Susan ate this in Shanghai (Nan Xiang Steamed Bun Restaurant)

Yesterday's morning was spent at the Shanghai trim market, hunting down good trims and accessories for summer designs.

Across from the trim market is the famous Yu Garden, and a temple that's been called (to me) the Ghost Master temple. Apparently all cities have one to keep the spirits happy.

Surrounding these traditional sites is a very touristy area (I saw an American family of 5 in matching neon green t shirts and fanny packs)

Shrimp and crab roe soup dumplings, and the placemats instructions on how to eat them correctly.

My favorite appetizer of the meal.. Fried paper thin shells with shrimp, crab roe, and creamy soft tofu.

The ultimate basic (and best) pork soup dumplings

Clockwise from top left: vinegar and ginger for dipping soup dumplings in, mushroom soup with bamboo-insides, shrimp balls, red bean buns with sesame seed and (fan shaped) curry puffs

Best string beans ever. With salty meat (I think?) and chili pepper

Bonus images below from the tourist area and the trim market

Right outside the dumpling house entrance... Ancient tea house. Buildings in the foggy distance are the 3 tallest in Shanghai.

Those are pigeons and squids. Did not eat this time, because so many dumplings.