1. Top 15 Must-Try Local Dishes When Eating in Shanghai

Shanghai offers an exciting variety of local dishes that reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage. From comforting street snacks to refined restaurant specialties, these foods showcase the flavors locals have enjoyed for generations. Below are 15 must-try dishes that capture the true taste of Shanghai.

1.1. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

Xiao Long Bao are delicate soup-filled dumplings that originate from Jiangsu province but have become a signature part of eating in Shanghai. These dumplings are steamed and served piping hot, with a thin, semi-transparent skin that holds rich pork filling and savory broth inside. Locals eat it as a light meal or snack, and lines form daily at the city’s most beloved dumpling shops.

Some shops that tourists should visit to eat Xiao Long Bao:

• Jia Jia Tang Bao: No.90 Huanghe Road, People's Square, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Lin Long Fang: No.10 Jianguo Road (E), Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Fuchun Xiaolong: No.650 Yuyuan Road, Jing'An District, Shanghai

Xiaolongbao with a soft and moist texture, filled with meat is a dish not to be missed when coming to Shanghai (Source: Pexels)

1.2. Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Sheng Jian Bao is a staple breakfast item in Shanghai, often sold at morning street stalls. Unlike Xiao Long Bao, the dough is thicker and fluffier, and the buns are fried until golden on the bottom, creating a crispy crust that contrasts with the juicy pork filling inside. When you bite into one, the hot soup bursts out, followed by tender meat and a crisp, slightly chewy base.

Locals eat it standing up, fresh from the pan, often with a bowl of soy milk or a light soup. While versions exist in other regions, the Shanghai-style shengjianbao is especially famous for its texture and rich taste. Some shops that tourists should visit to eat Shengjianbao:

• Da Hu Chun: No.11 Sichuan Road (S), Waitan, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Xiao Yang Shengjian: No.678 Shannxi North Road, Jingan District, Shanghai
• Yang’s Fried-Dumplings: Hongyi Plaza, 1st Floor, 299 Nanjing Road (E), Huangpu District, Shanghai

The meat-filled Sheng Jian Bao are deep-fried on the bottom before being served (Source: Pexels)

1.3. Hong Shao Rou (Red-braised Pork Belly)

Hong Shao Rou is a classic Shanghainese comfort dish made with thick-cut pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese cooking wine. The result is tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat coated in a glossy, caramelized glaze. The flavor is rich, slightly sweet, and savory, with layers of fat and lean meat that balance perfectly on the palate.

This dish is deeply rooted in family cooking and often served during special occasions or family gatherings. While it can be found across China, the Shanghai version is known for its distinct sweetness and dark, fragrant sauce. It’s best enjoyed with rice in a simple, homestyle setting. Some restaurant tourists should visit to eat Hong Shao Rou:

• Lao Zheng Xing: No.556 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Jesse Restaurant: No.41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Chun Restaurant: No.124 Jinxian Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Pork belly is braised until tender and covered with a characteristic red color (Source: Pixabay)

1.4. Cong You Ban Mian (Scallion Oil Noodles)

Cong You Ban Mian is a minimalist noodle dish. It features wheat noodles tossed in fragrant oil infused with fried scallions, then seasoned with light soy sauce. The crispy shallots add texture and aroma, while the sauce clings to the noodles, creating a comforting, umami-rich bite.

Popular at neighborhood noodle shops, this dish is simple, quick, and satisfying. It's a go-to for locals looking for a light meal or late-night snack. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for travelers with dietary preferences.

Where to try it like a local:

• Laolongtang Noodle Restaurant: Pudong Road (S), Pudong District, Shanghai
• Liu Tang Men Chuan Mian: No.419 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai
• Weixiangzhai: No.14 Yandang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Simple noodles with fried onions and soy sauce

1.5. Ba Bao Fan (Eight Treasures Rice Dessert)

Ba Bao Fan is a traditional dessert made with glutinous rice topped with eight ingredients such as red beans, lotus seeds, jujubes, dried fruits, and candied nuts, all glazed with a light syrup. The dish is mildly sweet and chewy, often served warm or at room temperature. Its colorful presentation and layered texture make it a festive treat.

Traditionally eaten during Lunar New Year or family banquets, Ba Bao Fan reflects the Shanghainese appreciation for symbolic meals. Each ingredient represents good fortune, making it more than just a dessert, it’s a cultural expression of warmth and celebration.

