Clam chowder in Shanghai's own Pier 39

Someone in Shanghai is looking out for us Californians. First, Cantina Agave arrived and delivered Mexican food the way we remember it. Now, a cafe on Jinxian Lu has brought us New England clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.

Yes, this creamy chowder has its roots in the northeast, but when its purveyors serve it in sourdough and name their restaurant after the famed Pier 39 in San Francisco, you're definitely aiming for that Northern California vibe. And that's just what Candy, a former resident of our beautiful hometown and owner of Shanghai's Pier 39, is hoping to accomplish.

On the day we tried it, the dough wasn't quite sour enough and the garlic was threatening to crowd out the clams a bit, but for the most part it was done right: creamy and smooth enough to seep into the sides of the bowl. It's not San Francisco, but it's decently priced (45 RMB) and really massages the spot, especially when the temperature outside clings to zero like chowder on bread.

Pier 39 - 172 Jinxian Lu, close to Maoming Lu (39号码头 - 进贤路172号, 近茂名路), Tel: 6258-1939

Eric Hu is Shanghaiist's Food Editor. Email tips, recommendations, and news and gossip about Shanghai's food scene to food at shanghaiist.com.