Hi, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel professional with over 5 years of experience. During these five years, I’ve traveled extensively around China. Through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. A trip to Shanghai is incomplete without diving into its elegant and vibrant culinary scene. Blending time-honored Huifeng flavors, delicate Jiangnan tastes, and trendy international fusion, Shanghai’s food culture tells the story of China’s modern metropolis and local life. This guide is your ultimate companion to exploring the best traditional Shanghai dishes, iconic eateries, snack streets, and pro tips for planning a delicious food trip in the pearl city—perfect for every food lover visiting China!
Must-Try Traditional Shanghai Dishes
Shanghai’s classic dishes range from world-famous delicate dim sum to hearty comfort food, each with unique tastes and cultural stories. Here are the unmissable ones, with all the details you need for your food adventure:
Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
The shining star of Shanghai cuisine, with a history of over a century. Thin, translucent wrappers hold rich, hot soup and juicy pork, best enjoyed with a gentle bite and vinegar dip.
- Best for: Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch
- Top spot: Fuchun Xiaolong (Main Branch)
- Price: 68 RMB per person
- Address: 652 Jianguo West Road, Xuhui District
Shengjian Mantou (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
- A beloved local staple! Crispy bottom, soft top, filled with savory pork and fragrant sesame oil, sprinkled with green onions.
- Best for: Breakfast/Brunch
- Top spot: Da Hu Chun (Shanxi South Road Branch)
- Price: 45 RMB per person
- Address: 333 Shanxi South Road, Huangpu District
Shanghai Braised Pork (Hongshao Rou)
The soul of Benbang cuisine—glossy, tender pork slow-braised with soy sauce and sugar, rich but not greasy, sweet-savory and unforgettable.
- Best for: Lunch/Dinner
- Top spot: Shanghai Laofandian (Laochengxiang Branch)
- Price: 138 RMB per person
- Address: 141 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District
Shanghai-Style Hot Pot
A light, fresh hot pot beloved by locals, featuring clear bone broth or spicy Sichuan-influenced broth, paired with fresh beef, lamb, and seasonal vegetables.
- Best for: Lunch/Dinner
- Top spot: Hongchangxing (Huaihai Road Branch)
- Price: 118 RMB per person
- Address: 735 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District
Iconic Street Snacks
No Shanghai food trip is complete without trying the city’s iconic snacks—some sweet, some savory, all authentic:
- Xiaochi Yangzhou Tangtuan (Glutinous Rice Balls): Chewy rice balls with pork or red bean filling (28 RMB/person, Ningbo Tangtuan Shop, Yuyuan Branch)
- Smoked Fish: Crispy, sweet-savory marinated fish, a classic cold dish (32 RMB/person, Xianshengde, Fujian Middle Road Branch)
- Pork Mooncake: Su-style crispy pastry with juicy pork filling, a Shanghai seasonal favorite (12 RMB/person, Zhen Laodaofang, Nanjing East Road)
- Tiaotou Gao: Soft glutinous rice roll with sweet red bean paste (18 RMB/person, Shendacheng, Nanjing East Road Branch)
- Pai Gu Nian Gao: Crispy pork chop with soft rice cake, sweet and savory (35 RMB/person, Xiandelai, Fujian Middle Road Branch)
Top Eateries Near Shanghai’s Famous Attractions
Make your sightseeing trip more delicious by dining at authentic restaurants near Shanghai’s iconic spots—no extra travel needed!
Near the Bund & Nanjing Road
Stroll along the Bund and step into these eateries for classic Shanghai flavors:
- Da Hu Chun: 45 RMB/person, Shengjian Mantou
- Shendacheng: 58 RMB/person, pastries & xiaolongbao
- Xiandelai: 50 RMB/person, pork chop rice cake
Near Yuyuan Garden & Old Town
After exploring the classical Chinese garden, try these local gems:
- Ningbo Tangtuan Shop: 38 RMB/person, glutinous rice balls
- Shanghai Laofandian: 138 RMB/person, authentic Benbang cuisine
- Lvbo Lang Restaurant: 128 RMB/person, traditional Huifeng dishes
Near Xintiandi
Refuel after visiting the trendy Shikumen area with these options:
- Xinjishi Restaurant: 148 RMB/person, upscale Benbang cuisine
- Fuchun Xiaolong: 78 RMB/person, xiaolongbao
- Local Bistros: 100–180 RMB/person, fusion Shanghai dishes
Shanghai’s Best Snack Streets
To experience real Shanghai street food vibe, head to these famous snack streets—where locals and tourists gather for mouthwatering food from morning till night:
Shanxi South Road & Fujian Middle Road (New Yunnan Road Food Street)
Shanghai’s most iconic time-honored food street, gathering classic brands.
Top spots: Da Hu Chun, Xiandelai, Xiaoshaoxing, De Da Western Food, Shendacheng.
Yuyuan Old Town Snack Street
The heart of old Shanghai snack culture! You can find almost every classic snack here.
Top spots: Ningbo Tangtuan Shop, Nanxiang Mantou Dian, Lvbo Lang, local pastry shops.
A Unique Food Tour: Shanghai Old Town Breakfast Tour
For a deeper dive into Shanghai’s local life, join the Shanghai Old Town Breakfast Food Tour—the perfect way to explore the city’s historic streets while eating like a local!
- Rating: 5.0/5 (32 excellent reviews)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Bilingual guide, small group, morning street stalls only open early, scenic old town walks
- Details: E-voucher available, English service, departs from central Shanghai (bookable year-round)
Pro Tips for Planning Your Shanghai Food Trip
- Trip duration: First-time visitors need 2–3 days to cover main food and sight highlights. Add an extra 2 days if you want to include Shanghai Disneyland.
- Seasonal eats: Crab dishes (hairy crab) are a must in autumn; cold dishes and cold noodles are popular in summer; hot pot warms you in winter.
- Budget-friendly: Street snacks cost 10–40 RMB; classic meals range from 50–150 RMB per person.
- Convenience: Pastries from Shendacheng and Xinghualou make great portable snacks and souvenirs.
Shanghai’s food is more than just delicious dishes; it’s a vivid reflection of the city’s history, culture, and modern energy. Whether you’re savoring delicate xiaolongbao in a time-honored restaurant, enjoying crispy shengjian from a street stall, or tasting local snacks in a historic alley, every bite brings you closer to the real Shanghai. With my practical travel experience and insider tips, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable, tasty journey. Get ready to eat, explore, and fall in love with this incredible city—one amazing bite at a time!
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.