'Cigar' on plate

Can you imagine a cigar that you cannot smoke, but eat? Or how about a chocolate mousse that tastes spicy?

These are among the creative treats in store at the Shang Gourmet shop inside Futian Shangri-La Hotel, Shenzhen. The dessert "cigar" is set off on a white plate, surrounded by a layer of crispy chocolate and filled with cotton candy, which is easy to chew. If the cotton candy is not to your liking, the shop can also fill the treats with mango, coconut, hazelnut or passionfruit, though you may have to order in advance.

Another highlight is the sealed chocolate ball, served with a silver hammer to break the ball's top half. The bottom half, meanwhile, is filled with chocolate mousse made from Felchlin chocolate, a famous brand from Switzerland. The soft texture of the mousse is combined with a surprising spicy twist coming from fresh red chili. Robert Yu, the pastry chef of the hotel, says the hot touch is his way to give a Chinese spin to the traditional mousse. The spicy flavor is very light, and easy on the palate, and a purplish red macaroon on top of the mousse completes a gorgeous presentation and tops off the dessert.

We enjoy these treats in an outdoor space surrounded by evergreen banyan trees. The stylish atmosphere is ideal for a quick lunch or afternoon gathering with friends or business partners. Also available: ready-to-go fresh fruit juices and milkshakes as well as pre-packed salads.

IF YOU GO

Shang Garden

Futian Shangri-La Hotel, Shenzhen, 4008 Yitian Road, Futian district, Shenzhen. 755-8828-4088.

Average bill per head: 300-500 yuan ($48-81).

Recommended: Steamed Egg White with Crab Roe, Steamed Yellow Fish with Chicken Soup and Conpoy, Red Dates with Glutinous Rice in Osmanthus Syrup.