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Shanghai is a city that embraces a wide range of cuisines. Not only are nearly every Chinese cuisine present here, but also exotic flavors from around the world. The unique blend of Chinese and Western elements, known as Shanghainese cuisine, is a must-try. Shanghai's diverse fast food scene offers a variety of affordable yet satisfying options.
When discussing Shanghai cuisine, one cannot fail to mention its traditional dining culture. This can be summed up in two words: "exquisite." From the dining environment to the utensils, from the ingredients to the cooking temperature and the dishes themselves, every detail is meticulously crafted, with the hairy crab being a prime example.
Shanghainese cuisine, also known as Haipai or Shanghainese cuisine, is renowned for its fresh, live-brewing cooking, particularly of fish and shrimp, which are prepared only when fresh and alive. Dishes are characterized by rich, red sauces, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on original flavors. Typical examples of Shanghainese cuisine include pot-roasted river eel, fried eel paste, three-yellow chicken, eight-treasure chili sauce, preserved mustard greens and bean paste, hairy crab with oil sauce, fried river shrimp, crab shell roe, Shanghai drunken crab, braised spring onion rings, fried dumplings, and baojiaobu (foot wraps). Dining in Shanghai is expensive; even at decent restaurants (not fast food), a typical meal costs between 65 and 110 yuan per person, or even more.
Among all the local restaurants, Paul Restaurant (271 Fumin Road, Jing'an District, 11:30-15:30, 17:00-3:00, Metro Lines 1, 11 and 2 pass through Exit 9 of Line 7, Metro Line 7 Exit 9) has stable quality, good environment and is the most popular, so it is also the first choice for locals to entertain guests at hotels; Heji Xiaocai (multiple branches) produces authentic local cuisine. Although the environment is average, the advantage is that the dishes taste authentic and they often launch special dishes; and Shanghai Xiaonan Guo (9th Floor, Central Plaza, 168 Lujiazui West Road, Pudong New Area, multiple branches) is a well-known local restaurant that has long been a household name. It serves exquisite dishes and has a good environment. In addition, 021 Shanghai Cuisine Theme Restaurant (353 Plaza Branch, 7th Floor, 353 Plaza, No. 353 Nanjing East Road, 11:00-10:00, Nanjing East Road Station on Line 2, multiple branches) and Xiaoqiao Liushui Cuisine Square (2nd-3rd Floor, No. 923 Huaihai Middle Road, Line 1 and 10 to Shaanxi South Road Station) also have a good reputation.
Of course, there are many time-honored Shanghainese restaurants. Among them, Wang Baohe Restaurant (No. 603, Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, 11:00-13:30, 17:00-21:00) is the best place to taste Shanghai crabs, but the price is also high. A meal for one person will cost nearly 300 yuan. Shanghai Old Restaurant (No. 242, Fuyou Road, Huangpu District, Yuyuan Station on Line 10, Xiaonanmen Station on Line 9, 11:00-14:00; 17:00-22:00) is a typical restaurant with rich oil and red sauce and large portions.
In addition, there are Lao Zhengxing Restaurant (No. 556 Fuzhou Road, People's Square Station, Line 1/2/8, 5 minutes' walk from Exit 1/3, 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00), and Lvbolang (No. 115 Yuyuan Road, inside the Old City God Temple, Yuyuan Station, Line 10, get off at Xiaonanmen on Line 9 and transfer to Bus 11).
While Shanghai's noodles don't have the same long history as northern China, nor do they offer as many variations in noodle dishes, they nonetheless possess their own unique culture. Shanghai's noodle soup boasts a clear, fresh, and refreshing flavor. Every step, from the broth to the noodles, toppings, to the base, and seasoning, is meticulously crafted. Combined with the finest ingredients and ambiance, Shanghai truly offers a truly exceptional experience. In seemingly unassuming alleyways, you'll find legendary noodle shops and stalls. Noodles here cost between 18 and 35 yuan.
