Food and Dining in China

My meals in China range from simple sandwiches and buns at stands and stores to elaborate fine-dining experiences.  Generally, when on my own, I'll have something simple and spend less than a dollar, often at a Family Mart or a stand on the street.  Everyone seems to pop into a Family Mart for a beverage or quick meal.  I can even hum the jingle each store plays as the motion detector opens the automatic sliding door.

Family Marts are everywhere

Steamed bun stands are also everywhere on the street and people stop on the way to work and take one with them or eat them right there while they're hot.

Hot bun stands and shops

Another great street food is the hot meat or squid on a stick.  I especially enjoy the squid!

 Hot squid or meat on a stick

Fruit stands and stores seem to be all over and as I've visited Chinese friends, we often run out for some fresh fruit.

 Fruit stores and stands

 These are all good for daily fare, but for more formal occasions, the dining is a true experience, with great service, ceremony, and food.  My friends know that I enjoy duck and often take me to new duck restaurants.  This trip, we go to the Shanghai location of Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant, a famous Beijing duck restaurant that features a crispy lean duck that is truly appreciated by all of us.  Da Dong is located on the sixth floor of the IAPM Mall on Huaihai Middle Road, about 2.8km (1.7 miles) from Peoples Square.  The IAPM Mall opened in 2013 and is packed with people shopping in the high-end stores and dining in Da Dong and the other restaurants that surround it.

 Two separate meals, both with duck

And, now for the future, there are several places I'll have to try.  One restaurant that I walk by, but haven't yet ventured into, clearly features fish.  And, I bet they're fresh!

Restaurant window on the street

And, another that I'll have to get to when he opens on the Bund is L'Atelier Joël Robuchon.  I've dined at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon (5 Rue Montalembert) in Paris and had an incredible culinary experience.  I'll have to talk to my friends in Shanghai about getting a reservation here!

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

I eat and dine really well in China.  Food is one of my great memories of each trip and I look forward to returning next time for more adventures.