Foodie’s Guide to Shanghai: A Travel Planner’s Delight

Shanghai is a city that never sleeps—especially when it comes to food. From sizzling street-side jianbing to Michelin-starred dim sum, this metropolis is a paradise for culinary explorers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you navigate Shanghai’s vibrant food scene like a local.

The Must-Try Dishes in Shanghai

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

No trip to Shanghai is complete without biting into a steaming xiaolongbao. These delicate dumplings, filled with savory broth and minced pork, are a signature dish. Head to Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yu Garden for the classics, or try the innovative truffle-infused version at Din Tai Fung.

Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Crispy on the bottom and juicy on the inside, shengjianbao are a breakfast staple. The best spots? Yang’s Fry-Dumpling (multiple locations) or Da Hu Chun near People’s Square. Pro tip: Let them cool for a minute—that molten pork filling is dangerously hot!

Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes)

This flaky, onion-packed street snack is perfect for on-the-go munching. For an unforgettable version, queue up at Ah Da Cong You Bing on Xiangyang Road—it’s worth the wait.

Where to Eat: Neighborhood Breakdown

The Bund: Fine Dining with a View

For a splurge, book a table at Mr & Mrs Bund (modern French with Shanghainese twists) or Hakkasan (elevated Cantonese). Pair your meal with skyline cocktails at Bar Rouge for the ultimate nightcap.

Tianzifang: Quirky Cafés & Hidden Gems

This labyrinth of alleyways is packed with indie eateries. Don’t miss:
- Kommune: Hipster brunch spot with killer avocado toast.
- Lost Bakery: French pastries meets shikumen architecture.

Jing’an Temple: Trendy Bites

From artisanal coffee at % Arabica to spicy Sichuan at Crystal Jade, this area blends tradition and modernity. For late-night ramen, Hottoppu serves steaming bowls till 2 AM.

Street Food Adventures

Huanghe Road: Noodle Heaven

Slurp your way through hand-pulled lamian (noodles) at Noodle Bull or try the infamous “poisonous” crab roe noodles at Zhen Lao.

Yunnan Road: Late-Night Eats

Open past midnight, this strip is where locals go for BBQ skewers, spicy crayfish, and clay pot rice. Xiao Shaoxing does drunken chicken (wine-marinated) like no other.

Food Markets & Unique Experiences

Wet Markets

For the brave: Visit Jing’an Wet Market at dawn to see live eels and hairy crabs auctioned off. Then, take your haul to a nearby “dai kai” (代开) stall—they’ll cook it for you on the spot!

Night Markets

• Shouning Road: Stinky tofu, grilled squid, and bubble tea galore.
• Qibao Old Street: Sweet osmanthus cakes and candied hawthorns.

Pro Tips for Foodie Travelers

1. WeChat Pay/Alipay is king—many vendors don’t take cash.
2. Learn food phrases: “Bù yào là” (不要辣) = “No spice.” “Duō shǎo qián?” (多少钱) = “How much?”
3. Avoid tourist traps: Skip overpriced Bund restaurants with English-only menus. Follow locals into hole-in-the-wall joints.

Seasonal Specialties

• Spring: Qingtuan (glutinous rice dumplings with sweet bean paste).
• Summer: Cold drunken shrimp and chilled sesame noodles.
• Autumn: Hairy crab with ginger vinegar.
• Winter: Hot pot (try Haidi Lao for theatrics or Da Long Yi for Sichuan fire).

Bonus: Food Tours & Classes

• UnTour Shanghai: Secret supper clubs and xiaolongbao-making workshops.
• Chinese Cooking Workshop: Master wok skills in a French Concession villa.

Shanghai’s food scene is as dynamic as its skyline. Whether you’re crunching into scallion pancakes at dawn or toasting with baijiu at a speakeasy, every bite tells a story. So pack stretchy pants—you’ll need them.