: The most popular one is A Niang Noodles (36 Sinan Road, 11:00-20:00, 42, 146, 167, 911, 926, 986 Huaihai Middle Road Sinan Road Station), where yellow croaker noodles are the signature dish and there is always a long queue every time you go there; Dexing Noodle House (471 Guangdong Road, Huangpu District, Exit 1 of Henan Middle Road Subway Station on Line 2, multiple branches) is a century-old brand, and its most commendable dish is the braised pig's trotter noodles, which are crispy but not mushy, and the fresh meat mooncakes; Zhenru Mutton House (1 Siqian Street, Putuo District, Zhenru Station on Metro Line 11) is a favorite of our parents, and the braised lamb noodles are a must-try. The large wooden tables and chairs inside have the style of an old shop; Baotai Noodle House (1, Lane 1072, Quxi Road, closed from 2:00-5:00 pm, Tunnel Line 8, Metro Line 4 Luban Road Station 1, 2, 3 The soup at Exit No. 1 is thick and rich, with plenty of oil and water, and is very rich. The toppings for the noodles are basically freshly fried.
Shanghai snacks are available in a wide variety, including steamed, boiled, fried, and pan-fried. Soup dumplings, bean curd sheets, and fried noodles are the most popular "three staples." In addition, Shanghai boasts 10 other famous snacks. Snacks are generally affordable, costing between 10 and 30 yuan, and you can fill up on a filling meal.
Among Shanghai's many snack shops, Shen Dacheng (1120 Xietu Road, multiple locations) is best known for its cakes and dim sum. Wang Jiasha (805 Nanjing West Road, Metro Line 2, Nanjing West Road, multiple locations) is a go-to for older generations and is incredibly popular. Their crab roe soup dumplings are a classic, and a must-buy for mothers during Chinese New Year's Eight Treasure Rice Pudding. They also offer a variety of delicious pastries and glutinous rice balls, and à la carte dishes are also available. Of course, there's also Qiao Jiazha (162 Haichao Road, Huangpu District, 36 yuan per person, à la carte upstairs, Bus No. 89, Guohuo Road Haichao Road Station, multiple locations), which offers a wide selection of pot stickers, wontons, vermicelli soup, noodles, and stir-fries at reasonable prices. Guangmingcun Restaurant (588 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpi South Road Subway Station, Exit 1) is a more expensive option at 38 yuan per person, but it's known for its delicious chicken wontons and crab roe soup dumplings.
Top 10 Shanghai Snacks and Where to Eat
Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (Famous Shops: The most authentic ones are in Nanxiang Town, at the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop in Yuyuan Shopping Mall and the Guyiyuan Dim Sum Shop at the intersection of Xizang Road and Yan'an Road. Xiaolongbao are 12 yuan per basket, 20 yuan after 11:00 AM, and come with 12. Their most famous dish is the crab roe and egg yolk bun, 16 yuan each.)
Pork Ribs and Rice Cake (Famous shop: Xian De Lai Pork Ribs and Rice Cake at 46 Yunnan South Road. This state-owned, time-honored shop has some changes in service and taste, making it a great place for a nostalgic experience)
Crab Shell Yellow (Famous Shop: Wuyuan Bakery, 255 Yanping Road, Jing'an District)
Gaoqiao Pancakes (famous shop: Gaoqiao Pancakes, No. 172 Qingxi Road, Gaoqiao Town)
Chenghuang Temple Pear Paste Candy (available at 41 and 27 Wenchang Road, more expensive)
Vegetarian buns (famous shop: Chunfeng Songyue Building, 99 Jiuxiaochang Road)
Pigeon Egg Dumplings (Famous Shop: Yuyuan Green Wave Gallery)
Leishatuan (famous shop: Qiaojiazha Dim Sum Shop, many branches)
Chicken and Duck Blood Soup (Famous Shop: Song Sheng Dim Sum Shop near the City God Temple Gate)
Xiao Shaoxing Chicken Congee (Famous Restaurant: Xiao Shaoxing, 69-75 Yunnan South Road)
Shengjian (famous restaurants: Xiao Yang Shengjian, Fengyu Shengjian, Feilong Shengjian, Youlian Shengjian, Shu Cai Ji, Paul Restaurant, Jinbiao Shengjian King)
Adjacent to Yu Garden, this area, also known as the Old City God Temple, is located on Fangbang Middle Road, bounded by Anren Street to the east, Fuyou Road to the north, and Jiuxiaochang Road to the west. It serves a variety of Shanghai-style snacks, including specialty dim sum from Lvbolang, vegetarian buns from Songyuelou, pigeon egg dumplings from Guihuating, eight-treasure rice pudding from Songyunlou, Nanxiang steamed dumplings, and fermented rice dumplings. It's truly a snack kingdom.
