What to Eat in Shanghai: Top Local Dishes, Street Food & Must-Try Restaurants

From the moment I landed in Shanghai, I knew I was in for a culinary adventure. The air carried hints of soy sauce, sizzling oil, and sweet pastries as I wandered through the city’s bustling streets and old alleyways. Shanghai isn’t just China’s financial capital—it’s a melting pot of regional flavors, bold textures, and stories told through every bite.

Whether it’s the melt-in-your-mouth soup dumplings, the nostalgic taste of scallion oil noodles, or the bold spice of Shanghainese-style crayfish, Shanghai’s food scene has something that speaks directly to a Malaysian palate—comforting, soulful, and layered with umami.

In this guide, I’ll take you through my top 10 must-try Shanghai dishes, where to find them, and tips to enjoy them like a local. Planning a foodie trip? Here's how to taste the best of Shanghai!

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) 🥟🔥🍵

It was a crisp morning just outside Yuyuan Garden when I spotted a long queue curling around a corner teahouse. Locals were clutching steamer baskets, steam rising into the chilly air. I joined the line and soon had my own serving of Xiaolongbao—those delicate soup dumplings I had only seen on food shows.

The skin was translucent and just thick enough to hold the rich pork broth inside. I dipped one gently into black vinegar with julienned ginger, lifted it carefully with my chopsticks, and took a small bite. Instantly, a burst of hot, savory soup coated my tongue—rich, meaty, and impossibly satisfying. It was warm, comforting, and full of soul. I ordered another basket without hesitation.

📖 About Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is Shanghai’s most iconic dumpling. Known for its soupy filling and thin wrapper, it's steamed in bamboo baskets and best eaten hot. It’s a signature of Jiangnan cuisine and a must-try for every visitor.

🍴 Best places to try

Nanxiang Mantou Dian
📍Location: Yuyuan Garden, Huangpu District
💰Cost: ~¥28 per basket

Din Tai Fung (Shanghai Centre Branch)
📍Location: West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District
💰Cost: ~¥45 per basket

💡 Pro tips

• Let it cool for 10 seconds before biting, or sip the broth with a spoon first.
• Always dip in black vinegar and ginger for the classic combo.
• Pair with hot soy milk or Chinese tea for a traditional breakfast.

2. Cong You Ban Mian (Scallion Oil Noodles) 🍜🧅✨

It was late afternoon when I stumbled into a small noodle shop tucked between two apartment blocks near Jing’an Temple. The air was filled with the warm scent of fried scallions and soy. I ordered a bowl of Cong You Ban Mian, not expecting much—but the moment it landed on my table, I knew it would be special.

The noodles were coated in a glossy sheen of scallion oil and dark soy sauce. A generous handful of crispy fried scallions topped the dish, releasing a savory fragrance I could smell even before my first bite. The flavor? Deeply umami, slightly sweet, with that satisfying crunch of golden scallions in every mouthful. It was simple, soulful, and somehow addictive—like the Shanghainese version of Malaysian kampua mee, but with an extra dose of wok hei.

📖 About Cong You Ban Mian

A minimalist Shanghai classic, this dish combines handmade wheat noodles with soy sauce and scallion-infused oil. It’s a nostalgic comfort food loved for its aroma and depth of flavor.

🍴 Best places to try

A Niang Mian Guan
📍Location: Huanghe Road, near People’s Square
💰Cost: ~¥20 per bowl

Lao Niang Mian Guan
📍Location: Changning District
💰Cost: ~¥22 per bowl

💡 Pro tips

• Add a soft-boiled tea egg or braised tofu for extra protein.
• Drizzle with homemade chili oil for that Malaysian-style heat.
• It’s a great light lunch or supper dish—fast, cheap, and satisfying.

3. Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Soup Buns) 🥟🔥🍳

Outside a busy stall on Wujiang Road, I was drawn in by the sound of buns sizzling on a cast-iron griddle. I ordered a portion of Shengjian Bao, and what arrived were golden-bottomed dumplings topped with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Crispy on the base, fluffy on top, and filled with juicy pork and broth—it was everything I hoped for and more.

As I bit into the first bun, hot soup burst out, followed by tender meat and a perfect crunch. It’s like someone took the comfort of xiaolongbao and gave it street food swagger. Addictive is an understatement.

📖 About Shengjian Bao

A Shanghainese street food favorite, these buns are pan-fried to a golden crisp while keeping their soupy filling intact. Often eaten for breakfast or a quick snack.

