Shanghai stars

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Dish recommended: Compressed Strawberry 95

Chef Michael Wilson notes that he isn't the creator of this hit dish at his restaurant. Rather, he got the recipe from a fellow chef in Amsterdam after being captivated by the aroma and flavor of the basil cake.

Having made a few tweaks to the recipe, the Compressed Strawberry 95, a seasonal special, has since been immensely popular with diners. The dessert features strawberries, crushed ice, yoghurt and vanilla, with a sprinkle of meringue pieces and basil leaves to add a little excitement, he says.

"This dish looks simple, but it's actually not that simple to make," says Wilson.

Contact the writer at xujunqian@chinadaily.com.cn