The 4-worst foreign restaurants in Shanghai

One of the great things about living in Shanghai is being able to experience authentic Chinese cuisine for incredibly low price. However, there are times when your palates simply need a break from the oil and spice. The good news is that Shanghai is a very international cosmopolitan - the bad news is that not only are they overpriced, they can also be disappointing. Here are top 4 worst foreign restaurants that you should shun away in Shanghai:

1) Watami - One of my ultimate cravings is Japanese food and I thought since there are so many Japanese in Shanghai then finding a decent restaurant would be easy. I was wrong. In Shanghai, sushi and sashimi is twice the price as in Japan and regular rice is substituted for Japanese rice. We have ventured a couple of places and we were never satisfied. But the biggest disappointment for me is Watami.

Location: Superbrand Mall, Luijiazui

2) TGIFridays - There is no need to thank God with the size of the servings nor the service. When I was a student in Tokyo I usually eat in TGIF once-a-week and order the appetizer for my lunch. In Shanghai, the appetizer is really good for only a few bites. Plus the taste is worst than my own cooking-slash-frying.

Location: Diplomatic Circle, #10 Hengshan Road

3. Greek Taverna (O Milos)- The first time I have ever tried Greek food in my life and I could not have been more disappointed. Carbs and flour without flavor (hey that rhymes!). The worst part is that the lamb meat tastes like goat.

Location: The Thumb Plaza, #199 Fangdian Lu

4. Baan Thai - One day, Mos was searching for the Iran consulate when he accidentally saw this restaurant and got intrigued with its ambience and architecture looking from the outside. Hence, a month after, he invited me for dinner and taste Thai food in Shanghai for the first time. We ordered Tom Ka Gai, Green Curry, Crab Cake, and two fruit shakes. The verdict - BAD!! The servings are small, the taste is not spicy enough, and the crab cakes does not taste like crab. Worst, the service is terrible, 5 women chattering while we were eating and gave us boiled tap water.

Location: 1479 Fuxing Zhong Lu

Must-try Chinese Food in Shanghai

Home-made Crab.

Incredibly cheap at 50 RMB ($7) for 3 pieces including spices and pumpkin.

Wanton Noodles with Real Soft Beef Tenderloins.

Restaurant located in Zhangjiang High Tech Station, 2nd floor of the complex.

Shanghai Black Chicken.

Yes!! It's black! And it's healthy -- that is Korean Ginseng floating out there.

Restaurant near DaMuZhi GuangChang on Century Park Station.

Try SICHUAN FOOD in SHANGHAI

For our 3rd monthsary, M and I went back to a Sichuanese restaurant called Spicy Storm near BaBaiYang along Century Avenue (take Metro Line 2). It was called recommended by my language exchange partner V but last time we were there, we didn't order the hotpot fish, which is the staple of that place. This time, we made sure we get what everyone else is having.

First of all, the fish boiled in oil is so darn good, a bit hot but rather good! We asked the waiter to remove most of the red pepper floating on the soup so we can eat it better. The soup also has some bamboo shoots which perfectly complements the soft fish.

We also ordered mushroom wrapped in bacon

and cold chicken on chestnuts but we were just so full that we cannot finish them. For drinks, we got a picther of melon shake. They offer a big plate of fresh watermelon as a service complement after burning your tastebuds with the pepper.

The total price: 180 RMB approximately $25 or ￥2500 which is quite affordable considering that it is good for 3-4 people.

Overall rating: 8/10.