I recently had the pleasure of attending an introductory class in mahjong, the popular Chinese tile game. One lesson definitely doesn’t make me an expert – I still have a lot more to learn about the complex game some liken to rummy – but it was a fun experience I’d like to share. Although the […]
Expat Life
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 […]
Making Friends Over Vietnamese Crepes
While in Ho Chi Minh City, I had the pleasure of meeting up with another blogger friend, James of fly, Icarus, fly. Knowing my love of food, he suggested we meet for dinner and listed several restaurants that all sounded great. But as soon as he said “sizzling crepes,” I knew that was the place […]