Famous Food to Eat in Shanghai

Shanghai, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning skyline, and rich history, is also a gastronomic paradise. With a culinary heritage that blends local traditions with global influences, Shanghai's food scene offers something for every palate. Whether you're a foodie on the hunt for street eats or a gourmand looking for fine dining, Shanghai promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the most famous foods you must try when in Shanghai.

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

No trip to Shanghai is complete without trying Xiaolongbao, the city's iconic soup dumplings. These delicate dumplings are typically filled with minced pork and a rich, flavorful broth that bursts in your mouth with the first bite. The secret lies in the gelatinous meat aspic that melts into soup during steaming. Traditionally, they're served in a bamboo basket, which adds to the aesthetic appeal and enhances the flavor. Accompanied by a dipping sauce made of vinegar and ginger, Xiaolongbao is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.

Best Places to Try:

1. Din Tai Fung - A well-known chain famous for its consistently high-quality Xiaolongbao.
2. Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant - Located in the Yuyuan Garden area, this historic eatery claims to have invented the soup dumpling.

Shengjian Mantou (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Another must-try dish is the Shengjian Mantou, a type of pan-fried pork bun. These buns have a crispy, golden bottom and a soft, fluffy top, filled with juicy pork and sometimes a bit of broth, similar to Xiaolongbao. The combination of the crunchy bottom and the savory filling makes Shengjian Mantou a beloved breakfast item among locals.

Best Places to Try:

1. Xiao Yang Shengjian - A chain restaurant known for serving some of the best Shengjian Mantou in the city.
2. Da Hu Chun - One of the oldest and most authentic places for pan-fried pork buns.

Hong Shao Rou (Red Braised Pork)

Hong Shao Rou, or red-braised pork belly, is a classic dish in Shanghai cuisine. Made by slowly braising pork belly in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and Shaoxing wine, this dish is characterized by its rich, caramelized flavor and tender texture. The pork is often served in small, bite-sized cubes, making it a perfect companion to a bowl of steamed rice.

Best Places to Try:

1. Jesse Restaurant (Ji Shi) - This place is famous for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine, and their Hong Shao Rou is a standout.
2. Fu 1039 - Located in a beautiful old villa, this restaurant offers a refined version of the classic dish.

Shanghai Hairy Crab

During the autumn months, Shanghai Hairy Crab becomes the star of the city's culinary scene. These crabs are renowned for their sweet, tender meat and the rich, creamy roe. Hairy crabs are typically steamed and served with a vinegar dipping sauce to enhance their natural flavor. The eating process can be quite intricate, involving careful cracking and peeling, but the succulent meat makes it all worthwhile.

Best Places to Try:

1. Wang Bao He - Known as the "King of Crabs," this restaurant has been serving hairy crab for centuries.
2. Cheng Long Hang Crab Palace - Offers a luxurious dining experience with a focus on crab dishes.

Cifantuan (Sticky Rice Balls)

Cifantuan is a popular breakfast item in Shanghai, particularly among the working crowd. It consists of glutinous rice wrapped around a variety of fillings such as pickled vegetables, pork floss, and a fried dough stick called youtiao. This portable and satisfying snack is perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Best Places to Try:

1. A Da Cong You Bing - Besides their famous scallion pancakes, this stall also serves delicious cifantuan.
2. Xiaojianxuan - A local favorite, known for their fresh and flavorful sticky rice balls.

Beggar’s Chicken

A dish with a legendary origin, Beggar’s Chicken is a unique and flavorful experience. The whole chicken is marinated, wrapped in lotus leaves, and then encased in clay before being baked. The result is a succulent, aromatic chicken with a rich, infused flavor from the spices and lotus leaves. The clay wrapping is cracked open at the table, releasing an intoxicating aroma that enhances the dining experience.

Best Places to Try:

1. Lóng Yào Xiāng - Known for its traditional preparation of Beggar’s Chicken.
2. Fú Shì Zàng - A fine dining option that offers a modern twist on this classic dish.

Lion's Head Meatballs

Lion’s Head Meatballs are oversized pork meatballs, often braised with vegetables. Despite their name, they contain no lion; the name comes from their large size and the way the meatballs, surrounded by greens, resemble the head of a lion with its mane. The dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the meatballs being both tender and juicy.

Best Places to Try:

1. Lù Bō Láng - An established restaurant in the Yuyuan Garden area, serving traditional Shanghainese dishes.
2. Shàng Hǎi Dì Shuǐ Jīng - Offers a more modern take on this classic dish.

Smoked Fish Slices

For a taste of something unique, try the Smoked Fish Slices, a popular appetizer in Shanghai. This dish features fish that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then deep-fried and smoked to give it a distinctive flavor. The exterior is crispy while the inside remains tender and moist.

Best Places to Try:

1. Xìn Tiān Dì - A trendy dining spot known for its smoked fish.
2. Shàng Hǎi Yù Jǐng - A restaurant that specializes in traditional Shanghainese appetizers.

Eight Treasure Rice

To end your meal on a sweet note, try Eight Treasure Rice, a traditional dessert made of glutinous rice mixed with eight types of fruits and nuts, such as red dates, lotus seeds, and almonds. The rice is sweetened with a syrup made from sugar and lard, giving it a sticky, slightly chewy texture.

Best Places to Try:

1. Shàng Hǎi Lǎo Fàn Diàn - Known for its authentic Shanghainese sweets.
2. Tài Kàng - Offers a more contemporary version of Eight Treasure Rice.

Conclusion

Shanghai's diverse food offerings reflect its rich history and cultural fusion. From street food to fine dining, the city's culinary scene caters to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re indulging in the rich broth of Xiaolongbao or savoring the complex flavors of Beggar’s Chicken, Shanghai’s food is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you find yourself in this bustling metropolis, make sure to explore its culinary treasures and experience the best of Shanghai's cuisine.