Ep 13. Shanghai

Bizarre Foods is a TV series that follows host Andrew Zimmern as he travels around the world to uncover the most unique and bizarre food cultures that exist. Season 16, episode 13 takes place in the bustling city of Shanghai, China.

The episode begins with Andrew wandering the streets of Shanghai's famous Yu Garden, also known as the City God Temple, where he samples various street foods like lamb skewers, baozi, and stinky tofu. He then meets up with a local chef who takes him to a local wet market to shop for ingredients for their lunch together.

At the market, Andrew is shown various exotic seafood like eels, sea cucumbers, and crabs, some of which are on the verge of extinction. The chef tells Andrew about the importance of sustainable fishing and how their restaurant only uses responsibly-sourced ingredients.

Next, Andrew and the chef head to a nearby private kitchen where they begin to prepare a multi-course lunch that includes dishes like spicy Sichuan-style boiled fish, braised chicken feet, and stir-fried hairy crab roe. Andrew is impressed with the chef's attention to detail and use of fresh, simple ingredients in his cooking.

The episode then shifts to the outskirts of Shanghai where Andrew meets a family who specializes in making fermented tofu. Andrew is fascinated by this food as he describes it as having a "rotten, cheesy" flavor. The family teaches Andrew the process of making fermented tofu and offer him the chance to try their various flavors and textures.

Next, Andrew travels to a small village outside of Shanghai where he samples a unique variety of rice noodle that is made from a special strain of rice that can only be grown in that region. The noodle is served with a spicy chili sauce and pork ribs. Andrew is impressed by the simplicity and authenticity of the dish.

Finally, the episode concludes with Andrew visiting a restaurant that specializes in "hand-pulled noodles." The chefs demonstrate the process of pulling the dough by hand until it becomes thin noodles, which are then served in a flavorful broth with beef and vegetables. Andrew marvels at the skill and dexterity required to pull the noodles and is amazed by the delicious final product.

Overall, the Shanghai episode of Bizarre Foods offers a fascinating look at the unique food culture of one of China's most bustling cities. Andrew's enthusiasm and curiosity for trying new foods is infectious, as he celebrates the importance of tradition, quality and sustainability in cuisine.