黄油年糕 - Shanghai Edition
Tried the 黄油年糕 (6pcs in a box) and 菠萝油 from Grand Liz during my Shanghai trip.
The 黄油年糕 was really nice when freshly bought — soft, chewy, lightly crisp on the outside with that rich buttery fragrance. Not too sweet and quite addictive when warm. But I left about 4 pieces for the next day and they turned noticeably harder. The chew became more dense and less enjoyable, so this is definitely something best eaten fresh on the same day. A quick reheat might help, but texture-wise it’s at its peak when just out of the bakery.
As for the 菠萝油, I think timing really matters too. By the time we ate it, it wasn’t hot anymore, so the bun wasn’t as fluffy and the butter didn’t melt into that soft, creamy layer you’d expect. Without that warm–cold contrast, it felt a little underwhelming.
Overall, still a decent stop for classic bakes, but both items are very temperature-dependent — enjoy them fresh and warm for the best experience.
If you’re planning to try 黄油年糕 or 菠萝油 like I did at Grand Liz, here are some tips from my experience to enhance your enjoyment. Firstly, timing is everything. 黄油年糕 tastes at its best immediately after purchase—its soft, chewy texture and lightly crisp exterior deliver that rich buttery aroma that makes you want more. Leaving leftovers overnight changes the texture; they become denser and tougher, which takes away from the pleasure. If you have to save some for later, a quick, gentle reheat might help regain some softness, but it won’t be quite the same as fresh. As for 菠萝油, the warm temperature is crucial. When freshly baked and hot, the bun is fluffy, and the butter melts beautifully into the soft bread, creating a luscious contrast between warm and cold. Eating it once cooled down was underwhelming for me because the bun lost its fluffiness and the buttery layer wasn’t creamy anymore. These insights highlight how delicate these Shanghai bakery favorites are, heavily reliant on freshness and serving temperature. If you’re visiting Shanghai and want an authentic taste of 黄油年糕 or 菠萝油, try to enjoy them right away. They are wonderful examples of the simple yet irresistible flavors that local bakeries offer, making each bite memorable when served at its peak. Don’t forget, these treats are excellent paired with a hot tea or coffee to complement their rich buttery notes and to warm you up as you savor the textures. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, fresh and warm 黄油年糕 and 菠萝油 are must-tries to experience Shanghai’s baked delights fully.
