The Shanghai Surprise; Shanghai Metro and the Drunken Shrimp

by on May 13, 2010 in Culture Thru Cuisine, Destination

outside the shanghai museum….

Shanghai surprises.

When you walk the city you know you are not in Kansas. My friend compares it to another planet. He says it’s Mars. It’s not, but it sure is different. Very different.

Different architecture, different customs, different language.  But perhaps the biggest difference for me came when I sat down for dinner.  The cuisine.

Now, I consider myself an adventurous eater, but true chinese cuisine challenges most westerners. It certainly challenged me. No, it’s not the simple takeout menu I grew up with or the one I use to order delivery in New York City this week.  Nope. No egg rolls. No chicken with brocolli. No fortune cookies.

…are the shrimp drunk yet? hmmm…..delicious

And although I started off with a struggle, the shanghai surprise – drunken shrimp delicacy (click to read Shanghai Metro story – and scroll down) turned the tide. I even gave my TwoCents about it in the Shanghai Metro. Yes, published in print.

So, after that meal or rather dining experience, I found myself with a tad more bravado. Yes, braver and certainly a more adventurous eater.

In China, I tried many more dishes on that trip, yet there remains so much to learn, so much to sample. So if you know of a special dish (from China or anywhere), please leave a comment. Tell of your experience or even make a recommendation.

Of course, I am continuing to expand my horizons with more Shanghai style surprises.

Stay adventurous, Craig

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  • Rich

    Reminds me of my favorite quote from the immortal Chandler Bing, when asked about traveling to China to eat Chinese Food: “Of course over there, they just call it food.”

    Great stuff Craig!

  • Daft Yank

    Hi Craig,

    Your final comment in the metro article couldn’t be more true, most things go down easier after a few drinks. Too bad for the shrimp it means them.

    If you want to continue your food adventure, a friend of mine from high school is the head chef at a very high end restaurant, he swears that kidney is delicious. Maybe after a few Flaggers I’ll give it a try.

  • http://www.kirstenalana.com/ Kirsten

    I think it must be said how AWESOME it is that you got an article in the Shanghai Metro!!!!! Also, what a good example this is (yet again) of how important it is to *stay adventurous* in life.

    …that aside, I think Chandler Bing said it well, props to Rich for quoting the immortal “Friend” :-)

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  • Chairman

    Great article in the Metro, Z. You’re right, my hairy crab is child play compared to the drunken shrimp and stomach (franchaise?) dishes. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Stay Adventurous my friend….Pura VIDA!!

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  • http://www.somewherethereisjeannie.wordpress.com jeannie

    I’d be squeamish about trying drunken shrimp too although i draw the line at bugs and genitalia.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com Craig Zabransky

      Ah, but it worked out nicely. Quite delicious those drunken shrimp. Genitalia is a difficult line to cross (never have myself), but bugs can be quite tasty. Cricket tacos.

      stay adventurous, Craig

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