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Ideoli cofounders George and Chris agree that nothing compares to traveling around the globe. It’s a chance to connect one-on-one with our partners and clients and it gives them the opportunity to get inspired and invigorated by the culture, people and cuisine of the country they are visiting.

Shanghai is China’s largest city that seamlessly blends east and west cultures. The city’s storied history—which dates back over 6,000 years—is celebrated through long-standing traditions and indelible architecture. The Huangpu River helped develop Shanghai’s reputation as a major world port thousands of years ago. From the Ming and Qing Dynasties to its economic development pre-WWII to its years of closed-off communist rule, Shanghai has reinvented itself time and again. Today, it is one of the top economic centers of the world.

The Old City of Shanghai offers visitors a glimpse of what once was while 1920s and 30s European Art Decoarchitecture is evident throughout the streets of The Bund. Early in the morning, you’ll spot elderly residents practicing Tai chi en masse in the city’s parks and the People’s Square, and in the evening, groups dancing together outdoors are a familiar sight. Working hard is a given among millennials, but so is playing hard. Young Shanghai residents revel in the city’s vibrant nightlife that includes bars and nightclubs, especially those on Julu, Xintiandi and Hengshan Road. A favorite pastime of George and Chris is to sample Shanghai’s food and drink, whether it’s spicy delicacies from a local street vendor, a four-course meal prepared by a three-Michelin-star chef or a regional beer or cocktail.

The perfect way for Ideoli’s cofounders to get invigorated by China is through Shanghai’s cultural cuisine.

Here is a list of their top 5 things to eat and drink there:

1. Scallion Pancakes

Be prepared to start your day by spending time in line at a street vendor for this Shanghai breakfast staple, but also be prepared to be wowed. Flaky, buttery, crispy fried pancakes are stuffed to perfection with scallion and pork.

2. Noodles

There is no shortage of noodles in Shanghai, where they are served fried, in soups, and topped with everything from scallion oil to shrimp or eel. From street vendors, enjoy scallion oil noodles (cong you ban mian) that are thin, hand-pulled and dressed with scallion oil and soy sauce and toppings. At finer restaurants, these noodles are often served at the end of a multi-course meal.

3. Dumplings

Found in a variety of delectable forms, dumplings are another street food favorite. Xiao long bao, dumplings with a hot liquid center and sheng jian bao, dumplings stuffed with pork that are fried on the bottom, are both quite popular. At dim sum restaurants, you’ll find pot stickers and steamed dumplings on the menu.

4. Roast Duck

With its crispy skin and tender meat, duck in Shanghai is roasted in an open fire (Cantonese style). Prepared the same way as Beijing roast duck, the meat is served with a sweet sauce, scallions and steamed pancakes. 

5. Sinkiang Black Beer

Similar in taste to an American dark lager, Sinkiang Black Beer (also known as Xinjiang Black Beer) originated in northwest China. Strong-flavored, it has the scent of nuts yet also a hint of brown sugar. Complements the cuisine of Xinjiang, China’s western most province, that is found throughout Shanghai

By traveling the world, George and Chris are constantly inspired and invigorated by the culture and cuisine of the cities they visit. From sampling the local food and drink to connecting with Ideoli’s partners and clients, it offers them unlimited opportunities to strengthen and build relationships.