Hi!!! I’m back from the shortest summer vacation ever! The plan was to take a bit of the break, but since I’m going to have a summer full of food adventures in Shanghai, I just can’t resist sharing. So, what have I been up to?

Well, let’s start with some exciting news! I’m (almost) part of the workforce. Yep, say hi to the the newest intern at Sidechef! Work’s been nothing less that amazing. I literally get to spend all day immersed in food porn surrounded by the nicest people.

– Please check out their app!!!!!

The days I don’t go to “work”, it’s college stuff and more food! Of course, I have time off- time for more adventures!

Yesterday was one of those days, and my mom and I decided to take a day trip to Suzhou!

Suzhou （苏州）

 

Suzhou is known as “Shanghai’s Back Garden” and “the China’s Venice”- for good reason. During the Sui Dynasty, the emperor decided to really pimp things out and construct a canal system through the already bustling trade city to improve transportation. Okay, Okay, he built it for the scenery. Best decision ever! Now with the high- speed rail, it’s literally an hour away (including time on the subway).

So, we popped over. Our destination: PingJiang road （平江路）- Suzhou’s premier old town street. Let’s get shopping (read eating)!

First stop, breakfast. We were starving, so we stopped by the first decent looking place.

– Gorgon fruit (a local specialty) soup with fruit and marinated chicken feet

Let me just say, I’m glad I didn’t fill up on breakfast before coming. The gorgon fruit had a natural, nutty fragrance and paired perfectly with the natural sweetness of the pineapple and mango. The real hero, though, were the chicken feet. SOOO TENDER!!!

With our happy bellies, we went shopping….

… and more shopping…

Tired of Shanghai’s exorbitant prices? Come to Suzhou. (The owners drive hard bargains though)

All that hardcore shopping took a toll on our blood sugar. Street food!!

– my mom went for this interesting looking steamed cake. The top was nice, soft and flavorful, but the bottom was barely edible. Big mistake

I opted for more marinades. I know  these recipes are family secrets, but I NEED ONE. Sorry, finished the food before taking pics

I was going to get a pork trotter, but my mom reminded me it’s lunch time. Luckily, there was a cute cafe next door that offered….. Giant Crab Soup Dumplings!!!!! guess what we had for lunch

After lunch, we decided (and needed) to walk it off, so we turned off PingJiang road and did a bit of wandering….

We were going to visit Cheng Ping Bookstore (highly reccomended), but by the time we walked to the next subway stop, we were pooped. We decided to call it a day- an amazing, relaxing and satisfying day that is.

Wow, that was a page full! If anyone’s in  the Shanghai area, STOP BY SUZHOU!!!

Anyways, I hope everyone has a great week! Until next time, bye!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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