Exploring the Best of Shanghai Food: A Culinary Journey

Hi everyone, I’m Emma Lee, a food blogger who’s been living in China. From hidden street stalls to high-end restaurants, I’m passionate about discovering the unique flavors and stories behind Chinese food. Among all the cities I’ve explored, Shanghai stands out for its remarkable charm and diverse food culture. As a global metropolis, Shanghai is not just a city of skyscrapers but also a treasure trove for food lovers. In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey to explore the city’s most iconic traditional Shanghai food and the liveliest food streets. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re on the hunt for hidden gems, you’ll find something delicious to savor here!

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Traditional Shanghai Food

Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings)

Sheng Jian Bao is one of the most popular traditional snacks in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong. These pan-fried soup dumplings have a crispy golden crust and a juicy filling. Their origins date back to the Northern Song Dynasty in Kaifeng, as documented in the ancient text Wu Lin Old Stories, which mentions their precursor, “Pan-Fried Flower Buns.”

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 生煎包 (sheng jian bao)
• Main Ingredients: Flour, pork, green onion, sesame
• Best Time to Eat: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Da Hu Chun (Sichuan Middle Road Branch)
  • Address: 136 Sichuan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 25 RMB

Nanxiang Xiaolong (Soup Dumplings)

Nanxiang Xiaolong, commonly known as Nanxiang Soup Dumplings, originated in Shanghai’s Jiading District, specifically in Nanxiang Town. These dumplings are celebrated for their delicate, thin wrappers, tender pork filling, and rich broth, which make them a must-try when enjoying Shanghai food.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 南翔小笼 (nan xiang xiao long)
• Main Ingredients: Flour, pork
• Best Time to Eat: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Lai Lai Dumplings
  • Address: 506 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (440 meters from Exit 19 of People’s Square Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 25 RMB

Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs (Tang Cu Xiao Pai)

Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs is a signature dish in Chinese cuisine, especially within the Zhejiang region. This visually appealing dish is known for its glossy caramelized glaze, tender texture, and perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a staple of Shanghai food and is recognized as one of the city’s top 10 classic dishes.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 糖醋小排 (tang chu xiao pai)
• Main Ingredients: Pork ribs, soy sauce, sugar, red vinegar
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Grandma’s Taste (Jiaozhou Road Branch)
  • Address: 26 Jiaozhou Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (Level 1 of Yuyuan Road Gourmet Plaza)
  • Average Cost: 80 RMB

Oil-Braised Prawns (You Bao Xia)

Oil-Braised Prawns is a classic Shanghai dish that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful. Featuring crispy shrimp shells and tender meat, this dish is typically made with river prawns fried in hot rapeseed oil. Slightly sweet and tangy, it is a shining example of the diversity in Shanghai food and has been named one of the city’s top 10 dishes.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 油爆虾 (you bao xia)
• Main Ingredients: River prawns, ginger, green onion, chili peppers
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Ling Long Restaurant (Shaanxi South Road)
  • Address: 57 Shaanxi South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Near Xinyue Road)
  • Average Cost: 70 RMB

Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Braised Pork Belly, or Hong Shao Rou, is a beloved dish across China, but the Shanghai version is particularly famous for its balance of flavors. Made with pork belly simmered in yellow wine and sugar, this dish achieves a rich caramelized texture that melts in your mouth. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a staple of traditional Shanghai food.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 红烧肉 (hong shao rou)
• Main Ingredients: Pork belly, yellow wine, sugar
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Ren He Guan (Zhao Jia Bang Road Branch)
  • Address: 407 Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai (230 meters from Exit 5 of Jiashan Road Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 121 RMB

Crab Shell Pastry (Xie Ke Huang)

Crab Shell Pastry, also known as “little sesame cakes,” is a beloved traditional snack in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions. These pastries feature four types of fillings, including shepherd’s purse, scallion oil, sugar, and red bean paste. The pastry is golden and flaky, resembling a crab shell, with a perfect balance of sweet or savory flavors.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 蟹壳黄 (xie ke huang)
• Main Ingredients: Flour, pork
• Best Time to Eat: Snack time
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Shanghai Fu Mai Baozi Wu Yuan (Yanping Road Branch)
  • Address: Yanping Road 259, Jing’an District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 33 RMB

Pork Ribs with Rice Cakes (Pai Gu Nian Gao)

