Alternative Eats: Devour
We delve deep into Shanghai’s food underbelly to give you an alternative view of the city’s dining scene.
Aussie expats, Lisa Fei and Julie Yao, initially bonded in Shanghai over their love of food, however, they have now taken their friendship to the next level by entering the whimsical world of Shanghai’s cottage food industry.
It all started last Christmas when the friends were cooking up a storm in the kitchen and made bite sized treats as seasonal gifts for their loved ones. As it often does in Shanghai, word got around their friendship circle quickly, as people craved more snacks, and eventually they were persuaded to sell their treats to the public. Their first ever popup was at last month’s KTGA Tribal Festival, where they finally nailed down their signature product, Blissful Bites.
Fei and Yao place a lot of emphasis on fresh organic ingredients, but believe that you shouldn’t have to pay the earth to eat quality produce. Yao in particular, who became a mother for the first time this year, is especially conscious of what goes into the bites and all ingredients are organic or imported, they are also gluten free.
Currently, there are three different flavours in the range; Original Bliss, with crunch honey almonds and a layer of dark chocolate, Wholesome Bliss, consisting of caramelised crunchy peanuts and quinoa topped with dark chocolate, quinoa flakes and crushed peanuts and Heavenly Bliss, which has honey roasted macadamias covered in white chocolate, coconut shavings and sprinkles. These crunchy, caramelised bites are the perfect afternoon coffee snack. Not surprisingly, the ladies have just managed to get their treats into Sumerian Coffee (415 Shanxi Bei Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu), so head over there during your next coffee break for a taste test.
Devour are also delivering packs of their bites through their WeChat account (ID: devourclub) with the price for 12 bites ranging from RMB 40 to RMB 48 depending on the flavor. Keep your eyes pealed for Fei and Yao popping up at markets throughout the summer and in coffee shops around town.