A humble primer on Mei Long Village

Because JeetJet asked ...

But before I begin, let me preface this by saying that MLV is not-the-end-all-be-all of Shanghai restaurants. It's fine for what it is, but don't go there expecting an orgasmic experience.

So here goes (just one person's humbe, limited opinion).

Aside from the XLB (which are pretty good), here are some other things one might want to order:

1. Pork pump. Who doesn't like pork, esp. when the meat and fat have been braised so long they become like one. If there was a Vulcan mind-meld for food, this would be it.

2. Stir-fired nian-gao. I think of this as the Shanghai version of "chewy" potato latkes.

3. Lion's Head meatball. Don't order this if you don't like pungent food, or if you have something against star anise, or if you think clay pots are gauche. I esp. like the nappa cabbage that comes with the meatballs (and, note, they'll replenish the stock free of charge if you ask, including the nappa cabbage).

4. Spareribs. Better than most of the stuff you find at dim sum places IMO. Sweet, salty with just a pinch of dry heat (if you request it with the kitchen). Very good and tender.

5. Fish tail. Why? Because man (or woman) cannot live on pork alone.

6. Jade shrimp. Nice and light, and you can actually taste ... shrimp! A bit slippery and unless you're Das Ubergeek, eating these with chopsticks can test a person's patience and/or preserverance.

Things to avoid ... chicken (dry and oftentimes too salty), fried fish dishes (go with the fish tail, you're better off), tofu dishes (either hot or cold they leave me wanting more), any of the rice or noodle dishes, esp. the Shanghai noodles dishes, which both J&J or DragonMark next door do a better job of.

And, lastly, skip any of the dessert items and save the time and money for a foot massage down a couple of storefronts ...