8 of Shanghai's Most Divisive Foods
Shanghai has a mind-boggling variety of foods to enjoy, so it makes sense that some dishes have become a bit controversial, especially among western eaters. Whether it be because of funky smells, a bizarre appearance, or any other number of factors, these foods tend to strongly divide opinions. And yes, these are real quotes.
Stinky Tofu
Photo source: Flickr user pass the buck
Lovers say: “Crispy outside and soft inside, doesn’t have much flavor actually. It’s all about the sauce.”
Haters say: “Smells like a burning body”
Chicken Feet
Photo source: Flickr user Bryan Beneke
Lovers say: “The meat has a good, chewy consistency that lets you really appreciate all the flavors”
Haters say: “From a western perspective, it just seems strange to eat something that is so obviously an animal part. It’s not like a steak where it’s just a slab of meat; this is like a bowl of little hands. Something about it is just too weird and makes it unappealing, no matter how many times I come across it.”
Thousand-Year-Old Egg (皮蛋)
Photo source: Flickr user foodieguide
Lovers say: “It certainly does have a funk to it, but once you learn to appreciate the funk, it might become your favorite dish on the menu.”
Haters say: “There’s nothing more unappealing than the thought of an old, slimy, rotten egg. No thanks.”
Blood Soup
Photo source: Flickr user Robyn Lee
Lovers say: “The blood doesn’t have much flavor when you eat it actually; it’s more like tofu. The flavors do enhance the soup though, which is why it’s such an amazing dish.”
Haters say: “Eating or drinking blood seems like something I’d only ever consider if there was an apocalypse and I had no other option… It's not something I’d casually order for lunch”
Tripe
Photo source: pickyglutton.com
Lovers say: “Tripe tends to absorb the other flavors of the dish really well, and its rubbery texture allows you to enjoy those flavors as it takes a while to chew through it.”
Haters say: “It looks like a shredded dog toy and has zero flavor so I don't see the point”
Turtle
Photo source: quora.com
Lovers say: “Savory and gamey…like a cross between tuna and chicken in texture and flavor. It melted in my mouth… freaking delicious.” [We pulled this quote from an internet forum as we couldn’t find anyone else who actually enjoys eating turtle.]
Haters say: “The idea of eating a turtle just seems so totally wrong.”
Frog
Photo source: Flickr user Charles Haynes
Lovers say: “Tastes like chicken.”
Haters say: “The meat’s not bad, but it seems like such a waste to kill a frog just for a tiny little sliver of meat.”
Durian
Photo source: bukalapak.com
Lovers say: “The smell of Durian tends to keep people away, but the truth is that good Durian is one of life’s greatest pleasures.”
Haters say: “Smells like absolute shit.”
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