Bistro Ginger in Shanghai has found its own place in the competitive market for the dishes with influences of various countries.[Photo provided to China Daily]

That is, everything except the steamed black cod, for which dipping would simply be gilding the lily. Instead of a light steamed dish, it's more like a heartwarming and stomach-gratifying soup for winter comfort: The fish chunk is cooked and served in a glass jar of soup, spiced with lemon grass, ginger, lime leaves and coconut milk.

Of course, you wouldn't mind enjoying it in summer either, if you are the tom-yam-kung-slurping type who enjoys sweating at Thailand's street stalls in pursuit of that country's famously delicious street food.

The Mochi Mochi ice dessert ends the meal with a fun-yet-soothing touch after all the spices.

The Izakaya-style classic features a variety of textures, including smoothing ice cream, and spongy and chewy mocha, all with a finely tuned mild sweetness.

If you go

Ginger

No 91, Xingguo Road, Changning district, Shanghai.

021-3406-0599.