It's been a while since we wrote about the Avocado Lady but for the benefit of new arrivals to Shanghai, we took a trip to the beloved grocer and are re-sharing. Somewhat of an urban legend, the "Avocado Lady" (also sometimes known as the "Arugula Lady") is Shanghai local business owner Jiang Qin. Her claim to fame is the selection of imported foods she stocks at her small grocery store on Wulumuqi Lu which undercut prices at Cityshop and the like. Now, it's easy to overlook the place (actually, the number of foreigners shopping in the place is a big hint to finding it and the store's been so successful it's doubled in size) but step inside and you'll find a good range of imported cheese and rare finds (Do you like Sichuan pepper in your cheese? She's got it.), meats and fish, herbs, spices, olives, mustards, jams, the list goes on and of course those famous avocados for 10RMB per piece. Today, we walked away with a 12 pack of large flour tortillas for 10RMB, a 250g container of ricotta cheese for 35RMB, and a nice bottle of Australian chardonnay for 45RMB. What's not to love? more ›

If anyone was contemplating bulk buying rice or noodles, then get clearing out your cupboards! Sam’s Club (Wal-Mart’s membership only retail warehouse) is coming to Shanghai! Yay for 60 pack toilet rolls! more ›

Bringing change to the way you do your groceries! more ›

The first thing we do whenever we decide to go frugal in Shanghai is hit up the city's wet markets, so we guess it's good news that the local government is trying to grow their presence. After a citywide investigation, the Shanghai People's Congress Standing COmmittee found that every 1000 residents has just 85-square-meters of wet market space devoted to their grocery needs, much lowe than the 120-square-meter standard given to other public service facilities. In order to boost those numbers, legislators are now considering making wet markets a mandatory part of new residential complex projects. more ›

Oh thank goodness! We nearly had a heart attack this morning when we read this chilling article (maybe just chilling to all of us who enjoy comparably cheap imported French cheeses) in the Economist noting that two big shareholders were reportedly pushing Carrefour to sell off its China and Brazil businesses. At least according to the company, it's not true. more ›

SPAM, that delicious (or disgusting, depending on who you ask) meat product, is soon to be available at a store near you. Previously found only in import stores like City Shop and Pines, the Chinese masses will now get their chance to taste test the original ham in a can. more ›