The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Food in and Around Shanghai
Shanghai, a bustling metropolis where East meets West, offers an incredible culinary scene that ranges from traditional street food to Michelin-starred dining. Whether you’re craving xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), spicy Sichuan cuisine, or international flavors, this guide will help you discover the best food spots in and around Shanghai.
1. Must-Try Shanghai Dishes
Before diving into where to eat, let’s explore the iconic dishes you must try in Shanghai:
- Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – Thin-skinned dumplings filled with hot, savory broth and pork.
- Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns) – Crispy-bottomed buns with juicy pork filling.
- Hongshao Rou (Braised Pork Belly) – Sweet and savory soy-braised pork.
- Hairy Crab (Dàzháxiè, 大闸蟹) – A seasonal delicacy (best in autumn).
- Drunken Chicken (Zuìjī, 醉鸡) – Cold chicken marinated in Shaoxing wine.
- Scallion Oil Noodles (Cōngyóu Miàn, 葱油面) – Simple but flavorful noodles with scallion-infused oil.
2. Best Places to Eat in Shanghai
A. Old Shanghai Classics (Traditional & Street Food)
① Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (南翔馒头店)
📍 Location: Yu Garden, Huangpu District
🍽 Must-order: Crab roe xiaolongbao
💰 Price: ¥50-100 per person
ℹ️ Why go? One of the oldest xiaolongbao spots, dating back to 1900. The crab roe dumplings are legendary.
② Yang’s Fry-Dumpling (小杨生煎)
📍 Multiple locations (most famous at Wujiang Road)
🍽 Must-order: Shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns)
💰 Price: ¥15-30 per person
ℹ️ Why go? Crispy, juicy, and affordable—Shanghai’s best shengjianbao chain.
③ Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包)
📍 Location: 90 Huanghe Road, Huangpu
🍽 Must-order: Pork & crab xiaolongbao
💰 Price: ¥30-60 per person
ℹ️ Why go? No-frills, locals-approved spot with ultra-thin dumpling skins.
④ Lao Shanghai (老上海)
📍 Multiple locations
🍽 Must-order: Braised pork belly, drunken chicken
💰 Price: ¥50-100 per person
ℹ️ Why go? Authentic Shanghainese home-style cooking.
B. High-End & Michelin-Starred Dining
① Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (Ultra-Experimental Dining)
📍 Location: Secret location (by invitation only)
🍽 Experience: 20-course sensory dining
💰 Price: ¥4,000-6,000 per person
ℹ️ Why go? One of the world’s most exclusive dining experiences.
② Fu 1039 (Private Mansion Dining)
📍 Location: 1039 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an
🍽 Must-order: Braised sea cucumber, drunken crab
💰 Price: ¥300-600 per person
ℹ️ Why go? A restored 1930s mansion serving refined Shanghainese cuisine.
③ Lost Heaven (Yunnan & Ethnic Flavors)
📍 Location: 17 Yan’an Dong Road, Huangpu
🍽 Must-order: Pineapple rice, Yunnan-style grilled fish
💰 Price: ¥150-300 per person
ℹ️ Why go? Stunning decor and bold Yunnan flavors.
C. International & Fusion Food
① Mercato (Italian Fine Dining by Jean-Georges)
📍 Location: 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Bund
🍽 Must-order: Black truffle pizza, seafood spaghetti
💰 Price: ¥300-600 per person
ℹ️ Why go? Stunning Bund views and impeccable Italian cuisine.
② Highline (Modern Western Brunch & Rooftop Bar)
📍 Location: 6/F, 282 Huaihai Zhong Road
🍽 Must-order: Truffle fries, lobster roll
💰 Price: ¥150-300 per person
ℹ️ Why go? One of Shanghai’s trendiest brunch spots.
③ Commune Social (Spanish Tapas & Creative Plates)
📍 Location: 511 Jiangning Road, Jing’an
🍽 Must-order: Iberico pork, squid ink bao
💰 Price: ¥200-400 per person
ℹ️ Why go? A stylish tapas bar with a great outdoor terrace.
3. Best Food Streets & Markets
A. Tianzifang (田子坊) – Hipster Bites & Cafés
📍 Location: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu
🍽 What to try: Bubble waffles, local craft beer, dumplings
💰 Price range: ¥20-100 per dish
B. Yunnan Road (云南路) – Old-School Eats
📍 Location: Yunnan Road, Huangpu
🍽 What to try:
- Xiaoshaoxing (小绍兴): Drunken chicken & rice cakes
- Wujiang Road Snacks: Stinky tofu, scallion pancakes
C. Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角) – Day Trip for Riverfront Dining
📍 Location: 1-hour drive from Shanghai
🍽 What to try:
- Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)
- Braised river fish
- Sweet osmanthus wine
4. Hidden Gems & Local Secrets
- Lin Long Fang (麟笼坊): Best xiaolongbao outside tourist zones (Huangpu).
- Old Jesse (老吉士): Celebrity-favorite Shanghainese spot (Xuhui).
- Hai Di Lao (海底捞): Not local, but Shanghai’s best hot pot experience (24/7 service!).
5. Pro Tips for Foodies in Shanghai
✅ Avoid tourist traps in Yu Garden—stick to Nanxiang for dumplings.
✅ Use Dianping (大众点评), China’s Yelp, to check reviews.
✅ Try breakfast street food like jianbing (savory crepes) and soy milk.
✅ Visit a wet market (e.g., Jing’an Market) for fresh local ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Shanghai’s food scene is endless—from hole-in-the-wall dumpling shops to high-end molecular gastronomy. Whether you’re a street food lover or a fine-dining enthusiast, this city has something for every palate.
What’s your favorite Shanghai dish? Let me know in the comments! 🥢🍜
