Street Eats: Popcorn

The Chinese are always looking for ways to do things quicker or more efficient than everyone else. Take popcorn for example. You probably thought the fastest way to make it was in the microwave, right?

WRONG.

In China, your friendly neighborhood popcorn maker is waiting on the street corner to show you just how superior his method happens to be.

 

A metal, teardrop-shaped container is filled with popcorn, sealed, and cooked over a flame. When the pressure gauge mounted at the end reaches a certain level, the street vendor opens a lever on the side that shoots air into the metal cooker, relieving the pressure and shooting out freshly popped popcorn. The sound of the pop resembles a bomb going off. Or Shanghai during Chinese New Year. 

This method of popcorn making caused quite a stir in the US last year when it was featured on an episode of Mythbusters. The Chinese were similarly amused by how dangerous Americans found it to be. 

The whole process takes only a few moments. 5 rmb will get you a bag of this kettle corn like snack and a near death experience to go with it.

Street Eats: Lillian Bakery

Chinese sweets often leave something to be desired. I've been offered dessert numerous times only to be disappointed when I am served a bowl of red bean paste. Good but not exactly the ice cream sundae I was hoping for.

Thankfully, one snack that never disappoints is an egg custard tart from Lillian Bakery.

A flaky crust filled with sweet, soft custard, these treats are the perfect afternoon snack. Or pre dinner appetizer. Or you know, a good idea anytime you happen to pass by the bakery.

My mother was so enthralled with these, we stopped three days in a row to try them. But at 4 rmb each (or $.66 USD), buying a box is never a regret.

Try out these delectable treats at one of many locations around town including:

868 Huaihai Zhong Lu
淮海中路868号

B1/F, New World Mall, 2-68 Nanjing Xi Lu
南京西路2-68号新世界城B1楼

1688 Sichuan Bei Lu
 四川北路1688号

Street Eats: Pomegranate Juice

As I biked home recently, my eyes were drawn to a street cart set up at the end of my lane. As a lover of street food, I couldn't help but slow down. I hadn't seen this cart before but knew right away the wares he was peddling. Not only was it a juice cart, it was a pomegranate juice cart!!!!

I quickly pulled over my bike and watched as the seller sliced two pomegranates for my juice. He then expertly placed each half into the manual cranked juicer and produced a cup of rudy red juice. 

The slightly tart juice quenched my thirst and left my wallet 10 rmb lighter. As these carts will only be out for the few weeks pomegranates are in season, you can bet I will be parking myself on the street corner every day in the foreseeable future.