This affordable and flavorful traditional snack has been a Shanghai staple for over 50 years. The dish combines fresh pork ribs with thinly sliced rice cakes, which are fried and braised to perfection. It’s beloved for its rich aroma, tender ribs, and chewy rice cakes that deliver a delightful contrast in textures.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 排骨年糕 (pai gu nian gao)
• Main Ingredients: Pork ribs, rice cakes
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Xian De Lai (Yunnan Road Food Street Branch)
  • Address: 36 Yunnan South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (140 meters from Exit 1 of Dashijie Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 20 RMB

Shanghai White-Cut Chicken (Bai Zhan Ji)

White-Cut Chicken is a classic dish in Shanghai. Known for its tender texture and pure flavor, it is often associated with the phrase, “For the best White-Cut Chicken, go to Xiao Shaoxing.” The restaurant uses high-quality “three-yellow chicken” from Pudong, which gives the dish its renowned freshness and succulence.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 白斩鸡 (bai zhan ji)
• Main Ingredients: Free-range chicken
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Xiao Shaoxing (Yunnan Road Food Street Branch)
  • Address: 69-75 Yunnan South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Near Ninghai East Road)
  • Average Cost: 46 RMB

Potstickers (Guo Tie)

Potstickers are a well-known Chinese snack featuring a crispy, golden exterior and a flavorful filling. These pan-fried dumplings vary in shape depending on the region but are typically long and thin in Shanghai. The filling often includes pork and fresh seasonal vegetables, making them a satisfying and versatile dish.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 锅贴 (guo tie)
• Main Ingredients: Flour, meat, vegetables
• Best Time to Eat: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Hong Yu Fang (Nan Liu Branch)
  • Address: 686 Tibet South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (B1-06, Nanliu Mall, near Exit 3 of Laoximen Metro Station, Lines 8/10)
  • Average Cost: 42 RMB

Vegetarian Steamed Buns (Su Cai Bao)

Vegetarian Steamed Buns are a light and refreshing traditional snack in Shanghai. Made with a soft dough and stuffed with flavorful vegetable fillings, these buns are steamed to perfection. Their delicate texture and clean flavors make them a favorite summer treat.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 素菜包 (su cai bao)
• Main Ingredients: Flour, vegetables
• Best Time to Eat: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Green Yang Cun Restaurant (Jiangning Road Branch)
  • Address: 282 Fengxian Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (450 meters from Exit 1 of Nanjing West Road Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 75 RMB

Tofu Soup with Vermicelli (You Dou Fu Xian Fen Tang)

Tofu Soup with Vermicelli is a popular Shanghai comfort food. This light yet flavorful dish pairs perfectly with heavier snacks like Sheng Jian Bao. The soup features tender tofu puffs and vermicelli cooked in a clear broth, offering a satisfying balance of textures and a delicate aroma.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 油豆腐线粉汤 (you dou fu fen si tang)
• Main Ingredients: Fried tofu, vermicelli
• Best Time to Eat: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Pengpu Tofu Vermicelli Soup
  • Address: Beside the West Gate of Xinpusong Apartment, Baoshan District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 27 RMB

Tiao Tou Gao (Rice Flour Cake)

Tiao Tou Gao is a classic dessert from the Jiangsu and Shanghai regions. Made with glutinous rice flour mixed with fine sugar and shaped into long strips, this treat is even more delightful when topped with a sprinkle of osmanthus flowers. Its soft and slightly chewy texture makes it a favorite snack.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 条头糕 (tiao tou gao)
• Main Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, sugar, red bean paste
• Best Time to Eat: Snack time
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Shen Da Cheng (Nanjing East Road Branch)
  • Address: 636 Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 23 RMB

Hai Tang Gao (Begonia Cake)

Hai Tang Gao, a traditional dessert from Jiangsu, dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Shaped like a begonia flower, this sweet pastry has become a signature snack in the Jiangnan region. Like Meihua Gao (Plum Blossom Cake), it is best enjoyed warm, offering a sweet aroma and soft texture.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 海棠糕 (hai tang gao)
• Main Ingredients: Peanuts, flour, yeast, red bean paste
• Best Time to Eat: Snack time
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Wang Ji Begonia Cake (Xinchang Ancient Town Branch)
  • Address: 395 Xinchang Street, Pudong District, Shanghai (next to the First Tea House)
  • Average Cost: 5 RMB

Xun Yu (Smoked Fish)

Xun Yu, or Smoked Fish, is a quintessential dish from the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions. This delicacy is often served during Chinese New Year and is valued for its health benefits, such as promoting warmth and improving digestion. Its crispy exterior and tender interior make it a culinary treasure.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 熏鱼 (xun yu)
• Main Ingredients: Fish
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Guang Ming Cun Grand Restaurant (Huaihai Road Main Branch)
  • Address: 588 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (300 meters from Exit 1 of Huaihai Middle Road Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 78 RMB

