Top Eats in July: Summer Heat Meets Yunnan Mushroom

Summer has officially arrived in Shanghai, and with temperatures soaring close to 40°C. Meanwhile, down in Yunnan, the rainy season has begun - and that means one thing: it's wild mushroom season.

Yunnan is famous for its incredible variety of mushrooms. They're not only abundant, but also incredibly versatile. You'll find them stir-fried, simmered in soups, served as Sashimi, or as the star of a bubbling hotpot. When cooked - especially with ham, chicken, or other meats - these mushrooms release a rich umami flavor that's hard to describe but unforgettable once you've tried it.

Luckily for us in Shanghai, we don't need to fly all the way to Yunnan to enjoy these delicacies. Thanks to fast logistics, many top Yunnan restaurants here receive fresh wild mushrooms daily, straight from the mountains.

Today, we're introducing you to one of our favorite spots: a Yunnan restaurant beloved by our local guides, Yizuo Yiwang (一坐一忘). It’s located right in the heart of Xintiandi (新天地) and features large windows that overlook the peaceful Taiping Lake. The view is stunning, and the food more than matches it.

Especially during mushroom season (Jun-Sept), the menu comes alive. Start with their beautifully plated cold dishes – frequent use of citrus and local herbs – make the dish light, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. But the highlight is their wild mushroom chicken soup (野生菌鸡汤). Rich, aromatic, and deeply comforting, it's the kind of flavor that words can't quite do justice. You simply have to try it.