🍴 Best places to try

Xiao Yang Shengjian
📍Wujiang Road Food Street
💰~¥18 for 4 pieces

Da Hu Chun
📍Yunnan South Road
💰~¥20

💡 Pro tips

• Be careful—these are piping hot inside!
• Eat them with a spoon or napkin underneath to catch the broth.
• Goes perfectly with a cup of soy milk or sweet tea.

4. Chuan’r (Grilled Skewers) 🍢🔥🌙

It was close to midnight in Dapuqiao when I found myself at a smoky roadside grill. A row of skewers sizzled over red-hot coals, sending up clouds of cumin-scented steam. I grabbed lamb, chicken wings, mushrooms, and tofu—it was a Malaysian lok-lok dream, reimagined with a northern Chinese twist.

The meat was juicy, the spices bold. Each bite had that addictive salty, smoky hit, with just enough char to keep you coming back. With a cold local beer in hand, it was the ultimate street food experience.

📖 About Chuan’r

Originally from Xinjiang, these skewers are now a Shanghai street food staple. Grilled over charcoal and seasoned with chili, cumin, and garlic, they’re perfect for supper.

🍴 Best places to try

Dapuqiao Night Market
📍Near Tianzifang
💰~¥2–¥6 per skewer

Changde Muslim Street
📍Jing’an District
💰~¥3–¥8

💡 Pro tips

• Lamb is the classic choice, but grilled enoki mushrooms and tofu skin are underrated.
• Ask for "la jiao duo yi dian" (extra chili) if you like it spicy!
• Best enjoyed after dark with a local beer or herbal tea.

5. Hong Shao Rou (Red Braised Pork) 🐷🍯🍛

At a cozy eatery in the French Concession, I ordered a plate of Hong Shao Rou and was hit with the aroma of caramelized soy sauce and pork belly. The dish arrived glistening, the cubes of pork slow-braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Each bite was rich, slightly sweet, and layered with flavor. The sauce soaked beautifully into my bowl of rice—comfort food taken to luxurious new heights. It reminded me of our own tau yew bak, but with an elegant Shanghai polish.

📖 About Hong Shao Rou

A beloved Shanghai classic made with pork belly, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and rock sugar. It’s sweet, savory, and deeply comforting.

🍴 Best places to try

Jesse Restaurant (老吉士)
📍French Concession
💰~¥68

Xiao Shaoxing
📍Near South Bund
💰~¥55

💡 Pro tips

• Ask for extra sauce to spoon over rice or steamed mantou.
• Some restaurants use more sugar—if you like it savory, ask for “bu tai tian.”
• It’s rich, so balance with stir-fried greens or pickled veggies.

6. Zui Ji (Drunken Chicken) 🍗🍶❄️

I first tasted Zui Ji at a traditional Shanghainese banquet near Huaihai Road. Served chilled and sliced, the poached chicken was soaked in fragrant Shaoxing wine and presented like a jewel-toned appetizer. I wasn’t sure at first—cold chicken? But one bite and I was hooked.

The meat was incredibly tender, with a clean, floral aftertaste from the rice wine. Paired with pickled cucumber and a sip of warm tea, it was refreshingly different—light, aromatic, and perfect before heavier dishes.

📖 About Zui Ji

Drunken Chicken is a cold appetizer made from poached chicken marinated in Shaoxing rice wine and aromatics. It’s a refined dish served in both homes and upscale restaurants.

🍴 Best places to try

Fu 1088
📍Jing’an District
💰~¥88

Jesse Restaurant (老吉士)
📍French Concession
💰~¥58

💡 Pro tips

• Best eaten cold, with some vinegar pickles or jellyfish salad.
• Great choice for those who love herbal or wine-infused dishes.
• Not a fan of wine flavor? Ask for a lighter version (“jiu wei qing yi dian”).

7. Gui Hua Tang Yuan (Osmanthus Rice Balls) 🍡🌸🍯

On a breezy evening in Qibao Old Street, I found a dessert shop selling warm bowls of Gui Hua Tang Yuan. The aroma of osmanthus blossoms drew me in immediately—it reminded me of floral teas back home.

The rice balls were soft, chewy, and filled with roasted black sesame paste. Floating in golden osmanthus syrup, they were sweet, aromatic, and absolutely soothing. It was the perfect end to a long food-filled day.

📖 About Gui Hua Tang Yuan

These glutinous rice balls are filled with sesame or peanut paste and served in a fragrant sweet soup made with osmanthus flowers. A seasonal favorite during festivals.

