Where To Find Shanghai's Best Lion's Head Meatballs

2021-02-15 ShanghaiExpatOfficial


You』ve undoubtedly seen these orgasmic orbs of pork on many a Shanghai menu. The red lion’s head is essentially a Huaiyang white lion’s head -- fatty minced pork in sphere form -- that’s been braised rather than boiled in water to appeal to the Shanghai palate. It’s also oodles cheaper than its predecessor, and even more ubiquitous than the regular meatball is in the US. To help you find the belle of the lion’s head ball, we』ve rounded up our top three picks. 

1. Hai Jin Zi 


The lion’s heads at this Shanghainese homestyle standby may look slightly pock-marked and misshapen, but their flavor is incredible. While not as complex as their white Huaiyang cousin, which evokes soft tofu combined with Western-style meatballs, each one harbors the richness of braised pork belly. Not to mention that at only RMB32 for four, they’re about five times cheaper than the former -- the perfect food for if you’re 「ballin」 on a budget.

Find it:  240 Jinxian Lu (near Shanxi Nan Lu) 進賢路240號 (近陝西南路), Tel: 6255-0371

 

2. Hong Qi Lin 


About the size of a bocci ball, Hong Qi Lin’s version (RMB28) is the Mufasa of lion’s heads, and the reputed 「biggest version in Shanghai.」 Seriously, this beast could be used as a paper-weight. And it’s equally filling, so bring plenty of friends. Fortunately, they』ve studded it with wedges of water chestnut whose airy crispness helps cut the richness a touch. Just be sure to chase this 「Meateor」 with copious greenery and an extra helping of rice. 

Find it: No. 2, 727 Anyuan Lu (near Yangping Lu) 安遠路727弄2號 (近延平路), Tel: 6232-9012

 

3. Popo Shizitou 


Small, bright, and decked out in what look like party favors this mom-and-pop lion’s head shop looks more like a stationery store than a pork ball purveyor. In fact, the first time we walked by it several times before realizing it was the right place. The look of the lion’s heads wasn’t too promising either: small, owl-pellet-like spheres stewing in a very Civil War-looking pot. Fortunately, all was forgiven upon the first bite. Explosively juicy with a perfect Yin-Yang fat-to-meat ratio, Popo's heads stroke the spot (RMB5). 

Find it: No. 1, 77 Yandang Lu (near Nanchang Lu) 雁蕩路77弄1號 (近南昌路), Tel: 5306-5462


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