shanghaifood – A Blonde Mess (in a Dress)

We heard through the grapevine that Shanghai had a suburban water town called Zhujiajiao that is similar to Venice. Venice? Let’s go.

Welp, it wasn’t exactly Venice, but it was still really fun. We decided to take a car to Zhujiajiao because thanks for Shanghai version of Uber, it was only $20.00 each way (and it was an hour and a half drive). The drive was nice, picturesque, and our driver thought we were really funny.

When we arrived, we had the option to pay 100 RMB for a 10-minute boat ride, which converts to $15.08 per boat. We ate at a restaurant called Peaceland, who had a nice chef from Vermont who kindly took our American requests for cheese on our burger.

Besides that, it is a small town with lots of alley shops, food vendors (selling brain and chicken feet) all centered around the waterways. It’s a fun day trip and you can take the subway there as well.

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Welp, here I am. In Shanghai for six weeks, with the food adventure level of -2. I don’t love pork, don’t eat any red meat, and definitely, don’t adventure towards any unknown animals-looking screwers. I’ve had the option to eat bull-frog, brain, beef belly, scorpion, and chickens feet – all of which I swiftly declined. Even the fruit here is different, Watermelon remains consistent, but there are no berries that are similar to ours. Only Chinese berries which are pictured below.

Things I do eat? McDonald’s chicken nuggets, dumplings, Wagas (God Bless), fake Chipotle, rice, more chicken nuggets, repeat. Very nutritious, I know. Wagas is a ‘western’ style Panera-type restaurant that has sandwiches, pasta, salads, and SMOOTHIES so I’m super glad to have found that.

Plus – I did bring 28 protein bars in my suitcase which was a smart move and I highly suggest to any pickier eater. However, I am grateful that I am in Shanghai versus a more rural part of China in which I would have no fake Chipotle or chicken nuggets.

On the bullet train, I purchased a familiar looking can of Lays Stax from the concessions, the packaging was smarter than the US and I definitely think they should adopt this. Evian also seems to be the only recognizable water bottle brand as well.