Ep 4. Shanghai

In this episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Bourdain travels to Shanghai to explore its unique cuisine and culture. Shanghai, known as the "Paris of the East," is a city unlike any other with its blend of traditional Chinese culture and Western influence.

Bourdain starts his journey at a traditional Chinese breakfast spot called Yang's Fried Dumplings, where he samples their famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) before heading to the riverfront to explore the Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront district boasting stunning views of the city skyline.

Next, Bourdain meets up with Chef David Laris, who takes him to a local wet market where he learns about the various ingredients used in Shanghai cuisine and how they're prepared. Bourdain gets a firsthand look at the market's hustle and bustle as vendors hawk their goods and prepare meals on the spot.

Later, Bourdain heads to dinner with an old friend, Chef Wu, who takes him to a seafood restaurant where they sample various dishes like abalone, sea cucumber, and Shanghai hairy crab. Bourdain describes this meal as one of the most memorable experiences of his entire trip.

The following day, Bourdain goes on a food crawl through Shanghai with food blogger and TV host, Zhou Ying. They start their journey at a traditional Shanghai breakfast spot called You Garden, where they have wonton soup and other Shanghai specialties. They then move on to a popular street food spot where they eat a dish called Jianbing, a traditional Chinese crepe-like dish filled with egg, crispy wonton, pickled vegetables, and a sweet sauce.

Next, Bourdain and Zhou Ying hit up a local restaurant called Jia Jia Tang Bao, where they sample more xiaolongbao and other Shanghai staples. Bourdain describes the food as "intense, rich, and delicious." He also observes how the restaurant's chefs hand-make each dumpling with precision and care.

Bourdain finishes his trip in Shanghai with a visit to the M50 art district, a hub for local artists and galleries. He meets up with the founder of the island6 art collective, Thomas Charveriat, who takes him on a tour of the galleries and explains the significance behind each piece of art.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain paints a vivid picture of Shanghai's unique culture and food scene. He immerses himself in the local community and shares his experiences with viewers, highlighting the beauty and diversity of this incredible city.