Slurp&Sip is a cheerful bistro (小酒馆) in Shanghai that specializes in exotic southwestern food from Yunnan Province,
Niu Yun, who hails from Kunming, Yunnan Province, opened her first eatery (小餐馆) in 2014 after studying in London.
"At that time there weren't many choices for Yunnan food, and I think the province has so much tasty food and such a diverse food culture that I could bring to Shanghai, " she said. "After meeting a few good friends who also love Yunnan cuisine, we decided to open a simple Yunnan eatery focusing on street food to start with, introducing Yunnan rice noodles and street snacks I used to buy every day after school. "
Opening this new restaurant after operating Slurp for a few years is a natural step for Niu Yun and her partners. The menu of Slurp&Sip pays homage (敬意) to Niu's origins with a major focus on Dai flavors.
"My mum is Dai, and I remember every time she brought me back to her hometown the food really made a strong impression. From how they cook and the ingredients they use, all are very special to me. Dai food is all about fresh and mixed ingredients, as well as natural and original ways of cooking. " she said.
"I feel diners shouldn't only know about crossing the bridge rice noodles and steampot chicken when we talk about Yunnan food. We have such a diverse culture with so many different minorities, so I decided to start with the one I'm the most connected with J she added.
Dai cuisine is characterized by a combination of fresh herbs, chilis and acidic elements. It incorporates lots of great produce from the province's southernmost prefecture.
Dai food is also full of barbecue items often seen in night markets, such as roasted lemongrass stuffed fish, roasted chicken and roasted pork with Dai spices, all of which grace Slurp&Sip 's menu.
