We very much enjoyed our Yum Cha in Shanghai, the Pu’er Osmanthus Chrysanthemum was lovely. Tea service was spot on in the 1* Michellin Dim Sum restaurant. Ever hovering servers refilled our tiny cups after every sip, from the pot on the table warmer.
Lunch and experience was delicious and a worthwhile occasional splurge. The wife and I did whisper to each other about the cost of the tea. Tea service for the two of us was about USD$53.68.
We had ordered our tea off the presented tea menu and assumed it was de rigueur. Found out later from a China based friend that one can order house tea (not readily discerned from a perusal of the menu) for much more “realistic” prices. Live and learn. Won’t deter us from dining at this dim sum restaurant again, we’ll just order tea like the local Shanghainese at the other tables, without the fancy pot and fawning service.
some of the other tables were even BYOT (bring your own tea), for an added service charge.
Yes, I had wanted to ask you what is the name of that 1 star dim sum place you went to?
Yes, I had seen the price for the tea, but we went all out that evening (taking into account we were not overley hungry). The tea was gorgeous though, better than the Pinot Grigio we also had and which was jutlst average. By the way, wine has overall been better than expected, in all the places we went to. All the house wines were at least as good as what we can get in Europe for a similar price.
As it is, we’re drinking Pu’er tea in the lounge. With some lovely scones, cakes and champagne. Christmas trees are being decorated everywhere now including a few in our hotel.
Some more pics from the lounge. Very good all day bar. Cocktail hour from 6-8PM. Including food, from roast duck to sushi and from a salad bar to ice cream.
In Hong Kong right now. Came into town as rain was pouring down… Where is didi when you need it?? Lol.
But there is some truth there. I have a work conference this week here in HK, but honestly, why don’t they just pick Shanghai as a location? Yes, HK is still the current economic and financial center in China, or I think at least, because they can’t keep that position for long if one looks at the blistering speed of modernity in a city like Shanghai. And yes, it’s more nuanced, what with personal freedom and all. Then again, China as a whole is getting less interesting as an investing destination. Let’s leave it at that.
Did manage to squeeze in one final small dinner in Shanghai, at blogosphere favourite High Yaki The Sea. Part of a chain of three restaurants I believe, and all a combination of Japanese grill, with Chinese and European influences. No Michelin rec.
The food was good, but a mixed bag in all. The snapper tartare was disappointing, as the sauce overpowered any flavour the fish might had. Then I had a sashimi bowl, which was good. And finally the wagyu in milk toast was the best, perhaps because it was a grilled dish and they specialise in that.
I believe it is because HK is visa-free for many, if not most visitors. Shanghai and the rest of the mainland China requires a visa for many, many nationals. It generally isn’t a minor expense and that cost is one of the reasons I hesitate to visit anywhere in China.
