Must eat in Shanghai. 15+ famous dishes & best food to try in Shanghai

November 20, 2024

Have you tried Shanghai delicacies yet? Discover famous Shanghai dishes now, to understand the culinary culture in the most luxurious city in China through this article with the list of must eat in Shanghai: 15+ most famous delicacies, best food to try in Shanghai to try right now!

Shanghai street food | Must eat in Shanghai

Located at the mouth of the Huangpu River and south of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is influenced by neighboring regions such as Hangzhou and Zhejiang, creating dishes that are both unique and rich in regional flavors.

Traveling to the magnificent Shanghai, diners will receive a “ticket” to immerse themselves in ancient culture and experience local cuisine. From sweet and fatty ‘xiao long bao’ to fragrant scallion oil noodles, each dish contains the characteristics of this dynamic city.

Explore Shanghai specialties with Klook and prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey!

Soup Dumplings – Xiao Long Bao (#Must eat in Shanghai)

Din-Tai-Fung-giant-xiao-long-bao — Din Tai Fung giant Xiao Long Bao, famous dish you must try in Shanghai | Must eat in Shanghai

If you are a passionate foodie, you must have heard of Xiao Long Bao – Shanghai’s legendary soup dumplings. Xiao Long Bao has a thin, silky skin, skillfully prepared to contain the meat filling and hot soup, bursting with flavor from the first bite.

Xiaolongbao at Din Tai Fung 2 — | Must eat in Shanghai

Believed to have originated in Changzhou, a suburb of Shanghai, Xiao Long Bao today is often placed in a traditional bamboo steamer. You should dip Xiao Long Bao in vinegar mixed with shredded ginger, to enhance the flavor and reduce the heat. Then, take a light bite at the top of the dumpling, then slurp every drop of hot soup before enjoying the whole dumpling.

Delicious meal with Xiaolongbao dumplings cake — Delicious meal with Xiaolongbao dumplings | Must eat in Shanghai

When in Shanghai, don’t miss Jia Jia Tang Bao on Huanghe Street to taste authentic Xiao Long Bao for from 20 yuan. Or visit the Din Tai Fung restaurant chain, which has made this dish an international culinary icon.

Fried dumplings – A Delicious Breakfast in Shanghai

On a morning in Shanghai, nothing is more delicious than the golden fried Sheng Jian Bao, attractive at first sight. A small pan-fried dumpling originating from Suzhou, Sheng Jian offers a completely different taste experience.

The frying process is quite special: the dumplings are packed tightly in a large pan, fried until golden brown on the bottom, and then water is added to steam the top. The result is a crispy crust underneath and a soft, sweet meat filling inside, with a sprinkle of onions and sesame seeds on top, creating a delicious feeling when biting into it.

A little tip for you is a local favorite fried dumpling shop, Xiao Yang Sheng Jian on Nanjing Road, with prices ranging from 60 to 100 yuan per portion, ensuring you have a rich and exciting breakfast.

Guo Tie Pan-Fried Dumplings – A Delicious Snack in Shanghai

| visitrichmondbc.com | Must eat in Shanghai

Guo Tie, also known as “potsticker” in English, is actually a fried version of Jiaozi dumplings and has a long, thin shape similar to a wonton. This is a familiar street food of Shanghai people, made from thin dough wrapped in minced meat, green onions, cabbage, seasoned with ginger, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil.

The seller arranges the cakes in a large round pan, frying hundreds of them at a time, making a corner of the street smell fragrant. Diners often eat on the spot to feel the salty, fatty flavor of each hot and crispy cake. Or you can also eat Guo Tie with beef soup for a lighter taste. If you visit Shanghai, don’t forget to try Guo Tie at Peng Yuan Guo Tie. Each cake here costs only about 20 – 30 yuan, enough to satisfy your taste buds without having to worry about the price.

Cold Eel Noodles with Ginger Sauce – “Taste-Catching” Shanghai Specialty

| facebook.com/gogoo.tour | Must eat in Shanghai

Cold eel noodles, also known as Shansi Leng Mian, are a specialty that any visitor to Shanghai should try once. The dish is presented in two separate parts: cold noodles and hot eel. The noodles are thin, slightly flat and chewy, coated with a light layer of vinegar underneath and a rich sesame sauce on top, while the eel is stir-fried in a rich, very sweet soy sauce and special ginger sauce.

Visitors can choose to mix them all together or eat them separately, depending on their preferences. The crunchy feeling of the cold noodles combined with the fatty, hot taste of the eel creates an extremely interesting texture, especially for gourmets. Shanghai tourists often visit Lao Difang, a small restaurant with famous eel noodles, open from 11am to 2pm. The price of the dish is around 40 – 50 CNY, and you should come early because the seats are quite limited.