Recommended restaurants: Lvbolang (115 Yuyuan Road, inside the Old City God Temple, Huangpu District, 116 RMB per person), Shanghai Old Restaurant (see Recommended Restaurants), Songyuelou (Vegetarian Buns, 99 Jiuxiaochang Road, Huangpu District, 15 RMB per person)
Nearby attractions: Yu Garden
Transportation: Take bus No. 11, 66, 126, or 926
Turning off Nanjing Road, you'll find yourself in a lively and affordable food and beverage market. This area embodies the hallmarks of Shanghai's alleyway cuisine, featuring snacks, Shanghainese dishes, and seafood, with the occasional mention of boiled fish or skewers. Adjacent Nanjing West Road also boasts a string of restaurants. Recommended eateries include: Jiajia Soup Dumplings (No. 90, 23 RMB per person), Xiao Yang's Fried Dumplings (No. 97, 1-3F, 14 RMB per person), International Hotel Bakery (No. 28, inside the International Hotel, 24 RMB per person, butterfly pastries), Shanghai Spicy Meat Noodle House (No. 142, Huanghe Road, spicy meat noodles, 13 RMB per person), Dry Pot House (No. 198, 3F, at the intersection of Nanjing West Road, 64 RMB per person), and Exploding Pepper Spicy Shrimp Dry Pot (No. 258, Nanjing West Road, 5F, Shimao Commercial City, 70 RMB per person).
Nearby attractions: People's Park, Shanghai Museum
Transportation: People's Square Station on Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8, or Bus No. 136 or 210
Located in the city center, stretching from Yan'an East Road in the north to Jinling East Road in the south, Yunnan Road is a popular dining destination for Shanghainese. Someone once joked, "Walking onto Yunnan Road is a feast for the senses—a feast for the senses—and makes you drool." Here, you'll find restaurants like Chang'an Dumpling House, Jinling Restaurant, Sanhelou Restaurant, and Lao Zhengxing Restaurant, where you can savor delicious Peking duck, Little Jinling Salted Duck, white-cut chicken from "Little Shaoxing," Tianjin Goubuli steamed buns, Xinmeiju's hot lamb, Lao Sichuan hot pot, and Xinjiang roast lamb.
Recommended restaurants: Deda Western Cuisine (No. 1, 72 yuan per person), Hong Changxing Mutton Restaurant (No. 2, 89 yuan per person), Xiandelai Pork Ribs and Rice Cake (No. 46, 18 yuan per person), Xiao Shaoxing (No. 69-75, 35 yuan per person, where chicken congee is more popular than poached chicken), Chongqing Little Swan (4th Floor, Langrun Business Building, No. 118 Yunnan South Road, 80 yuan per person), Sweetheart Queen (No. 49 Huaihai East Road, inside the East Huaihai International Building, near Yunnan South Road, 49 yuan per person)
Nearby attractions: Shanghai World Expo, Shanghai Museum
Transportation: Exit 1 and Exit 4 of Dashijie Subway Station, or take Bus No. 220, 127, 503, or 126
There are more than 10 crayfish restaurants on Shouning Road in Shanghai, which is known as the "Crayfish Street". May to September is the peak season for Shanghai people to eat crayfish, and they can satisfy their appetite.