Where to try it like a local:

• Lao Zheng Xing: No.556 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Xian Qiang Fang: No.600 JiuJiang Road, YongAn 4 - 5 Floor, HuangPu District, Shanghai
• Sunya Cantonese Restaurant: No.719 Nanjinglu Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Ba Bao Fa rice dish with eight elaborate toppings

1.6. Shīzi Tóu (Lion’s Head Meatballs)

Shīzi Tóu features large, tender pork meatballs stewed or braised with napa cabbage in a light broth or soy-based sauce. The texture is soft and juicy, and the meatballs absorb flavor deeply while remaining moist inside. It’s named “Lion’s Head” because the meatball resembles the head of a lion, symbolizing strength and prosperity.

This dish is a home-style classic, popular in both Jiangsu and Shanghai cuisine. In Shanghai, the version often has a slightly sweet undertone and is served as part of a shared meal, highlighting the communal nature of local dining.

Top places locals recommend:

• Jesse Restaurant: No.41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Xin Guang Jiu Jia: 4th Floor, No.800 Huamu Road, Pudong District, Shanghai
• Xiao Shao Xing: No.26 Liyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shīzi Tóu is a dish with large meatballs cooked in a light broth

1.7. Songshu Guiyu (Sweet And Sour Mandarin Fish)

Songshu Guiyu is a famous Jiangnan-style dish often served in high-end or traditional restaurants across Shanghai. A whole mandarin fish is deboned, scored, deep-fried until golden, then topped with a bright red sweet and sour sauce.

This dish combines crispy skin with tender white flesh, balanced by a vibrant sauce that’s tangy and sweet, very typical of Shanghai flavors. Traditionally served during festive banquets or formal gatherings, it showcases the city’s attention to visual appeal and taste harmony. Where to eat it the local way:

• Fu 1088: No.375 Zhenning Road, Changning District, Shanghai
• ZhangShengJi: No.168 LuJiaZui West Road, ZhengDa Plaza, 6th Floor, 42 - 44 Room, Shanghai
• Xiao Shao Xing: No.26 Liyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

The fish fans out into a porcupine-like shape, making it as visually striking as it is flavorful

1.8. You Bao Xia (Stir-fried River Shrimps)

You Bao Xia is a quick-fried river shrimp dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh seafood. The shrimps are stir-fried with hot oil, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and sometimes ginger, producing a sizzling sound - “you bao” means “oil explosion”. The result is light, crisp, and aromatic, with a subtle umami kick.

This dish is popular across Shanghai, especially in restaurants focusing on Jiangnan cuisine. It’s best enjoyed fresh and hot, offering a contrast to the richer, saucier local dishes. Recommended restaurants for an authentic local experience:

• Jesse Restaurant: No.41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Fu 1039: No.1039 Yuyuan Road, Changning District, Shanghai
• Xian Qiang Fang: No.1468 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai

You Bao Xia is a popular dish in Shanghai, often eaten with hot rice (Source: Pexels)

1.9. Zui Ji (Drunken Chicken)

Zui Ji, or Drunken Chicken, is a cold appetizer made by marinating cooked chicken in a generous amount of Shaoxing wine along with aromatics like goji berries and ginger. The chicken is typically served chilled, sliced into rounds, with the wine-infused broth jellied around it. The flavor is herbal, slightly sweet, and carries a pleasant alcoholic aroma.

Zui Ji is commonly served in traditional banquets or as a starter in family-style meals. Its clean presentation and subtle complexity make it a popular choice in Shanghai’s older restaurants. Restaurants popular among locals for this dish:

• Jesse Restaurant: No.41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Fu 1088: No.375 Zhenning Road, Changning District, Shanghai
• Di Shui Dong: No.56 Maoming Road, Luwan District, Shanghai

Zui Ji is a unique traditional dish in Shanghai

1.10. Ci Fan Tuan (Sticky Rice Rolls)

Ci Fan Tuan is a popular Shanghainese breakfast item made by wrapping glutinous rice around savory fillings like youtiao (fried dough sticks), pork floss, pickled vegetables, and sometimes salted egg yolk. The roll is dense, chewy, and rich in texture, with a satisfying balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy elements.

Often sold at morning street stalls or old-school breakfast shops, Ci Fan Tuan is a grab-and-go favorite for locals on the move. It reflects Shanghai’s tradition of hearty, convenient breakfasts that combine multiple textures and flavors in a single bite. Suggested dining spots to enjoy the dish in true local style:

• Wang Jia Sha: No.805 Nanjing Road (W), Jing'An District, Shanghai
• Lai Lai Xiao Long: No.1726 Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
• Lao Shaoxing Doujiang: No.309 Zhaozhou Road, Luwan District, Shanghai

Ci Fan Tuan is a quick but filling breakfast dish with rice wrapped in a variety of fillings

1.11. Liang Mian (Cold Noodles)

Liang Mian is a beloved cold noodle dish served especially during Shanghai’s warmer months. The noodles are firm and chewy, tossed in a light dressing made from sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili oil. Toppings like shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, or tofu add crunch and freshness. The taste is nutty, slightly tangy, and cooling—ideal for a quick and refreshing meal.

