Mapo, China

With a population of just 35,358, Mapo is a far cry from the bustling megalopolis many expats envision. The reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache, as the city's ancient eateries and Sichuan-style spice are a world away from the sleek skyscrapers of Shanghai. While the history of the iconic "pockmarked grandma's beancurd" dish offers a window into local culture, the numbing heat and oily suspension may prove too intense for the uninitiated. Overall, Mapo is best suited for adventurous palates willing to navigate its red tape in search of an authentic taste of China.