Shanghai-Style Scallion Oil Noodles

| whiskeyandbooch.com | Must eat in Shanghai

Shanghai is known for a series of famous noodle dishes, including Scallion Oil Noodles (Cong You Ban Mian). The hand-pulled noodles are quickly boiled in boiling water, then cooled to room temperature and mixed with fragrant scallion oil, soy sauce and brown sugar, creating a shimmering sauce on each noodle.

| independent.co.uk | Must eat in Shanghai

The highlight of the noodle dish is the crispy caramelized fried scallion “topping”. You just need to mix the noodles well and enjoy each noodle strand soaked in the salty-sweet taste of soy sauce, the fatty taste of oil and the fragrant aroma of scallion. If you want, you can add a little black vinegar to increase the mild sourness, balancing the flavor.

The familiar scallion noodle shop for locals is Shanghainese Jianguo restaurant, or some luxury restaurants also serve this dish at the end of the meal, with a price of about 30 – 40 CNY.

Shanghai-style Braised Pork Belly

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you must have heard of Shanghai-style braised pork, also known as Hong Shao Rou. The pork belly is braised in soy sauce, rice wine and various spices, creating a shiny ‘cockroach’ color and a rich, fatty flavor.

| asianinspirations.com.au | Must eat in Shanghai

Each piece of meat is a perfect blend of lean meat and fat, not greasy but extremely delicious. The secret to delicious braised meat is the long cooking time so that the sauce is absorbed into each fiber of the meat, making it soft and smooth, melting in the mouth. Chinese people often eat Hong Shao Rou with hot rice, boiled eggs or green vegetables. With a price of about 270 CNY/person, Jesse restaurant is the ideal place for you to discover authentic Hong Shao Rou, with a special recipe, authentic Shanghai flavor.

Eight Treasures Stewed Duck with 8 ndispensable ingredients – Nutritious Shanghai Specialty (#must eat food in shanghai)

| The Meatmen Channel youtube | must eat food in shanghai

Eight Treasures stewed Duck is considered a traditional Shanghai culinary essence, captivating people with its rich flavor and elaborate preparation. The word “eight treasures” in the name also symbolizes wealth and luck. “Eight” also represents the eight ingredients stuffed into the duck’s belly, including: young bamboo shoots, dried scallops, glutinous rice, minced pork, Mandarin mushrooms, nuts, chestnuts, and duck gizzards.

After stuffing, the duck is fried until golden brown, then continued to stew in broth made from duck bones, bamboo shoots, and ginger for 90 minutes until it is tender and sweet, and deeply seasoned. The final dish has a shiny brown skin, soft and smooth meat, and an enticing aroma. If you have the opportunity to visit Shanghai, you should definitely try the eight treasures braised duck at Lao Beijing Restaurant or Jade Garden, priced at about 180-250 yuan per portion. You won’t be disappointed!

Shanghai-style Shaokao Skewers

The fragrant Shaokao skewers with rich spices have made many diners “addicted” from the first taste. In addition to grilled meat, there are also types of Shaokao made from seafood and vegetables skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over hot coals. The characteristic spicy flavor of Shaokao mainly comes from pepper, red chili powder, and dill.

In particular, visitors also have the opportunity to try lamb skewers from the Xinjiang region (yangrou chuan). Each piece of lean meat is covered with a rich layer of spices, interspersed with fat, making the skewers even more tender, sweet, and fatty. You can easily find Shaokao skewers in night markets or the Changde Lu area. The price of each skewer ranges from 5-15 yuan, depending on the type, suitable for a delicious snack in the bustling streets of Shanghai.

Malatang Spicy Numbing Hot Pot – Shanghai Delicacy for Large Groups

Mala Tang, also known as “Spicy Numbing Hot Pot”, originally from Sichuan, has now become a popular dish in Shanghai, especially on cold days. Mala means “spicy numbness”, with a special combination of Sichuan peppercorns and red chili, making you feel the distinctly spicy, both rich and stimulating.

Little Sichuan Malatang| must eat food in shanghai

Although it is pungent that it “loses sensation”, Malatang hot pot still attracts spicy food lovers around the world. Malatang hot pot restaurants allow diners to choose a variety of ingredients according to their preferences, from noodles, tofu, meatballs, to green vegetables and seafood. In addition to the famous Hai Di Lao hot pot restaurant chain, many eateries in downtown Shanghai also serve authentic Malatang, with prices ranging from 20-50 yuan for a hot pot. Save it now!

| theworldofchinese.com | must eat food in shanghai

Steamed Hairy Crab with Black Vinegar Shanghai Style

In late autumn and early winter, Shanghai becomes vibrant with the appearance of the famous steamed hairy crab (Da Zha Xie), attracting many gourmets. This type of crab is mainly taken from Yangcheng Lake in Jiangsu Province, where the natural environment is ideal for crabs to grow.

