Hai Shang ... Shanghai cuisine

Shanghai cuisine is one of my favourites. Featuring the wonderful Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), I quickly earmarked Hai Shang as one I must try. Lately I have been fond of dining at odd times. With such a busy schedule, my body has adapted to having food at odd hours. Thus I decided to maximize that approach by dining in the afternoon or late evening. The benefit of that is most restaurants are sparse which means quicker meals and more personalized service. After studying down southside, I decided to venture over to Hai Shang.

Located in a small strip mall, Hai Shang has a no nonsense approach to their restaurant. Roomy with average decor, this establishment is all about the food. Their menu features specials on the weekends (see below) including the unique Shanghai delicacies.

The Xiao Long Bao (pork soup dumplings) are a a must-order every time I visit a Shanghai restaurant. Delicious pork (and sometimes crab) dumplings in a paper thin dough steamed so the soup and juices stay trapped inside.

The version here at Hai Shang were average. The major problem with these is that the dough not robust enough to stay together, resulting in loss of the wonderful soup inside. They were otherwise tasty and a good value.

The Spicy Eggplant Hotpot was served in a claypot. Large pieces of eggplant fried in a pork infused sweet and sour sauce made this dish delectable. Pair it with a bowl of obligatory rice.

Lion's Head Meatballs are another Shanghainese specialty. Fatty pork dumplings served in either a clear soup and cabbage or (as they are here) in a soy sauce based sauce with bok choy, they are meant to resemble the face and mane of a lion. Despite the need for some visual imagination, these meatballs were wonderfully cooked with a herbal soy based broth.
 
Make sure to come here on Sunday's for their specials! Overall it was a fun and wonderful meal that reminded me of friends and home in Edmonton.