🍴 Best places to try

Ningbo Sweet Soup Shop
📍Huanghe Road
💰~¥20

Lao Da Chang Tang Yuan
📍Qibao Ancient Town
💰~¥25

💡 Pro tips

• Try both peanut and sesame fillings if available.
• Served warm or chilled—ask for your preference.
• Pairs well with ginger tea or a cup of longjing green tea.

8. Shanghai Butterfly Cookies (Palmiers) 🦋🥐🍬

At a French-style bakery near Ferguson Lane, I tried Shanghai-style butterfly cookies—a local take on the palmier. The layers were golden, crunchy, and caramelized just right. Sweet but not overpowering, buttery but light—every bite was perfection.

I packed a few boxes to bring home, and they disappeared within a day. It’s the kind of souvenir that doesn’t last long… because you’ll eat it all.

📖 About Butterfly Cookies

Crispy, caramelized puff pastry shaped like butterfly wings. These sweet treats combine Shanghai’s love for refined European-style baking with local flair.

🍴 Best places to try

Luneurs Bakery
📍Ferguson Lane, Xuhui District
💰~¥18

Old Jesse Pastry Counter
📍Tianzifang
💰~¥15–22

💡 Pro tips

• Buy fresh for the best crunch—avoid pre-packaged if you can.
• Makes a great tea-time snack or edible gift.
• Try the black sesame or matcha versions for a local twist.

9. Tang Guo Pin (Preserved Fruits) 🍑🌺🛍️

Wandering near Chenghuang Temple, I noticed locals buying shiny packets of preserved plums, hawthorn, and rose apples. I grabbed a few out of curiosity and discovered they were like our Malaysian asam snacks—sweet, sour, floral, and incredibly addictive.

Tang Guo Pin is a beloved traditional snack here—perfect with tea, as a post-meal refresher, or even while strolling the streets.

📖 About Tang Guo Pin

Shanghai’s preserved fruits range from rose-infused apples to sour plums and candied citrus peels. Sweet, tangy, and fragrant, they’re a nostalgic favorite for locals.

🍴 Where to buy

Chenghuang Temple Snack Street
📍Huangpu District
💰~¥10–30 per pack

Shikumen Gift Shops
📍Various locations
💰~¥15–35

💡 Pro tips

• Look for vacuum-sealed packs—they travel well!
• The rose apple and osmanthus plum are especially popular.
• Great as small gifts or souvenirs from Shanghai.

10. Wujiang Road Food Street 🛣️🍢🥟

As the sun set over West Nanjing Road, I wandered into Wujiang Road Food Street—and I could barely walk 10 steps without stopping to eat. Vendors were grilling skewers, steaming buns, slicing cold noodles. I grabbed a Shengjian Bao, then skewers, then milk tea… and still wanted more.

It’s busy, it’s loud, and it’s delicious. From local classics to modern street snacks, this is where you go when you want to taste Shanghai with your hands.

📖 About Wujiang Road Food Street

One of Shanghai’s most iconic food streets, packed with stalls, snack bars, and quick eats. A local favorite for dinner and late-night bites.

📅 Best time to visit

Evenings (6 PM – 10 PM)

📍 How to get there

Take Metro Line 2 to Nanjing West Road Station, Exit 3

💰 Budget

~¥50–100 depending on how hungry you are

🍽️ What to try

• Shengjian Bao
• Grilled squid and chuan’r
• Tofu pudding
• Bubble tea

💡 Pro tips

• Go early to beat the crowds.
• Bring cash or WeChat Pay—some stalls don’t accept cards.
• Follow locals—long lines usually mean great food!

Discover Shanghai’s Unforgettable Food Journey

After tasting my way through Shanghai’s buzzing streets, old lilongs, and hidden food corners, I can confidently say this city is a dream destination for food lovers. From steamy morning baskets of xiaolongbao to midnight skewers sizzling over charcoal, every bite in Shanghai tells a story—rich in flavor, history, and soul.

If you're craving a mix of traditional Chinese comfort food and innovative modern bites, there’s no better time to visit Shanghai. Book your flights to Shanghai and find the perfect Shanghai hotel to base yourself in the heart of this dynamic, delicious city. Not sure where to begin your culinary journey? Trip.com has all the foodie guides and local secrets you’ll need to start strong.

Ready to explore the savory, the sweet, and everything in between? Whether it’s your first visit or your next return, Shanghai’s food scene always has something new to wow your taste buds. So pack your appetite, grab your chopsticks, and get ready to eat your way through one of China’s most exciting food capitals.

👉 Get Trip.com Exclusive Offers

👉Download the Trip.com App Now!