Being relatively new to Shanghai I’m slowly building my knowledge on the different Chinese cuisines. I think many would agree that sometimes choosing where to go can be a bit overwhelming given the number of restaurants that feature from each region. Sometimes you just have to take a punt! This week I went to explore some Yunnan style cuisine located just off Changle and Maoming.

Complete the maze and you will find yourself in a space with quirky décor and an open-style kitchen. The menu has an extensive selection of dishes from Yunnan province, well annotated with English descriptions (although I think a picture of a scorpion is pretty self-explanatory). Pescatarians, vegetarians, vegans, people with stomachs of steel; you will find something on that menu that will cater for you. Keen to try honey bees, three bug platter or woodworms - you’re in luck!

The dishes we tried certainly showcased the signature spice-rich flavours you expect with Yunnan cuisine. Prices are very reasonable but as a total dining experience there was something missing.

Dishes of mention:

Fried Yunnan goats cheese – lightly crisp texture with a soft centre

Banana flower salad – hot and sour, but beware it’s a game of spice roulette

Super hot prawns – a little sweet with good heat. The Yunnan chillis had my companions in the sweats.

From what I hear this place has been a crowd favourite for years and I while I don’t like to criticize an OG I think they need a shake up. I can look past atmosphere and service if the food is outstanding but unfortunately this wasn’t the case.

If you want a place that’s not too pricey and caters to the masses look no further.

Price for 2: 250 RMB

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