Hairy Crab Shanghai. Credit: nomfluence | must eat food in shanghai

Hairy crabs are usually tied tightly with rope, then placed in a bamboo basket and steamed. No need for many elaborate spices, just a little black vinegar and a few slices of ginger to dip with is enough to create a wonderful flavor. Male and female crabs also have different flavors and textures: the meat of male crabs is quite plump, while female crabs have a delicious orange layer of fat. A portion of hairy crab will range from 300-400 CNY, diners can visit Xinguang Jiu Jia restaurant, to experience it with family and friends in winter.

Shanghai-Style Spicy Smoked Fish

Shanghai smoked fish (xūn yú) impresses diners with its rich flavor and special preparation. Although called “smoked fish”, this dish does not actually go through the traditional smoking process. Instead, the chef often uses fresh carp, marinated with special spices and fried until crispy, keeping the fish meat inside soft and sweet.

The highlight of the dish lies in the light spicy seasoning and characteristic aroma, completely different from regular fish dishes. This is the perfect choice for those who love strong spicy flavors combined with a little sweetness, creating a new feeling every time they taste it.

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An ideal place for Shanghai dinner is Fu 1039 restaurant, located on Yuyuan Road, with a price of about 300 CNY per portion of smoked fish.

Shanghai-Style Crispy Fried Scallion Pancakes

No need to be extravagant, a small fried scallion pancake (Cong You Bing) is enough to make anyone want to come back to Shanghai many times. The pancake has an attractive golden brown appearance, inside is a soft, spongy dough layer, interwoven with the strong aroma of scallions and the rich taste of oil.

To make a real scallion pancake, the chef kneads the dough, adds scallions and oil, then rolls it up, pan-fries it over high heat until the outer layer is crispy but the inside remains soft. Diners can enjoy scallion cakes at any time of the day, with vinegar-mixed soy sauce or a little chili to enhance the flavor.

Notable places selling delicious Shanghai fried scallion cakes include: Xiao Yang Zhou (644 Fengyang Lu), Tilanqiao (328 Xikang Lu) with the price of about 7 CNY/piece.

Shanghai-Style crab yellow shell pastry

As the name suggests, the crust is as yellow as the shell of a roasted crab, with a crispy appearance and the attractive aroma of roasted sesame. The filling is made from four main ingredients: amaranth, chive oil, sugar, and bean powder, creating a balance between a light sweetness and a moderate saltiness.

This pastry has both sweet and salty versions, suitable for the diverse tastes of diners. The sweet version has the scent of roses and jujubes, combined with a sweet red bean paste filling. Meanwhile, the salty version is usually made with diced pork, crab powder, and shrimp.

Snack shops on Chenghuangmiao Street or Yuyuan Market all sell golden crab cake. The price of each cake ranges from 10 to 15 yuan, a reasonable price for an afternoon snack.

Sticky Rice Cake With Pork Chop- Shanghai Specialty Street Food

If you have come to Shanghai, you should definitely try Shanghai Sticky Rice Cake With Pork Chop- a street food with a history of more than 50 years of local people. The rice cake is thinly sliced, slightly chewy, combined with crispy fried pork ribs, all mixed in a rich sweet and spicy sauce, leaving an unforgettable taste impression.

This dish has high nutritional value, helps to nourish the blood and improve health. The ribs are marinated with typical Shanghai spices such as sesame oil, fish sauce, ginger, before being stir-fried with the rice cake. This dish often appears in family meals, especially during large gatherings.

In Shanghai, there are two famous restaurants with authentic rib rice cake, which are Shuguang and Xian De Lai. A serving costs about 40-60 yuan, worthy of experiencing traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Shanghai Version Glutinous rice balls of Tangyuan

On the occasion of the Lantern Festival in China, nothing is more meaningful than sipping on the sweet “Tangyuan” glutinous rice balls. With a round shape, each dumpling symbolizes the completeness and happiness of the family.

When eating Tangyuan glutinous rice balls, diners will be fascinated by the chewy texture of the glutinous rice flour, along with the sweet, melting flavor of black sesame filling or the fragrant, nutty flavor of peanuts. The clear broth, with a light, elegant sweetness, makes this dish a warm gift in the cold weather. In Shanghai, locals have also created a version with salty fillings and meat, bringing a new and unique experience for the Lunar New year.

Whether it is a normal day or a holiday, come to Shengxing or Dian Shi Zhai, you will have a hot portion of Tangyuan dumplings, priced from only 15-25 yuan per bowl to fully experience the soul of Chinese culinary culture.

Shanghai cuisine is famous for its diversity and rich flavors, from delicate dim sum to rich street food, captivating every diner. Each specialty dish contains a unique cultural feature, combining traditional flavors with exquisite creativity.

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The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

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