China's Shanghai restaurant serves elephant dung dessert: A unique dining experience

In the heart of Shanghai, China, a top-end restaurant has made headlines by offering an unconventional rainforest-themed dining experience. The restaurant, which prides itself on being environmentally sustainable, serves a 15-course meal that breaks all the rules of culinary innovation. Priced at 3,888 yuan (about ₹45,236), this meal is not for the faint of heart.

The concept behind the cuisine

The founders of the restaurant took seven years studying the rainforests of Yunnan to design a dining experience that mimics the natural environment of the area and displays the variety of flora and fauna found there. The menu includes dishes prepared from rare ingredients, such as leaves of trees, insects, and even elephant dung. The philosophy here is to create ecological consciousness and appreciation for the natural world.

The elephant dung dessert

Among the most popular menu items is the "Flowers Inserted into Elephant Dung" dessert. This dessert consists of sterilized, dried-up elephant dung which is crushed into crunchy crumbs, topped with herbal perfume, fruit jam, pollen, and honey sorbet. Even the diners have the option to personalise the dessert using their favourite herbal perfume and fruit jam. Although it sounds repulsive to some, the distinctive mixture of tastes and textures will have a lasting impression. 

A sensory experience

The dining experience at this Shanghai restaurant is meant to be a sensory tour of the rainforest. They provide guests with a host of strange dishes, each with odd flavors and fragrances. From the "black goo" course, which mimics the strong odor of the parasitic Rafflesia flower, to the honey and pollen ice cubes, there's a surprise waiting in every bite.

Mixed reactions

The restaurant's experimental dishes have elicited a range of reactions on the internet, with some people finding them repulsive and others enjoying the experimental nature. While some customers have complimented the creativity and innovation of the menu, others have questioned the use of exotic ingredients. Whether you are a foodie or simply curious, this rainforest-themed dining experience is definitely one-of-a-kind.

A conversation starter

This Shanghai restaurant is a definite conversation piece. Whether you're an adventure-seeker in search of something out of the ordinary to eat or you're simply a person who enjoys creative food, this restaurant will make a lasting impression. With its focus on environmental consciousness and sustainability, this restaurant is breaking all the rules as far as the culinary industry goes.

Elephant dung dessert is the main attraction

The elephant dung dessert is the main attraction, but it's only one component of a greater culinary experience that's meant to test diners' assumptions and expand their palates. With its innovative menu and dedication to sustainability, this Shanghai restaurant is a destination that no one should miss if they're seeking a truly unforgettable meal.