Shanghai Goodies

I actually forgot that I actually wrote about this place, and after going through a slew of good and not so good Shanghainese restaurants, I have to bump this up a star for having pretty good food, aside from it just being a cheap food court stall doing some better work than some place you have to sit in and also pay a tip. Over the last few years Shanghainese restaurants have popped up like the bubble tea craze of the late 90’s, everyone serving all the same shit, but really most of them not knowing what they are really doing. If you want to tempt this cuisine, low on the wallet funds, or just not caring of lining up anywhere, well you are in luck, there’s a place where you can get away without eating with a group, and enjoying this kind of stuff… and that’s this stall.
I didn’t feel that I was dressed for any sit down restaurant, just finishing up the gym, and wanting a quick fix, but not a full on meal, these type of stalls are great for that. I knew dinner was just around the corner, and this was the last stall I crossed while walking around the food court, and I saw ‘it’ on a color printed piece of paper (粢饭糕) Crispy Rice Cake, with a picture beside it… my eyes were glued and the decision was made. Needing a drink, I also decided on getting a cold glass of sweet soy milk. The lady (which probably is the owner) spoke to me in Cantonese, and then screamed the order to the back in Shanghainese (I know this language as my father speaks this). As with another review I have done talking about this item, it is not well known to non-​Shanghainese descendents, as most people think of the XLB, pan fried dumplings, stir-​fried thick Shanghai noodles, dan-​dan noodles, wonton, tea eggs, Chinese fried donuts, onion pancakes, beef rolls, many traditional Shanghainese goodies from this little stall that has been here for a very long time, it seems like since the beginning of Parker Place.
It won’t break the bank one bit, just remember that they only accept cash (of course) but know you are not getting cheated by these people, compared to some restaurants I know that claim they are Shanghainese but can’t even get their act together making savoury soy milk… Now I know they have my Crispy Rice Cake, I shall be back sooner! Also, I have to say they make the best, taking the first bite took me back to my childhood when I used to be given these waiting in line at a Shanghainese restaurant while waiting for my seat. From the look of the outside fried portion, the oil they were using was clean, and the amount they give you for $ 2.75 (no tax too) was definitely a deal. The soy milk originally was a tad sweet, but I ended up getting quite used to it, a very light, smooth feel. I still have yet to try their XLB… hope no other cravings get in my way the next time I am here to eat.

For their XLB’s. Xiao lin baos. They used to be awesome but now they are just average at times. New owners? Different chef?
I still get them when I come here.
Ordered a plate to share last night and mixed and matched with food from other kiosks.
They also have wuntun and other dumplings that are quite tasty too.
great for a quick snack or lunch during office breaks.

Its not the most attractive eatery being that its located in the mall’s food court, but their Shaolin Bao or Shanghai Dumplings are pretty freakin good! and cheap! I think $ 5.00 CAD will get you 10 delectably juicy dumplings. yummyyy I could easily polish off 20 or 30 of ‘em