Top Eats in April: Where to Find the Best Seasonal Greens
In China, food isn't just about flavor - it's about the seasons. Each time of year brings its own ingredients and dishes. Spring, especially, is the time to enjoy the freshest Chun Cai (spring greens), tender and vibrant, often paired with delicate flavors and light broths.
If you're looking to experience authentic, seasonal Shanghainese cuisine like a local, we've got a gem for you: Siji Nongpu (四季农圃) - a cozy, no-frills restaurant nestled on a tree-lined street in the heart of the former French Concession. Think leafy sidewalks, historic low-rise buildings, and that unmistakable laid-back Shanghai vibe.
Address: 137 Tianping Road, near Huaihai Middle Road (天平路137号，近淮海中路)
Price per person: ~200 RMB
English service: English-speaking staff available
Here are a few must-try dishes from their menu with some taste from spring!
1. Rich Soup with Clams and Clover Greens (浓汤蚌肉草头)
Start light and fresh. This spring classic features sweet clam meat in a rich broth, paired with "Cao Tou" (clover greens) - earthy, delicate, and packed with seasonal vibes.
2. Salted Pork & Bamboo Shoot Soup (腌笃鲜)
Next, warm your soul with this comforting, umami-rich soup made from cured pork, fresh pork, and crispy spring bamboo shoots. A true taste of old Shanghai.
3. Sticky Rice Cakes with Pork Ribs (排骨年糕)
Now for something chewy and hearty. Caramelized pork ribs pair perfectly with bouncy rice cakes in a sticky-savory sauce. A texture-lover's dream.
4. Braised Pork Belly with Fried Tofu Puffs (油豆腐烧肉)
This rich and satisfying dish combines melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with tofu puffs that soak up every drop of the soy-based braising sauce. Perfect with a side of white rice.
------------------------- Seasonal Spring Menu -------------------------
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