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.
Roasted Chestnuts
The humble roast chestnut is one of the few cross-cultural festive snacks we can think of and nothing makes us feel happier than the aroma that drifts through our office windows in winter courtesy of Mr. Xi’s bike-mounted roaster. You can find him at the corner of Julu Lu and Shaanxi Lu (or similar operations all over the French Concession).
Scallion Pancakes
While visitors fawn over Shanghai’s street side shengjianbao dumplings, we find their far tastier sister the cong you bing to be criminally overlooked. Hot and sticky and served fresh from the furnace, these are real ribstickers that’ll give you a carb boost to carry you through the rest of the day. We get ours from Xiao Yang at 644 Fengxian Lu where they make them at the front of the shop in the traditional way.
Mulled Yellow Wine
Yes we all love a mug of gluhwein, but local outfit The British Kitchen caught our eye by giving it a local twist. Their version keeps all the spicy goodness intact, but Shanghai’s famous huangjiu stands in for boring old red wine. You know what? It’s delicious. Make it yourself or find The British Kitchen at Christmas fairs around town.
Ben Jia
There’s nothing wrong with a winter hotpot but frankly it’s been done to death. Thus we’re declaring barbeque the official communal dining option of the 2016-17 winter season. Gather a group of friends and huddle around a table inset with a blazing charcoal furnace on which you can grill all manner of delicious meats and veggies. Everyone agrees, its’ the Koreans that do it best – and that’s why Ben Jia is our go to (we like the one at 1900 Tianshan Lu best).
Bespoke’s customized private tours can stop at any of these places and more. Take a peek at our Shanghai services here.