Tang Tuan (Glutinous Rice Dumplings)

Tang Tuan, also known as Yuanxiao or Floating Dumplings, is one of the most iconic Chinese snacks. These sweet rice balls are traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival and symbolize happiness and family unity. Made with glutinous rice flour and often filled with black sesame paste, they are soft, chewy, and satisfying.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 汤团 (tang tuan)
• Main Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, black sesame paste
• Best Time to Eat: Snack time
• Recommended Season: Typically eaten during the Lantern Festival
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Sixin Glutinous Rice Dumplings (Sichuan North Road Branch)
  • Address: 1-172 Lane 1906, Sichuan North Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 23 RMB

Cong You Ban Mian (Scallion Oil Noodles)

Scallion Oil Noodles is a classic Shanghai dish, known for its springy texture and aromatic scallion-infused oil. Popular variations include dried shrimp scallion noodles, shredded pork scallion noodles, and “Three Shrimp” scallion noodles, each adding a unique twist to the dish.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 葱油拌面 (cong you ban mian)
• Main Ingredients: Noodles, green onions, cooking oil
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Wei Xiang Zhai (Yandang Road Branch)
  • Address: 14 Yandang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (near Huaihai Middle Road)
  • Average Cost: 28 RMB

Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes)

Cong You Bing, or Scallion Pancakes, is a beloved street food in Shanghai. Characterized by its golden crust, soft layers, and fragrant scallion flavor, it is cooked fresh to order. Unlike scallion pancakes in other regions, the old Shanghai version is small but thick, offering a crispy outside and a chewy interior.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 葱油饼 (cong you bing)
• Main Ingredients: Flour, scallions
• Best Time to Eat: Snack time
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Old Shanghai Scallion Pancakes (Huanghe Road Food Street Branch)
  • Address: 106 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (next to Jinbaxian Hotel)
  • Average Cost: 7 RMB

Cai Fan (Vegetable Rice)

Cai Fan is a traditional Chinese dish that combines side dishes with steamed rice, creating a convenient and flavorful meal. This simple yet delicious dish is widely praised for its balance of taste and ease of preparation.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 菜饭 (cai fan)
• Main Ingredients: Rice, vegetables, cured meat
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Shu Cai Ji Sheng Jian Cai Fan
  • Address: 49 Yunnan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (350 meters from Exit 1 of People’s Square Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 21 RMB

Chun Juan (Spring Rolls)

Spring Rolls, also known as Chun Bing or Thin Pancakes, are a traditional festive food in China, especially in the southern regions. These crispy, golden rolls are filled with a mix of cabbage and pork. Often served during Chinese New Year and other celebrations, they symbolize prosperity and happiness. Their long history traces back to the evolution of ancient spring pancakes.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 春卷 (chun juan)
• Main Ingredients: Cabbage, pork
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Jianguo 328 Xiao Guan
  • Address: 328 Jianguo West Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai (Near Xiangyang South Road)
  • Average Cost: 96 RMB

You Dun Zi (Fried Turnip Patties)

You Dun Zi, also known as Oil Patties, is a popular street snack in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions. These golden-brown patties can be filled with sweet bean paste, savory turnip shreds, or minced meat. They are deep-fried to create a crunchy exterior and a flavorful, moist interior, making them a must-try local delicacy.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 油墩子 (you dun zi)
• Main Ingredients: Batter, bean paste, scallions, meat
• Best Time to Eat: Snack time
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • You Dun Zi Da Wang
  • Address: Northeast corner of Henan Middle Road and Hankou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 11 RMB

Da Zha Xie (Steamed Hairy Crab)

Da Zha Xie, or Steamed Hairy Crab, is a signature dish of the Jiangnan region. This delicacy showcases the crab’s natural sweetness and tender meat. Steamed to preserve its original flavor, the dish is especially popular during the autumn and winter months when crabs are at their best.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 大闸蟹 (da zha xie)
• Main Ingredients: Hairy crab
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Typically from September to December
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Jichang Xing·Century-Old Crab Roe Noodles·Old Alley Noodle House (Nanjing East Road Branch)
  • Address: 159-2 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (100 meters from Exit 5 of Nanjing East Road Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 86 RMB

Shi Zi Tou (Lion’s Head Meatball)

