Two Suitcases and a Tin Pot

• Chinese snacking: A hazardous exercise. 1 day ago In a supermarket where hermetically sealed packets of jellyfish can be found on the shelf, nestled between Plain Salted Lays and seaweed flavoured Tuc’s, finding a snack that is to your taste might be a challenge. You might reach for a tube of chips, and land up with a bag of dried fish...
• On torture (or: What to expect from your bed in China.) 1 week ago I don’t think people quite comprehend what I mean when I say that beds in China (or at least all the beds I’ve had the misfortune of sleeping in) are hard. We’ll be making small talk, somehow the conversation will come round to beds (as it does) and I’d casually mention that...
• Jew's ear soup (hold the Jew's ear) 1 week ago Jew’s ear is a species of Auriculariales fungus found growing mainly on dead wood worldwide. And really, on a dead stump, far from the dinner table, is where it should’ve been left. It is a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes and can readily be found on most restaurant menus...
• Cheesy pork chops au gratin with creamy asparagus 3 weeks ago And now, regular broadcasting will continue. And just to prove that I am not completely blinded by my animal love, and that I do understand the need for a balanced, humane and sustainable way of feeding this planet’s exploding population: A post on pork chops. The adage that you should not...
• On Shanghai’s bird & insect market & the plight of China’s animals 3 weeks ago Please note: This post is not at all in keeping with the usual tone of this blog. It contains upsetting images and information which, although not new to anyone, is a blow to the gut every time you hear it again. Click on the “more” button at your own discretion and please note that...

This blog won the Honourable Mention Award for best expat blog in China!