FoodieChat

More weird and wacky food in China – corn on the cob – available in normal and black!  The tour guide said it’s the result of gene combinations.  I’m just thinking about having black bits stuck in your purple stained teeth afterwards – lovely!

In search of dumplings in China, the journey finally ended when our trip almost did.  Upon the hotel concierge’s recommendation, we found this restaurant (without a map or address or language skills – just that it was near a KFC – very helpful!) that was remarkably cheap, and did sell the steamed pork buns (above left) that I had travelled across the Asia for.  Alas, I must have built it up in my own mind, as they weren’t as delicious as I expected (more…)

This could possibly be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.  It is definitely not the healthiest thing I’ve ever eaten, but for the moment that the sweet and sticky meat was in my mouth and tummy – it didn’t matter.  Sadly, I have no idea what it’s called, or how it’s made. So if you do, please let me know!!  The meat was flaky and tender. The fat was (well I don’t know as I couldn’t bring myself to eat it). I could only describe the flavour as similar to teriyaki – definitely soy, potentially hoisin or char siu sauce.  A slight hint of aniseed or master stock? We debated as to whether it was first fried or sauteed before it was simmered in its sauce, rendering the meat to be melt in your mouth and the fat gelatinous and smooth. Surprisingly, it didn’t leave an oily after taste in your mouth (unlike many of the other restaurants we went to!)

 This is a weird and wacky birthday cake that delighted us all and is a demonstration of the strange novelties that you can buy in China! The cake itself almost looked fake, such was the perfection of the decorations! But the highlight was absolutely the birthday candle.  Far left – you see what looks like a tulip, lit up and exploding with a flame with the ferocity of a blowtorch. Then, when you’re over the pyrotechnic shock; it opens up into a pretty rose with petals which are each a lovely dainty candle – and starts singing happy birthday!! We all wanted to buy one to take home, but I think that customs may have disallowed it on the basis of flammable material!