Belgium Recommendations

I dined in 2 places in Belgium that I want to highlight for their decent and authentic cuisine.

Eating mussels is a must when visiting Belgium. In Chez Leon, my generous portion of Moules Frites contained no dead/small mussels and was free of grits. For those hungry visitors, watch out for unlimited mussels special after 6pm on Sundays.

For a wholesome Flemish meal, do not go past de Pas Partout in Bruges. Just refer to the calendar for the daily special. In my visit I had meatloaf, carrots and potatoes – a simple yet filling home cooked meal under 8 Euros.

Details:
Chez Leon
Beenhouwersstraat 18
1000 City of Brussels
Belgium
http://www.chezleon.be/


Pas partout
Jeruzalemstraat 1
Brugge 8000
Belgium

Bistro Refter (Bruges)

The tourist town of Bruges is full of typical rip offs, but the gems start to surface as you stroll towards the ‘rim’ of town. The highlight of my visit happened at Bistro Refter, sister of the 3 Michelin star De Karmeliet.

White asparagus was in season. So I had white asparagus soup with broccoli puree and pan fried cod with white asparagus. The soup gave the meal a refreshing start. The cod was perfectly cooked and well complemented by the slight crunch of the white asparagus.

Rhubarb jelly with meringue rounded out a great meal – all for 35 Euros.

Details:
Bistro Refter
2 MOLENMEERS
8000 Brugge
Belgium
http://www.bistrorefter.com/

Chocolate Experience in Belgium

Premium chocolate is in abundance in Belgium. I went out to sample many boutiques chocolatier while avoiding the major chains. There are 2 places, situated along Grote Zavel in Brussels, which I want to recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 occasions where I sat outside of Wittamer, with a cup of coffee accompanying my choice of chocolate dessert, watching the world goes by.

For takeaway, go across the road to visit Pierre Marcolini. A large array of beautiful pastries is on offer with the pâtissier available to answer any questions. Look out for the ice-cream stand on a hot day.

Details:
Wittamer Café
Place du Grand Sablon 6
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
http://www.wittamer.com


Pierre Marcolini
Place du Grand Sablon 39
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
http://www.marcolini.be/

Notable Places in Shanghai

Places I visited in Shanghai worthy of a mention:

Ah Liang Noodles – this noodle house in Shanghai’s French concession still serves the most authentic noodle dishes from grandma’s (Ah Liang) recipe. Go for the signature crab roe or yellow fish noodles.

Yang’s Fried Dumplings – offers the city’s best sanjianbao that is fried right in front of you. Once bite into the crispy skin, experience the rush of hot stock from inside. Beware of spillage.

Nan Xiang Steamed Bun – most reputed place for xiaolongbao. Go for the pork filling with crab roe.

Warning: prepare for lengthy queues!

Details:
Ah Liang Noodles
36 Si Nan Lu


Yang’s Fried Dumplings
97 Huang He Lu


Nan Xiang Steamed Bun
85 Yuyuan Rd
(inside Yuyuan Gardens)

Xin Ji Shi (Shanghai)

I was very keen to visit Xin Ji Shi restaurant in Shanghai since I began research for my holiday. The original Ji Shi is reputed for its authentic cooking. Xin (new) Ji Shi now has more than 8 restaurants across Shanghai, including the popular bar district.

The menu has all the familiar names– crab roe with noodles, dumplings, and pork belly. The pork is served in a traditional urn, with the tender meat and gelatinous layer of fat slipping down your throat. The biggest surprise was the tofu at the bottom of the urn, soaked with all the flavour.

Details:
Xin Ji Shi Restaurant
No.9 Xin Tian Di Complex
Tai Cang Road
Shanghai
http://www.xinjishi.com