- 1 month until I am back at college; for most other university dwellers, it's more like ... T- -2 days, suckers. While all those non-quarter system folks were busy moving into new dorms and apartments this weekend, I was busy gallivanting around Shanghai for a day with my sister and cousin before my sister's flight back to the States. 

We traveled via train - China has this amazing train system and it's the most efficient method of transportation by a long shot. The trains are super speedy (1.5 hours to Shanghai from Nanjing, versus 4+ hours by car), cheap, punctual, and clean. I really wanted to document the entire journey for you guys, but then I remembered the only (but major) downside of train travel in China - the stations. They are crazy crowded and a bit sketchy. People push, shove, and pickpocket to their heart's content, so I let my camera and phone rest in my bag, away from them hoodlums. Because a zipper will deter any good thief.

My original Shanghai plan was to veg out in the big, heavenly bed and simply refuse to move until check out, except to maybe pop downstairs for a swim in the saltwater pool, and maybe, just maybe go upstairs to the lounge to grab some hor d'oeurvesaskdf. Alas, my sister and cousin had more sense than me and dragged me out of my cocoon for some fun.

Our swanky hotel (more on that tomorrow) was located right on Nanjing Road, the famed pedestrian street full of good food and great shopping. The absolute highlight, is located in the building boasting that red sign you see in the picture above - the one called "Shanghai First Foodhall."

You walk into this department store-sized mecca of all things food - you can buy local specialties, little treats, seasonings, spices, and of course buckets of Snickers and M&Ms if that's what you're into.

I'm about to let you in on a huge secret, one that's known only by me, and CCTV, and maybe a Food Network show or two. And all of the Shanghainese locals. So, not very many people at all.

Go along inside, and don't be alarmed by the massive crowds. Once you brave your way through them, you are about to experience one of my very favorite treats in all of China. Take the escalator to the third floor, and among the tiny row of restaurants, you will find "Xiao Yang Sheng Jian" {Mr. Yang's Fried Soup Dumplings} on the very left side.

These fried soup dumplings rank in my top three favorite edible treats in all of China, and I've eaten my way through many a city in this huge country, so you know this has gotta be good. The little pockets of delicate dough encase a tiny spoonful of fatty pork, but the very best part is the slightly burnt bottom, which offers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.

If you eat one thing in Shanghai, make it this.

We ate sixteen between the three of us. Whoops. And if you're still hungry after this goodness, go get some more. But if you're wanting to expand your horizons or whatever, visit any one of the other vendors located next to this tiny restaurant. Common favorites are the vermicelli and/or noodle soups.

I was more than overly stuffed, but I'll always make room for a cream puff from Beard Papa's. Vacation calories don't count.

We had dinner over by Yu Garden / ChengHuangMiao with one of my sister's friends - I think the theme for this day might have been "soup dumplings" because we went to the esteemed Din Tai Fung for their award-winning steamed soup dumplings. And like the awful blogger I am, I ate everything without taking a single picture.

Afterwards, we stepped outside and there was the sweetest little breeze, so welcomed after weeks on weeks of humidity and heat, so we decided to make the most of it and walk over to the Bund district and find a bar.

A frilly pink drink called the "Dragon Pearl," some goooorgeous views of the Shanghai skyline and boats passing by, and a medley of classic tunes such as Moon River and Fergie's Glamorous later, it was finally time to call it a day and go back to the hotel for a long, hot soak in the shower and of course, my huge heavenly bed.

That is what I call one good day.