Shanghai: Pearl of the Orient, Part One – Canton 8

Recently, I came across articles about the rise of racism and xenophobia against Asians because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By all means be vigilant and take necessary precautions, but don’t let fear and hate dictate our actions.

Diseases recognize neither race or nationalities, neither should we.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a humanitarian crisis. All of us should play our part, be more compassion and not abandon our fellow human beings.

I remember travelling to mainland China for the first time in spring 2018.

Initially, I wanted to visit Shanghai and Nanjing during my eight-day trip, but in the end, I had to forgo the plan when I realized there was so much to see in Shanghai alone.

After all, Shanghai is a metropolis with a whopping 24 million people – almost the entire population of Australia.

Having arrived quite late in the afternoon, my first stop after I dropped off my luggage was at a two Michelin-starred restaurant, Canton 8 (喜粵8號. Click here for the location. Baidu map instead of the usual Google Map, which doesn’t work well in mainland China).

The view from where I was staying in Shanghai. 10 minutes walk from Canton 8.

Showing up without a dinner reservation turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I waited next door at Canton 8’s sister dessert shop.

At the recommendation of their staff, I had a thirst-quenching and refreshing dessert that increased my appetite for dinner.

Made of lychee, mandarin, guava and yamamamomo.

Who said dessert must be served last?

At Canton 8, I only managed to try a few dishes as there was only so much I could eat by myself. Having said so, the food was good but not out of the world, especially for someone like me who had grown up eating Cantonese food.

Scallops and peas – fresh and a straightforward affair.

The sweet and sour pork was tender – but again, a straightforward affair.

Given a chance, you should give Canton 8 a try as the price wasn’t exorbitant. They had even been called the world’s cheapest two Michelin-starred establishment (the moniker probably came from the press release).

And the dessert shop next door definitely worth a detour.

Stay tuned for part 2 of my Shanghai Trip.