(Wed) - 04.06.11

(1) cranberry-chocolate chip oatmeal cookies (courtesy of Julie)

(2) Japanese milk candy (courtesy of Dan, from Hokkaido)

(3) almond milk (@ Shanghai food stand)

(4) scallion pancake (@ Shanghai food stand)

(5) wonton soup (@ Shanghai food stand)

(6) fried bun w/ some sort of meat??? filling (@ Shanghai food stand)

(7) peanut sesame candy (@ Shanghai food stand)

(8) xiao long bao (soup dumplings) (@ Nan Xiang Soup Dumpling House, Shanghai)

Many travel shows and guides rate Nan Xiang as having the best XLB in Shanghai, but according to more trusted sources it has not lived up to its reputation. Since I was already at the Yu Gardens, I tried them out in spite of the warnings... the long line of Chinese tourists can't be wrong right???

Not terrible, but nothing special, particularly when halfheartedly doled out in a paper tray. Well got to set the standard somewhere :P

(9) sheng jian bao (pan-fried meat-filled buns) (@ Yang's Fried Dumplings, Shanghai)

OMG... drool inducing deliciousness!!! Would have had more if it wasn't for the aggressive food itinerary :)

(10) curry beef soup, hot & sour rice noodles soup (@ Yang's Fried Dumplings, Shanghai)

(11) mochi donuts (strawberry, green tea, chocolate, cinnamon-sugar, coffee) w/ brown sugar coffee (@ Mister Donut, Shanghai)

Different than what I expected but were still very tasty and had a nice soft and chewy texture. Not what I would crave though since I'm more of a old-fashioned/cake donut fan.

Random Trivia: Mister Donut was originally founded in the U.S. in 1956 but was later acquired by and changed to Dunkin' Donuts. The rights to the Mister Donut name was purchased by the Japanese in 1983 and established throughout Asia. You can still see the Mister Donut (Henry Winokur) pictured in all the franchise locations.

(12) fresh white chocolate (courtesy of Dan, from Hokkaido)

(13) lamb samosas (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

A bit more upscale dining, Lost Heaven has pretty kool ambiance and decor. The menu consists of Yunnanese and Burmese cuisine... brings to mind some sort of cross between Chinese and Thai.

Not the greatest pix on my camera phone, but really unique and tasty dishes!

http://www.lostheaven.com.cn/main.html

(14) Yunnan wild vegetable cakes (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(15) Yunnan eggplant and tofu (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(16) spicy garlic noodles (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(17) Burmese shrimp paste w/ string beans (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(18) Da li style chicken w/ chili and green onions (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(19) Dai tribe pork lettuce wraps (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(20) spicy cod steamed in banana leaves (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(21) Yunnan rice cakes w/ ham and preserved vegetables (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(22) Yunnan egg fried rice (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)

(23) fresh watermelon juice (@ Lost Heaven, Shanghai)