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Shen Jialu

Shen Jialu

Writer
Shen Jialu is a member of the Chinese Writers Association, council member of the Shanghai Writers Association and director of the Shanghai Writers Association’s Novel Creation Committee. He was previously editor-in-chief and senior journalist of Xinmin Weekly under the Shanghai United Media Group. In the early 1980s, he began writing novels, as well as reportage and essays, and film and television works, with over 30 novels, novellas and essays published. His works have won many literary awards, including the Shanghai Literature, Meng Ya and Fiction World awards. Shen is also involved in research and writing about Shanghai urban history, the history of Shanghai life and society, food culture and collection appreciation.

Articles by Shen Jialu

Culture

From lion’s mane to porcinis: The wild flavours of China’s mushrooms

Stir-fried with oyster sauce; cooked in stock with ham and a mature hen; simmered in Pu’er tea broth, oyster sauce, rock sugar, cloves and other seasonings; sliced thin and blanched briefly in clear chicken broth — these are just some of the ways to enjoy the abundant variety of mushrooms found in China. Writer Shen Jialu shares the wonderful flavours of the wild one can taste from them.

Shen Jialu

22 Aug 2025

Culture

Beneath the plum tree: A Chinese culinary romance

From plum brine to plum blossom porridge, there is no stone left unturned in terms of exploring plum blossoms as an ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Writer Shen Jialu takes us on a sweet and savoury gastronomic journey to discover the versatility of plum blossoms.

Shen Jialu

11 Apr 2025

Culture

A New Year’s Eve dinner in Shanghai

Writer Shen Jialu reminisces about Chinese New Year dinners during his childhood in Shanghai and takes us on a gastronomical journey involving festive regional dishes, specialities and traditions.

Shen Jialu

07 Feb 2025

Culture

Zhang Daqian, painter and gourmet

Writer Shen Jialu shares the culinary side of renowned Chinese painter Zhang Daqian. As a gracious host willing to incorporate ingredients and cooking techniques from different regions, Zhang’s culinary skills are just as prominent as his painting skills.

Shen Jialu

04 Oct 2024

Culture

The mysterious garden hidden in drawers

Writer Shen Jialu looks at the origins of the storage space that is a drawer, and how it holds hope, joy and secrets throughout time in Chinese and Western cultures.

Shen Jialu

08 Aug 2024

Culture

Of spring and wild vegetables in Jiangsu

Writer Shen Jialu takes us through the various wild vegetables available in certain parts of China, with their unique flavours and associated dishes. Truly, there is nothing like a robust dish made with all natural ingredients.

Shen Jialu

19 Apr 2024

Culture

Savouring youtiao in Shanghai: Plain, with soup or pork-stuffed?

Writer Shen Jialu describes his love for youtiao - a simple yet versatile food item, suitable for any occasion. Of course, many others share a common pleasure in youtiao, not least the writer Wang Zengqi, who claimed to have come up with the unique recipe for pork-stuffed youtiao.

Shen Jialu

08 Mar 2024

Culture

Shikumen houses: The first classrooms for the people of Shanghai

The TV series Blossoms Shanghai has revived interest in what life was like in Shanghai during the 1990s, in particular the lanes and shikumen houses unique to Shanghai that became a melting pot of people from different social statuses. Writer Shen Jialu takes us on a journey through old Shanghai.

Shen Jialu

09 Feb 2024