Shanghai Food Guide
What to eat, where to find it, and how to order like a local
🥢 Must-Try Dishes
XiaolongbaoSoup Dumplings
Thin wrappers encase a delicious meat filling and piping-hot broth. Take a small bite to sip the broth first, then dip in shredded ginger and vinegar.
30–50 yuan per steamer basket
Where to Eat
Yu Garden (豫园)→Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop (南翔馒头店)
Dine-in on the second floor; crab roe xiaolongbao are 45 yuan per steamer basket.
Ordering Tips: Take a small bite to let the steam escape, sip the broth, then dip in vinegar. Don’t swallow them whole—they’re extremely hot!
Pan-fried bunsPan-fried Pork Buns
Golden and crispy on the bottom, soft on top, filled with savory pork and piping-hot broth.
10–20 yuan for 4 pieces
Where to Eat
Nanjing Road (南京路)→Dahuchun (大壶春)
A time-honored brand established in 1932 and a leading representative of fully leavened pan-fried buns.
Ordering Tips: Wait 2 minutes after they’re served before eating—the broth inside is scalding hot!
🍽️ Restaurants
Local Shanghai cuisineShanghai Benbang Cuisine
Rich, dark sauces—braised pork belly is fatty yet not greasy; stir-fried shrimp in oil is sweet and fresh with a crispy shell.
150–250 yuan per person
Where to Eat
Tianping Road (天平路)→Lao Jishi (老吉士)
One of the most famous Shanghainese restaurants—be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Ordering Tips: Shanghainese cuisine tends to be on the sweeter side; if you’re not used to it, order some vegetables to balance the flavors. Braised pork with rice—mixing the meat sauce into the rice is the key to enjoying this dish.