This dish is widely available in local noodle shops and small eateries. It’s vegetarian-friendly in its classic form and reflects the Shanghainese preference for light, balanced flavors without excessive spice or oil. Recommended restaurants for an authentic local experience:

• A Niang Mian Guan: No.36 Sinan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Wei Xiang Zhai: No.14 Yandang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• 220 Noodle Restaurant: No.2 Songhuajiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai

Liang Mian is a simple everyday dish that visitors can easily find at small carts or street food stores (Source: Pixabay)

1.12. Shanhu Mian (Eel Noodles)

Shanhu Mian features stir-fried river eel served over a bed of chewy yellow noodles, often coated in a rich, sweet soy-based sauce. The eel is tender, slightly sticky, and deeply flavorful, offering a bold contrast to the plain noodles beneath. It’s a dish prized for its strong umami depth and luxurious texture.

This is considered a local delicacy, commonly found in traditional restaurants that specialize in Jiangnan cuisine. Though not an everyday meal due to its richer ingredients, it’s a favorite for those seeking something more intense and satisfying when eating in Shanghai. Suggested dining spots to enjoy the dish in true local style:

• Fu 1088: No.375 Zhenning Road, Changning District, Shanghai
• Wang Jia Sha: No.805 Nanjing Road (W), Jing'An District, Shanghai
• Lao Zheng Xing: No.556 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shanhu Mian is a special local dish, offering a taste unlike any other noodle dish

1.13. Luo Song Tang (Shanghai-Style Borscht)

Luo Song Tang is a Western-inspired tomato-based soup adapted to local tastes during the colonial era. Unlike the beet-based Russian borscht, the Shanghai version uses tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and sometimes beef or ham. The result is a slightly sweet, tangy, and hearty broth, rich in umami but light enough to enjoy with rice or bread.

This soup reflects the city's history as an international port, where Western influences blended with local ingredients. It’s commonly served in old-style cafés and home kitchens, offering a nostalgic taste of Shanghai’s unique East-meets-West culinary identity. Restaurants popular for this dish:

• ShangHaiDe Da XiCai She: No.473 Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Vienna Café: 25 Shaoxing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Jesse Restaurant: No.41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Luo Song Tang originated in Russia and has been adapted to suit local tastes (Source: Pexels)

1.14. Kaofu (Braised Wheat Gluten with Mushrooms)

Kaofu is a popular cold appetizer made from wheat gluten braised in a sweet soy sauce with wood ear mushrooms, peanuts, and bamboo shoots. It has a spongy, chewy texture that absorbs the sauce fully, giving every bite a deep, mildly sweet flavor with earthy undertones from the mushrooms.

Often served at the beginning of a meal, Kaofu is vegetarian-friendly and reflects the Shanghainese love for soft textures and lightly sweetened savory dishes. It’s a staple in traditional restaurants and home-style kitchens throughout the city. Recommended restaurants for an authentic local experience:

• Fu 1088: No.375 Zhenning Road, Changning District, Shanghai
• Xian Qiang Fang: No.600 JiuJiang Road, YongAn 4 - 5 Floor, HuangPu District, Shanghai
• Jesse Restaurant: No.41 Tianping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Kaofu is a sweet appetizer made from wheat gluten combined with mushrooms

1.15. Da Zha Xie (Hairy Crab)

Da Zha Xie, or Shanghai hairy crab, is a seasonal delicacy best enjoyed in autumn. The crabs are steamed whole and served with a tangy black vinegar and ginger dip. Known for their creamy roe and naturally sweet, delicate meat, hairy crabs are eaten slowly and methodically, often with special tools to extract every bit of meat.

This dish is a highlight of Shanghai’s food culture and is often part of special gatherings or crab banquets. Locals look forward to hairy crab season each year, making it one of the city’s most anticipated culinary traditions. Where to try it like a local:

• Cheng Long Hang: No.216 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Wang Bao He: No.603 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Yuyuan Garden Bazaar Crab Stalls: No.279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Hairy crabs only appear in autumn, so Da Zha Xie is a dish that locals look forward to every year (Source: Pexels)

2. Where to Eat Like A Local in Shanghai

Eating like a local in Shanghai means exploring the city’s lively neighborhoods where authentic flavors are part of daily life. They offer travelers an easy way to sample a wide variety of regional dishes in one stop. Below are four must-visit spots where the local dining culture truly comes alive.

