Quintessential Shanghai Foods

Shanghai is synonymous with xiao long bao. These broth-filled steamed pork dumplings are simple in theory but require years of refinement to get right. The perfect proportion of water, flour and oil are required to achieve the not-too-thin and not-too-thick dough that seals the fresh pork filling and hot broth in these spoon-sized baos. Good xiao long bao are not just determined by the ingredients that go into them, but by their presentation. The differentiating factor between an average and skilled chef is the number of folds (18 to 22 to be exact) on these tiny guys, a difficult task requiring a high degree of technique, experience and grace.

You had us at fried… fatty pork dumplings. This (greasy) local street snack, a staple breakfast dish in Shanghai, is filled with pork AND pork fat. The bottom is crisped in a large cast-iron skillet doused in hot oil, topped with chives or sesame seeds, sometimes both. Drizzled with vinegar and chili sauce, it definitely trumps milk and cereal.

A market staple, wheat flour noodles are cooked al dente and drenched in a creamy sesame paste and peanut butter sauce. Finished with a healthy dose of chili oil and chives, served hot or cold, they are delicious either way.

We liken this to the Shanghai version of chicken noodle soup. A hearty, spicy sour broth simmered with bean curd, mushrooms, tofu, wood ear fungus (and more), that does wonders for the soul. The hot comes from red peppers and the sour comes from the vinegar, and depending on where you go, the ratio of hot to sour will vary, which is what makes this infinitely more interesting.

At Cathay Pacific’s new Business Class Lounge at Shanghai Pudong Airport, you can sample a variety of these freshly made Shanghainese delicacies. From juicy xiao long bao and specially selected dim sum to warming wonton noodles and hearty dan dan noodles at the signature Noodle Bar, you can sink your teeth into local dishes that represent the city’s distinct culinary heritage. The superior comfort of this new lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is especially curated so that you can relax, refresh and recharge before you fly with Hong Kong’s flagship airline. 

Location: Near Departure Gate D69, Airside,Terminal 2, Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Seat Capacity: 305 guests

Opening Hours: 5.30am to 9pm daily

Admittance details: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/travel-information/airport/lounges/all-lounges-admittance.html