Lisboa Pork Buns make us happy

If "burger" can be defined in the simplest terms as meat crammed in a bun, then we think Macau-Portugese restaurant chain Lisboa can throw their hat in the ring for next year's Shanghaiist Burger Grill-off. Their pork bun (pictured) is one of the many affordable delights that keep us heading back to Lisboa when in need of some Asian-style comfort food.

And comfort food it is: uncomplicated, substantial, and (in the case of this Shanghaiist) providing of emotional security. At any time of day, the crowds that fill up the Times Square location prove that we're not the only ones that enjoy gorging ourselves on the thick and glistening beef brisket curry, African-spiced chicken, and the pineapple buns that come clasping a single slice of chilled butter. Then there are the ever popular pork buns/burgers; the layer of grilled onions and perfectly crispy dough partner with the pork fillet to create a treat of perfection.

Because Shanghaiist has an ongoing love affair with anything that comes attached with a slab of butter, we often find ourselves leaving the restaurant actually able to hear our own arteries clogging real-time. Lisboa has a wide array of south China selections on its menu that are common amongst most Cantonese-style tea restaurants, so if you really wanted to eat healthy there probably are ways to do it here. But...why? After a quick scan of the surrounding tables you'll most likely see a fair share of pork buns being gobbled up (or in our case, lovingly stared at). OK, so they may not qualify to compete as official hamburgers in the grill-off, but at 8 RMB each they've already won the heart and spare change of this Shanghaiist.

Lisboa 葡京茶餐厅 - Shanghai Times Square -B1, 99 Huai Hai Road (卢湾区淮海中路99号大上海时代广场B1楼), Tel: 63910866. Other locations at Super Brand Mall and Hongqiao Parkson. Average budget about 50 RMB per person.