Loi Krathong is a festival celebrated in Thailand during the full moon of the 12th lunar month. We scheduled our trip to Thailand to be in Chiang Mai for the festival, during which thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky. Loi in Thai means “to float,” while a krathong is a decorative vessel usually […]
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Battle of the Egg Tarts, Shanghai Edition
I first discovered the wonders of the egg tart on a trip to Portugal a few years ago. The Pastiés de Belém in Lisbon were life changing, almost like a creme brulee in pie form – but better. Since then, I have been on the lookout for these delectable treats. It should be no surprise […]
Learning to Cook Thai Food … in Shanghai
I so enjoyed my recent xiaolongbao cooking class that I immediately signed up for another session at the Chinese Cooking Workshop. But instead of learning the secrets of another Chinese delicacy, this time the focus was three Thai dishes. Chef Mike was on hand again, though the recipes were taught by a visiting Thai chef whose name […]
Shanghai’s Hilarious English Store Names
Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise, where the streets are lined with store after store after store. But unless you are a big-name Western brand (H&M, Zara – they’re everywhere), it can be challenging to differentiate yourself from your competitors. This is where English words can come in handy. The curvaceous Roman letters stand out from […]
The Secrets of Xiao Long Bao
One of the great joys of living in Shanghai is the availability of 小笼包, or xiaolongbao. Literally translated as “small basket buns,” these beloved snacks are more commonly known as soup dumplings. They are a Shanghainese specialty and the other day I set out to learn how to make them. I attended a two-hour class […]