Using the discussion post below answer the following question: Where does this reality, this set of developments and accretion in Shanghai, tell us about influence and change? The cultural expression I selected for this week's discussion is from Foodways, called Shanghai Cuisine. Shanghai cuisine is also known as Hu Cuisine and Benbang Cuisine and is a popular type of Chinese food. Shanghai Cuisine is known for its emphasis on seafood, given its location and access to an array of fresh seafood. Commonly used ingredients in this cuisine include freshwater fish, shrimp, and crab, typically prepared through methods like steaming, braising, or stir-frying to preserve their flavors. Dishes must have three elements to be true Shanghai Cuisine: "color, aroma, and taste" (Wikipedia, 2023). Another significant aspect of Shanghai Cuisine is the incorporation of sugar and soy sauce to achieve a blend of savory tastes. Many dishes are delicately sweetened with sugar or dark soy sauce, resulting in a flavorful experience and a dark amber color. Shanghai cuisine is known for its mix of flavors that draws inspiration from Chinese techniques and incorporates elements from Western and other Asian cuisines like Japanese and Korean cuisine. Popular dishes such as "xiaolongbao" (soup dumplings), red braised pork belly, and Shanghai hairy crab are not only favorites in Shanghai but also reflect influences from neighboring culinary traditions. Shanghai's culinary scene mirrors its history as a hub of cultures and culinary influences. Over the centuries, the city's role as a trading port has attracted a mix of immigrants, merchants, and settlers, who brought with them their unique cooking styles and ingredients. This cultural fusion has given rise to Shanghai's cuisine, which highlights a blend of seafood, meats, vegetables, and grains. Through centuries of exchanges and interactions among communities, the city has developed a rich tapestry of culinary traditions that tell the story of trade, migration, and cultural blending in Shanghai. Shanghai's culinary tradition is evidence of the city's diverse nature, which is shaped by the influences of diaspora and accretion in Shanghai's communities and by the blend of culinary influences. Wikipedia Foundation. (2023, September 19). Shanghai cuisine. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_cuisine