Best Food In China

Location

The Melting Pot – an authentic Thai restaurant led by native Thai Head Chef, Alyssa Han Pongpandh, will neither disappoint Thai food lovers nor burn a hole in your pocket. Enjoy these authentic delights in the French Concession district.

The Melting Pot serves its Thai cuisine competitors a large slice of humble pie. The competition only deserves it, because they are, as reflected in price, establishments that pay more attention to trendy décor and stylish presentation rather than pure taste. The Melting Pot on the other hand, has found a niche of authenticity deserving of praise.

For example, the standard pad Thai is executed in rare fashion-one that you will not find at other Thai restaurants in Shanghai. The bountiful mound of noodles and chicken is wrapped in a thin egg omelet, accompanied by piles of chili pepper powder and crushed peanuts on the side. Although it is the staple dish of Thailand, and therefore hard to improperly prepare, Melting Pot blows competition out of the water.

No other restaurant in Shanghai is willing to take the time to craft the Thai favorite-raw shrimp and chili dish. Cured in citrus for hours, the raw shrimp is meticulously prepared, served over ice and drenched in garlic, cilantro, lime and chili. While not for one that fears raw seafood and chili, this dish is absolutely delectable. Like many of the other dishes here, one should savor each bite.

Although the aforementioned dishes certainly stand out in my memory, it is the red curry duck that seals my loyalty to The Melting Pot. The flavor of the duck propagates through the spice like water through a sponge. One would never think the taste of duck would be so profound in a spicy curry sauce. The succulent hunks duck juxtaposed by the spices of the red curry creates a matrix of sumptuous flavors that overwhelm the tongue with complexity and depth. Seldom do I get so excited about a dish that leaves my mouth watering and my mind searching for words.

I implore everyone who enjoys Thai food to make a stop at The Melting Pot. Stay long enough to enjoy the live jazz music, which takes place daily at 21:30. Look past the mediocrity of the décor and drink selection, for you shall find a diamond in the rough.

- by Howard Steidle III

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