Gong Linna Dives Into Vietnamese Cuisine in One of the World’s Most Expensive Cities

Recently, singer Gong Linna relished some meals at a newly opened Vietnamese eatery in Shanghai, which ranks among the globe’s priciest urban centers.

The 49-year-old musician tasted various specialty items from the menu at La Ganh 2.0 located within the Hong Kong Plaza in the Xintiandi district, often referred to as the “heart” of Shanghai. Among these were pho ( noodle soup ), banh mi cooked with butter, papaya salad mixed with dried beef and shrimp crackers, spicy rib soup, and chicken soup featuring starfruit and clams.

Opened in February, this eatery is nestled among historical districts, various culinary spots, and a dense population of global visitors. Its cuisine offers a blend of Vietnamese dishes combined with Izakaya-inspired service, reflecting the Japanese idea of merging bar-like settings with full-service restaurants.

In last year's cost of living index published by EuroCost International, which ranks 30 global cities based on their expenses, Shanghai, famous for its contemporary high-rise buildings, was placed at number 23.

In July 2024, Gong visited the seaside city of Nha Trang with her two children, savoring an array of local Vietnamese dishes.

Gong is a Chinese crossover artist celebrated for her distinctively emotive singing voice. She has gained additional recognition through partnerships with her former spouse, the late German composer Robert Zollitsch, as well as with Portuguese fado performer António Chainho.