The Urban Edit
If you think people in China are still using coins to pay for their groceries, wearing Mao suits and generally struggling through life, then you’re in for a shock.
Far from being stuck in the past, China is careening ahead when it comes to consumer tech: pioneering a future that’s still years off in the West. In fact life in China’s major cities is so advanced, neither Japan nor the U.S. can hold a candle to it. Surprised? You will be…
To all of our Urban Edit readers: Bespoke wishes you a brilliant Chinese New Year of the Fire Rooster!
Now go out there and ruffle some feathers!
Michelin rolled into Shanghai back in September, sprinkling the city’s dining establishments with stars and kicking up controversy in the process. While many heavy hitters such as Ultraviolent and Otto e Mezzo Bombana picked up well-deserved stars, others were awarded to utterly obscure places or mediocre mall-based dim sum spots. Social media buzzed with rage. What that devil was going on? Had Michelin’s inspectors unearthed culinary treasures that lay hidden from us all these years? Or had the brand lost its touch – or worse? Bespoke sent in a crack team of foodies and journalists to investigate. Yes, yes it’s a tough job but…
Shanghai isn’t exactly the coldest place in the world – at least that’s what the government seemed to think when they neglected to provide the city with any decent heating system – but it can darn well feel like it sometimes. Luckily, Shanghai’s residents have a whole range of delicious wintertime snacks with which to combat the cold. Here’s what you’ll find Team Bespoke munching on over the next couple of months.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Shanghai is the shopping capital of China. And if you‘re picturing markets stacked with poor quality knock-offs then we very much suggest you think again, sir.
While dodgy goods are the subject of increasingly strict regulations, independent designers and boutiques, both local and international, are flourishing. Our new Shop Shanghai Signature Experience aims to showcase the city’s most interesting and unique products – including everything from handmade woks to retro sneakers, high quality silks and traditional Chinese slippers.
Few chefs can present a dish that looks like a used condom on a beach and still get 3 Michelin Stars (true story) – so we were already in awe of Alvin Leung even before we tried his first Mainland China restaurant.
Otherwise known as The Devil Chef, Leung is famous for two restaurants: Bo Innovation in Hong Kong and Bo London; the former earning 3 Stars in 2014.
