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Food and Dining
Home » China » Shanghai - People and Culture » Food and DiningJust as Shanghai is progressive and western-influenced in many other ways, dining in Shanghai is as well. Traditional Chinese restaurants abound, serving the expected Chinese dishes, but other cuisines are popular in the city as well.
Shanghai is responsible for the dining style known as “dim sum,” where a collection of dumpling-style dishes are served via cart to diners. It is based on a dish called Xiao Long Bao, translated small, steamer buns. Shanghai cuisine is also known for the use of sugar, a uniqueness within China. Dishes in Shanghai are not necessarily sweet; instead chefs are famous for using sugar judiciously to offset sour and salty flavors, striving for the revered Chinese Yin Yang balance. Due to its position on the water, seafood is naturally prominent in Shanghai style cuisine as well.
It is possible, however, to visit Shanghai and easily never eat a Chinese meal. There is a proliferation of international restaurants to cater to the many western tourists, as well as to the curious local residents. American establishments such as California Pizza Kitchen and Tony Roma’s have outlets in Shanghai, along with places like Starbucks and Mrs. Fields. There are classic French restaurants, Irish pubs, Indian curry houses and every fast food chain imaginable lining Shanghai’s streets.
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