Shanghai is the perfect place for a person to eat themselves into a food coma on a daily basis.

There is something to eat, be it on the side of the road, or within a small restaurant, seemingly every ten paces.  Apparently, Shanghai cuisine is known country-wide for its sweet flavor profile according to our Chinese hosts at Fudan University.  I tend to agree, as there is a little sweetness to many of the dishes I have had here.

I have always heard that dishes commonly served at Chinese restaurants in the United States do not exist in China.  However, on several occasions we have eaten dishes such as sweet and sour pork, sweet and sour fish, and Kung po chicken that have admittedly tasted quite similar – who would have figured?

On the whole, I have really enjoyed eating noodle soup (one of my favorite things in the world), roasted fish, and Chinese hot pot.  I literally did not want to stop eating during the hot pot meal.  Cooking meats of all types in broth (including congealed blood cubes) and dipping them in various sauces appeals to my decadent side.

One thing I have noticed about the city is that there is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables available within walking distance; sometimes multiple locations on a single block.

If you weren’t thinking about having some fruit, then it jogs your memory seeing carts of fresh fruit displayed right there on the side walk.  I wonder if the same were true for Atlanta or other US cities, whether people would consume more fresh produce or not.

Like anyone from a large family will tell you; if you don’t get in and get your food, you won’t eat. The same applies for Shanghai.  I think we all have learned that in a city this large you have to get in line and assertively, but politely place your order.  Otherwise, you could be in line for quite some time.

Cheers Shanghai.