Lion’s Head Meatball, originally called “Sunflower Chopped Meat,” is a classic dish from the Huaiyang cuisine. This soft, succulent meatball is made with pork, water chestnuts, and greens, then simmered to perfection. Its rich texture and nutritional value make it a beloved dish for special occasions.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 狮子头 (shi zi tou)
• Main Ingredients: Pork, water chestnuts, greens, eggs
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Ren He Guan (Zhao Jia Bang Road Branch)
  • Address: 407 Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai (230 meters from Exit 5 of Jiashan Road Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 121 RMB

Yan Du Xian (Pork and Bamboo Shoot Soup)

Yan Du Xian is a signature dish in Shanghai, originating from Ningbo. This hearty soup is made with pork ribs, bamboo shoots, cured ham, and bean curd knots. Its savory and umami flavors create a rich, milky broth, offering comfort in every spoonful.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 腌笃鲜 (yan du xian)
• Main Ingredients: Pork ribs, bamboo shoots, cured meat, ham
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • San You Xing (Shanghai New City Plaza Branch)
  • Address: 167 Jiangning Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 148 RMB

Ba Bao La Jiang (Eight Treasures Spicy Sauce)

Ba Bao La Jiang, or Eight Treasures Spicy Sauce, is a vibrant Shanghai dish made with a medley of shrimp, chicken, pork, peanuts, duck gizzards, and bamboo shoots. Its glossy, colorful appearance and complex flavors of spiciness and sweetness make it a true feast for the senses.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 八宝辣酱 (ba bao la jiang)
• Main Ingredients: Shrimp, chicken, pork, peanuts, duck gizzards, bamboo shoots
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Lao Xing Xian (Huaihai Road Bai Sheng Mall Branch)
  • Address: 5th Floor, 918 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Next to Shaanxi South Road Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 235 RMB

Ba Bao Ya (Eight Treasures Duck)

Ba Bao Ya, or Eight Treasures Duck, is a renowned dish in Shanghai and Suzhou. Originating as a royal court delicacy during the Qing Dynasty, it gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. The dish features a whole duck, deboned and stuffed with various ingredients, then steamed to perfection. Its rich aroma comes from shrimp and green peas added as a garnish with the duck’s original juices. Recognized as one of Shanghai’s top 10 classic dishes, it’s a must-try for food enthusiasts.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 八宝鸭 (ba bao ya)
• Main Ingredients: Duck
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Lu Bo Lang No. 7 (Yuyuan Bazaar Branch)
  • Address: 1 Bailin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (480 meters from Exit 7 of Yuyuan Metro Station)
  • Average Cost: 650 RMB

Jiao Yan Pai Tiao (Salt and Pepper Pork Ribs)

Jiao Yan Pai Tiao is a flavorful Shanghai dish made from pork ribs. These ribs are fried to achieve a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. The seasoning of salt, pepper, and aromatic spices creates a savory dish with a fragrant aroma that pairs perfectly with rice or enjoyed on its own.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 椒盐排条 (jiao yan pai tiao)
• Main Ingredients: Pork ribs, scallions, ginger
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Hongxing Restaurant (Luban Road Branch)
  • Address: 193 Luban Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 21 RMB

Xiang You Shan Si (Eel with Scallion Oil)

Xiang You Shan Si is a beloved dish in Shanghai cuisine. It features fresh eel strips stir-fried with scallions, ginger, and soy sauce, then finished with sizzling hot oil. The result is a dish bursting with rich, savory flavors that highlight the eel’s natural tenderness.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 响油鳝丝 (xiang you shan si)
• Main Ingredients: Eel strips, scallions, ginger
• Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Yong Xing Restaurant
  • Address: 626 Lane 1, Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 74 RMB

Kao Fu (Braised Wheat Gluten)

Kao Fu is a common Jiangnan specialty made from fermented wheat gluten. Its spongy texture absorbs the flavors of the accompanying sauce, which often includes bamboo shoots, black fungus, and peanuts. Variations include “Four Happiness Kao Fu” or “Honey-Glazed Kao Fu,” making it a versatile dish with both savory and sweet options.

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 烤麸 (kao fu)
• Main Ingredients: Wheat gluten, bamboo shoots, black fungus, peanuts
• Best Time to Eat: Snack time
• Recommended Season: Year-round
• Recommended Restaurant:
  • Wu Ji Xiao Guan (Must-Eat List Branch)
  • Address: 101, 102 Puhuitang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
  • Average Cost: 86 RMB

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Recommended Food Streets in Shanghai

Lujiazui Food Street

Lujiazui Food Street is a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, featuring Huizhou-style and Republican-era architecture with a nostalgic vibe. The street offers a wide range of snacks, including Sheng Jian Bao, potstickers, and Crab Shell Pastries, as well as Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. Whether you’re dining with family or catching up with friends, this place has something for everyone. Best of all, the prices are affordable, so you can indulge without breaking the bank.

