Best Food to Eat in Shanghai

Shanghai, the bustling metropolis of China, is renowned not only for its skyline and rich cultural history but also for its vibrant food scene. From traditional street food to luxurious dining experiences, the city offers a wide array of culinary delights that reflect its fusion of ancient and modern influences. If you're planning to visit or already find yourself wandering the streets of Shanghai, here are some must-try foods that will tantalize your taste buds.

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings):
One of Shanghai's most iconic dishes, xiaolongbao are steamed dumplings filled with savory broth and minced meat, often pork or crab. The key to enjoying these delicate dumplings is to take a small bite, sip the broth, and then savor the filling. This dish is a masterpiece of texture and flavor, with a thin dough that encases the rich, flavorful broth.

Where to try:
You can find xiaolongbao in many places, but the most famous is Din Tai Fung or at the local street markets. Both establishments offer authentic versions, though the street food version might be a bit heartier.

2. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns):
Another signature food of Shanghai, shengjianbao are crispy, pan-fried pork buns that are juicy on the inside. The crispy bottom paired with the soft dough and savory pork filling makes this a unique and popular street food snack. The key to enjoying this dish is to take a careful first bite to avoid spilling the delicious broth inside.

Where to try:
Head to a traditional eatery like Xiao Yang’s Shengjianbao, which is one of the most beloved establishments serving this dish.

3. Hairy Crab:
While it’s more of a seasonal delicacy, hairy crab (or da zha xie) is a must-try if you're visiting Shanghai in the autumn. These freshwater crabs are renowned for their sweet, tender meat and rich, buttery roe. It's traditionally steamed and served with a tangy vinegar-based dipping sauce. The intense flavors and succulent texture make this a luxurious dish that many food enthusiasts seek out.

Where to try:
Hairy crabs are often served in high-end restaurants like Jesse Restaurant or Wang Bao He, a renowned restaurant known for its crab dishes.

4. Scallion Oil Noodles (Cong You Ban Mian):
For something simple yet flavorful, scallion oil noodles are a staple in Shanghai cuisine. These noodles are tossed with a fragrant blend of scallion-infused oil, soy sauce, and sometimes sugar, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. It’s a dish that exemplifies the beauty of minimalist cooking, where the ingredients speak for themselves.

Where to try:
Check out small, local noodle shops or places like A Niang Mian Guan for an authentic experience.

5. Red Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou):
One of Shanghai's most beloved comfort foods is hong shao rou, or red-braised pork. The dish features succulent pieces of pork belly slow-cooked in a rich soy sauce-based sauce, flavored with star anise, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a perfect blend of savory and sweet.

Where to try:
This dish is widely available in family-run eateries like Fu Chun Xiaolong or more upscale restaurants like Jade Garden.

6. Beggar's Chicken:
Legend has it that beggar’s chicken originated from a poor beggar who wrapped a chicken in mud and baked it in a fire. Today, it’s a classic dish where a whole chicken is stuffed, wrapped in lotus leaves, and encased in clay or dough before being baked. The chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with subtle herbal flavors, making it an unforgettable experience.

Where to try:
You can savor this delicacy at restaurants like Green & Safe or Jesse Restaurant.

7. Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shizi Tou):
Don’t let the name fool you; there’s no lion involved in the making of this dish. Lion’s Head Meatballs are large, tender pork meatballs that are stewed in a savory broth, often accompanied by bok choy. The dish is rich in flavor and soft in texture, making it a popular comfort food in Shanghai.

Where to try:
Local eateries like Fu Chun Xiaolong offer this dish, as well as more refined versions in higher-end restaurants like Lao Jesse.

8. Nanxiang Steamed Bun (Nanxiang Mantou):
If you’re a fan of xiaolongbao, then Nanxiang Mantou is a more traditional and larger variation. These buns are often filled with pork or a mix of pork and crab, offering a richer and heartier version of the well-known soup dumpling.

Where to try:
Visit the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yu Garden, the birthplace of this culinary delight.

9. Eight Treasures Rice (Ba Bao Fan):
This sticky rice dessert is not just a treat for the palate but also a visual delight. Made with glutinous rice and topped with eight different ingredients like red beans, lotus seeds, and candied fruit, Ba Bao Fan is a popular dessert during festive occasions. The sweetness and the chewy texture of the rice, combined with the variety of toppings, make it a dish you won’t want to miss.

Where to try:
Look for this dish in traditional dessert shops like Tang Dynasty Restaurant.

10. Smoked Fish Slices (Xun Yu Pian):
A popular cold appetizer in Shanghai, smoked fish slices are marinated in a sweet soy-based sauce and then fried. The result is a crispy exterior with a moist, flavorful interior. This dish is often served at the beginning of a meal to whet the appetite.

Where to try:
Lao Fan Dian or Jesse Restaurant are great places to sample this cold dish.

Conclusion:
Shanghai is truly a food lover’s paradise. Whether you're indulging in street food like xiaolongbao or savoring a luxurious dish like hairy crab, the city offers a culinary journey that is both diverse and deeply rooted in tradition. For any traveler, trying the local cuisine is an essential part of the Shanghai experience, and these ten dishes are just the beginning of what the city has to offer.