2.1. Huanghe Road Food Street

• Address: Huanghe Road, near People's Square, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Operating hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Huanghe Road is a short but lively food street packed with affordable eateries, noodle shops, and dumpling houses. Lined with small, no-frills restaurants and casual counters, it’s a go-to spot for locals looking for quick and satisfying meals, especially in the evening. The vibe is casual, with plenty of walk-in spots and shared tables. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to Shanghai’s food scene.

Huanghe Road Food Street is most famous for its xiaolongbao, which is the best places to eat xiaolongbao in Shanghai (Source: Pexels)

2.2. Yunnan Road (South)

• Address: South Yunnan Road, near East Jinling Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Operating hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

South Yunnan Road is a classic food street known for its old-school charm and long-standing stalls, many of which have been in business for decades. The area has a mix of hole-in-the-wall joints, tiny restaurants, and curbside counters, giving it a nostalgic feel. Locals often stop by for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Try Xiao Shao Xing for authentic poached chicken or Lao Shanghai Fried Noodles for a flavorful stir-fried fix. The street is compact and easy to navigate, with plenty of options to mix and match small plates.

Yunnan Road (South) is a traditional food street featuring more than 30 signature delicacies from all over China (Source: Pexels)

2.3. Old Town (Yu Garden Area)

• Address: Yuyuan Old Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

The Old Town near Yu Garden offers a blend of touristy shops and hidden food gems. While some spots cater to visitors, there are still many stalls and family-run restaurants tucked in side alleys or quieter corners. The area is dense with street food, from skewers and fried snacks to traditional desserts.

Look for locals lining up; this is often where the best flavors are. Try Nanxiang Mantou Dian for traditional Xiaolongbao or explore the backstreets for hand-pulled noodles and sweet rice cakes. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds and enjoy authentic bites.

Old Town attract tourists with its bustling atmosphere and stalls selling a variety of street foods with the old flavors of Shanghai (Source: Pixabay)

2.4. Local Food Courts and Mom-and-Pop Shops

• Address: Scattered across neighborhoods like Jing’an, Hongkou, and Xuhui
• Operating hours: Typically 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

In residential neighborhoods, small food courts inside old buildings or under apartment blocks are home to some of Shanghai’s best-kept culinary secrets. These unassuming places often host family-run counters serving breakfast staples, noodles, dumplings, and homestyle meals. Seating is simple, and prices are budget-friendly.

Favorites include Jia Jia Tang Bao for soup dumplings and A Niang Mian Guan for scallion oil noodles. Locals often find these places by word of mouth, and once discovered, they become part of daily routines. It’s one of the most authentic ways to experience eating in Shanghai.

Many locals still choose small but long-standing eateries on the streets of Shanghai because of their authentic flavors (Source: Pixabay)

3. Essential Tips for Food Lovers When Eating in Shanghai

Eating in Shanghai is not just about the food, it’s about understanding the culture behind each bite. Keep these practical tips in mind for a smoother, more rewarding experience:

• Food safety and hygiene awareness: Choose stalls with steady crowds and clean workspaces. Check out Google Review to be more sure about the taste of the dish through reviews from previous customers.
• What to avoid: Be cautious of places with aggressive touting, overdecorated menus in multiple languages, and inflated prices. For more authentic experiences, explore side streets and low-key neighborhoods where locals actually eat. If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid raw or lukewarm foods and stick to freshly cooked dishes.
• When to visit for seasonal specialties: Hairy crab season (late September to early December), Lunar New Year snacks (January - February, dates vary), Qingming Festival rice dumplings (around early April), festivals often bring limited-time treats sold at markets or traditional bakeries
• Basic Mandarin food phrases to know: “我要这个” (Wǒ yào zhège) - I want this, “不要辣” (Bú yào là) - No chili, “谢谢” (Xièxiè) - Thank you, “多少钱？” (Duō shǎo qián?) - How much?
• Payment tips and E-wallet apps: Most locals use Alipay or WeChat Pay. Tourists can now link international cards to these apps. Cash is still accepted, but is less common at small vendors.
• Street food etiquette and timing: Best times are early mornings (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) and evenings (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM). In busy areas, eating while standing is normal. At sit-down stalls, it’s polite to finish quickly and free up the table.

Save these tips to confidently enjoy the cuisine on the streets of Shanghai (Source: Pexels)

Eating in Shanghai is one of the most immersive ways to experience the city's culture and daily rhythm. From bustling food streets to quiet, family-run shops, every bite tells a story. Embrace the unfamiliar, explore with curiosity, and let local flavors guide your journey. Your plate is the start of something deeper.

Check out Vietnam Airlines’ Travel Guide for food-focused travel tips and book your flight to Shanghai now.