Top Chinese Desserts in Shanghai
China apart from being the ultimate holiday destination because of its mystical appeal, rich cultural history and scenic locations, also plays host to some of the best culinary specialties in the world. Chinese cuisine is not only delicious and exquisite, but also very light and healthy.
When it comes to desserts, there are a lot of unique and delicious options available in Shanghai which can satisfy your sweet tooth and make you relish the smooth and sweet heavenly experience. While western delicacies are all the rage around the globe when it comes to style and sophistication, Asia takes pride in the simplistic and minimalistic ingredients that are used to create wonders especially in the breathtaking landscapes of China. Featuring only the purest ingredients and recipes that have been handed down to the modern restaurateurs by their ancestors, all Chinese desserts have a touch of authenticity, richness and class associated with them.
Lighten up your mood with a spoonful of grass jelly or enjoy a delicious bowl of heart-warming sweet soup to escape into a land of mystique and wonder. So if you are planning a trip to Shanghai, make sure you try some of these desserts to savor and enjoy the real taste of China!
Steamed Egg White and Fresh Milk Pudding
If you thought that the traditional egg and milk concoction only made up for ordinary homely puddings, think again. This silky superstar called the ‘Steamed Egg White and Fresh Milk Pudding’ has proudly been the beauty, pride and joy of Shanghai for centuries. Set apart from the conventional western version that is served cold, this silky smooth pudding is eaten warm and accompanied with chopped nuts and lotus seeds.
Tracing back its roots to the ancient dynasties in the Guangdong, the dessert is simply whipped up by whisking fresh milk, refined sugar and egg whites until it reaches a creamy and silky smooth consistency. Sharing a texture and flavor palette similar to the exquisite panna cotta in Italy, this pudding should be the first choice on your menu when you are exploring the breathtaking streets of Shanghai!
Being a near-staple in Chinese cuisine, this dessert can be ordered in almost all the major restaurants and eateries in China; with Sweetie’s being a personal favorite. Priced at a very affordable 12 RMB, this dessert is an ultimate showstopper on the Chinese dessert menu.
Taiwanese Smoothie
If traditional desserts and puddings are not your thing, go modern and chic with a tall and cool glass of the Taiwanese smoothie. Cold and flavorful like ice creams yet soft, creamy and light like a fruit sorbet, these smoothies in delicate flavors like mango and peanut make a distinct and memorable end to your meal. Give them a shot at the hip and trendy Bellagio Café and sit back, relax and enjoy the creamy layers of the smoothie with ease!
Grass Jelly
Uniquely emblazoning a pitch black color, the grass jelly is unlike any dessert that you may have tried in your entire life. Flavored by rich and exotic herbs and paying homage to the warm and hearty flavors that are a symbol of modern China, this dessert is a traditional Taiwanese delicacy that you simply cannot afford to miss!
The unique and creative way of serving this dessert is the factor that’s sets it apart from all the other sweet treats that are common across the globe. With the jelly diced in small cubes, the platter is served hot and adorned by assorted kidney beans in different colors, taro balls, tapioca, sago, fresh fruits and various condiments and toppings. Often syrupy liquids like creamers, coconut milk and ice cream are served alongside the dessert to make it even more fresh and inviting for the visitor. Try out the dessert at the exquisite ‘Meet Fresh’ restaurant to experience the taste and authentic flavor yourself.
Sweet Soup
Heartwarming stories, piping hot wonder and oodles of joy and celebration are things that come to mind when you think of the word ‘soup’. The Chinese sweet soup is the true manifestation of all these qualities, with an added advantage of being deliciously smooth and uniquely inviting. Available in an array of flavors, this sweet and tangy soup fills you up and makes you relish the beauty of China in every mouthful!
Many eateries offer a different flavor and variant of the soup in different seasons, from the green bean soup, the black sesame soup, the brown walnut soup and the exquisite warm and rustic white almond soup. You can also add your favorite toppings of tofu or rice balls to bring a kick and texture to your simple bowl of soup! Priced at 15 to 17 RMB, try the soup at the Honeymoon Dessert in Shanghai to enjoy a lavish environment as well as great service!
These are only some of the desserts that top the list of the best options available in Shanghai. There are dozens more that you can explore and relish, so start your quest today to find the ultimate rich and flavorful sweet experience for yourself!
