Chinese singer Gong Linna explores Vietnamese cuisine in one of world's most expensive cities

The 49-year-old singer sampled several of the restaurant's signature dishes, including pho (noodle soup), banh mi grilled with butter, papaya salad with dried beef and shrimp crackers, spicy rib soup, and chicken soup with star fruit and clams, at La Ganh 2.0 in Hong Kong Plaza in the Xintiandi area, considered the "heart" of Shanghai.

The restaurant, which opened in February, is surrounded by historic neighborhoods, diverse dining establishments, and a high concentration of international tourists. It features a Vietnamese menu fused with Izakaya-style dining—a Japanese concept that blends a pub atmosphere with a restaurant.

According to EuroCost International's annual cost of living ranking last year, Shanghai, known for its modern skyscrapers, ranked 23rd among the 30 most expensive cities in the world.

In July 2024, Gong took her two children to visit the coastal city of Nha Trang, where she enjoyed a variety of Vietnamese specialties.

Gong is a Chinese fusion singer known for her distinctive and highly expressive vocal style. She is also recognized for her collaborations with her late ex-husband, German composer Robert Zollitsch, and Portuguese fado musician António Chainho.