Hongquan Road

Famous for its strong Korean vibe, Hongquan Road is a must-visit for lovers of authentic Korean cuisine. This street is packed with Korean barbecue spots, bibimbap eateries, and fried chicken joints. Alongside the restaurants, you’ll find Korean specialty stores selling unique products, making it feel like you’ve been transported to Seoul. It’s the perfect destination to savor authentic Korean food and soak in a foreign atmosphere.

Yunnan South Road

Yunnan South Road Food Street, just 250 meters long, is often hailed as a paradise for Shanghai street food. Formerly known as Dashijie Food Street, it boasts over 30 types of traditional Chinese snacks and Shanghai delicacies. From classic Nanxiang Soup Dumplings to sweet and sour spare ribs, this compact street offers a taste of various regional cuisines. It’s a must-visit spot for those looking to experience Shanghai’s local food culture.

1192 Lane Old Shanghai Street

Located near Century Avenue, 1192 Lane Old Shanghai Street attracts visitors with its vintage atmosphere and rich culinary offerings. The street features old-school Shanghai snacks like Fried Turnip Patties and Tiao Tou Gao. The mix of food stalls and small markets brings back the bustling charm of Old Shanghai. Every bite here carries a hint of history, making it a delightful journey for both your taste buds and your imagination.

Huanghe Road

Huanghe Road is one of Shanghai’s iconic food streets, located near People’s Square. It’s a hub for both local and traditional delicacies, including potstickers, Sheng Jian Bao, and Scallion Oil Noodles. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Huanghe Road preserves old Shanghai flavors while introducing innovative dishes, making it a great spot to experience the fusion of tradition and modernity.

Xianxia Road

Xianxia Road offers a diverse range of cuisines, from Japanese sushi and Korean barbecue to Southeast Asian dishes and Hong Kong-style noodles. Each restaurant has its unique flair, making it easy to find something to suit your palate. Whether you’re craving Penang Char Kway Teow or Cantonese Wonton Noodles, Xianxia Road has it all. This international food street is ideal for family dinners or casual meetups with friends.

Wujiang Road

Wujiang Road, located near Nanjing West Road, is a short yet vibrant street known for its variety of international flavors. From authentic French pastries to Italian pizzas, this street brings the best of Europe to Shanghai. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, Wujiang Road is a great choice, especially for those who love exploring different cuisines.

Hongmei Road

Hongmei Road is often referred to as “Shanghai’s International Food Street” for its diverse global dining options. Here, you can find everything from Mexican tacos and Mediterranean grilled fish to Indian curries and Russian steaks. This small alleyway is a melting pot of culinary cultures and is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to enjoy flavors from around the world with friends.

Qibao Old Street

Located in Shanghai’s Qibao Ancient Town, Qibao Old Street is a charming and traditional food street. The South Street is lined with food stalls and snack shops offering Jiangnan specialties like Tang Tuan, Tiao Tou Gao, and Hai Tang Gao. This street not only satisfies your cravings but also immerses you in a rich historical ambiance, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Shanghai’s heritage.

Chenghuang Temple and Yuyuan Bazaar

Chenghuang Temple and Yu Garden Bazaar are part of China’s Four Great Snack Streets, along with Nanjing’s Confucius Temple, Suzhou’s Xuanmiao Temple, and Changsha’s Fire Palace. This area offers a wide variety of snacks, including Nanxiang Soup Dumplings, Crab Shell Pastries, and Sheng Jian Bao. Though bustling with tourists, the authentic local flavors remain impressive, making it a top spot to experience traditional Shanghai food.

Huaihai Road

Huaihai Road represents Shanghai’s chic lifestyle, featuring niche restaurants and historic patisseries. From classic Napoleon cakes to innovative cheese tarts, the offerings here cater to those with refined tastes. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a solo treat, Huaihai Road provides a unique culinary experience for food lovers seeking elegance and charm.

Dingxi Road

Dubbed a “Hidden Food Treasure,” Dingxi Road stretches from Yan’an Road to Xinhua Road, hosting over 40 unique restaurants. From authentic local dishes to creative fusion cuisine, this street has something for everyone. With cozy cafes and affordable street food stalls, it’s an excellent spot to explore Shanghai food while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.