Recommended restaurants: Xiangbadao Spicy Crayfish at Changshou Noodle House (No. 23, No. 35, 83 yuan per person), Ba Lazi (No. 7, Lane 71, Sichuan cuisine, 43 yuan per person), Haoji Lobster (No. 16, 81 yuan per person), Hua Ge Lobster House (No. 12, 90 yuan per person), Lao Guangdong Restaurant (No. 924 Renmin Road, at the intersection of Shouning Road, 25 yuan per person)
Nearby attractions: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden
Transportation: Take the Dashijie Subway Line 3, Buses 11, 135, 220, 304, 736, 911, 930, or the Fangchuan Line to Xiaobeimen Station
Wujiang Road runs parallel to the bustling Nanjing West Road commercial street. It is a leisure street with a good atmosphere. Most of the food shops tend to be younger, including Sichuan restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, desserts, and bakeries. The consumption is mid-range. A food paradise has been opened in the basement of Sijingfang Commercial Plaza, which has some popular snack shops, such as Youzi Vermicelli Soup, Wanlaiwanqu, Tianmi, etc.
Recommended restaurants: Xiao Yang's Fried Dumplings (2nd Floor, Building 269, 13 RMB per person), Yixiu Nigiri Sushi (3rd Floor, Units 304-305, Building 269, 88 RMB per person), Ruby (198, Cake Shop, Fresh Milk Squares, 13 RMB per person), Palm Korean Products (200, 29 RMB per person), Happiness 131 (4th Floor, Zhongchuang Building, 819 Nanjing West Road, Sichuan cuisine, 68 RMB per person)
Nearby attractions: People's Square, Nanjing West Road Business District, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Nanjing Road, Jing'an Sculpture Park
Transportation: Subway Line 2 Nanjing West Road Station, Buses 20, 37, 330, and 921 Nanjing West Road Shimen 1st Road Station, Buses 23, 24, 41, 304, 935, and 955 Shimen 1st Road Nanjing West Road Station
Located in Suzhou's Hebei River, close to the city's commercial strip, Sichuan North Road, this area is home to trendy restaurants and bars specializing in Cantonese cuisine and fresh seafood, making it a top choice for banquets and gatherings among Shanghai's middle class.
Recommended restaurants: Dynasty Hotel (No. 324, local cuisine, 137 RMB per person), Hong Kong Yongxiang BBQ Restaurant (No. 423, 28 RMB per person), Shanghai Xiaonan Guo (3rd Floor, Forest Bay Building, 263 Haining Road, near Zhapu Road, 175 RMB per person), Hope Primary School (No. 214 Kunshan Road, local cuisine, 39 RMB per person)
Nearby attractions include: Sichuan North Road Park, Kunshan Park, Shanghai Railway Museum, and 3 subway stops north to reach Duolun Celebrity Street.
Transportation: Subway Line 10, Sichuan North Road Station, Exit 1 or 2; Bus No. 6, Wujin Road, Zhapu Road; Bus No. 52, 65, 167, 305, 854, 939, Sichuan North Road, Wujin Road; Bus No. 63 or 948, Haining Road, Wusong Road.
Located in Qibao Ancient Town, next to Xinjie Qingnian Road, the food here is dazzling: various braised dishes, various square cakes, stinky tofu, rice balls, boiled lamb, Qibao pickled pork, and pig's trotters.
Recommended shops: Zunkelai (next to the clock tower on Qibao Old Street, shengjian (Shengjian), 21 yuan per person), Longpao Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (No. 15 Beida Street, Zhuhang Lane, Fuqiang Street, 19 yuan per person), Qibao Old Street Boiled Lamb (near the Tangtuan shop on Qibao Old Street, 52 yuan per person), Longpao Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (No. 43 Nanda Street, 20 yuan per person)
Transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to Qibao Street Station, Bus No. 91 or 92, or take a special bus to the Tourist Distribution Center at the Shanghai Stadium.