Shanghai's Best Food to Eat: A Culinary Journey

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis renowned for its modern skyline and rich history, also boasts a vibrant food scene that reflects its unique cultural fusion. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Shanghai offers a diverse array of culinary delights. This article delves into the best foods to eat in Shanghai, providing an in-depth exploration of the city's top dishes and dining experiences.

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Xiaolongbao are arguably the most famous of Shanghai's culinary offerings. These delicate dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of pork and a rich, gelatinous broth that melts into soup when steamed. The dough is incredibly thin, and the dumplings are traditionally served in bamboo steamers. Some of the best places to try xiaolongbao in Shanghai include Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao.

Key Points:

• Texture: Thin, tender skin with a flavorful broth.
• Serving Style: Typically served in bamboo steamers.
• Recommended Spots: Din Tai Fung, Jia Jia Tang Bao.

2. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Shengjianbao are pan-fried buns that have a crispy bottom and a soft, fluffy top. These buns are filled with a juicy pork mixture and are often enjoyed as a breakfast dish or a snack. The unique cooking method involves pan-frying the buns until the bottom is golden brown and then steaming them to cook the filling thoroughly. Popular spots to try shengjianbao include Yang's Fried Dumplings and Da Hu Chun.

Key Points:

• Texture: Crispy bottom, fluffy top with juicy filling.
• Cooking Method: Pan-fried then steamed.
• Recommended Spots: Yang's Fried Dumplings, Da Hu Chun.

3. Hongshao Rou (Red-Braised Pork Belly)

Hongshao Rou is a classic Shanghai dish made with pork belly braised in a rich sauce of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The slow cooking process results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat with a deep, caramelized flavor. This dish is often served with steamed rice and can be found in many traditional Shanghainese restaurants.

Key Points:

• Flavor Profile: Sweet and savory with a caramelized finish.
• Texture: Tender, fatty meat.
• Recommended Spots: Old Jesse, Liu’s Red-Braised Pork.

4. Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish

Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish is an iconic Shanghainese dish known for its unique presentation and sweet-sour sauce. The fish is deep-fried and then covered in a tangy sauce, creating a crispy exterior and a succulent interior. The dish is often garnished with vegetables and served as a centerpiece in festive meals.

Key Points:

• Presentation: Fish shaped like a squirrel.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and sour with a crispy texture.
• Recommended Spots: Quan Ju De, Yuyuan Garden Restaurant.

5. Shanghai-style Braised Eel

Shanghai-style Braised Eel is a lesser-known but equally delicious dish. The eel is braised in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and a blend of spices. The dish is typically served with rice or noodles and is prized for its tender, flavorful meat.

Key Points:

• Flavor Profile: Savory with a hint of sweetness.
• Texture: Tender, succulent meat.
• Recommended Spots: San He Yuan, Xie’s Braised Eel.

6. Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)

Lu Rou Fan is a comforting and flavorful dish consisting of braised pork belly served over a bed of steamed rice. The pork is simmered with soy sauce, spices, and sometimes a bit of sugar, resulting in a rich and savory dish that's perfect for a hearty meal.

Key Points:

• Flavor Profile: Savory with a hint of sweetness.
• Serving Style: Over rice.
• Recommended Spots: Xiang Cun, Little Sheep Hot Pot.

7. Xiao Long Bao (Small Steamed Buns)

Xiao Long Bao are another popular dumpling variety in Shanghai, distinct from their soup-filled counterparts. These buns are typically filled with pork and steamed to perfection. They are smaller and less soupy but equally delightful.

Key Points:

• Texture: Tender, flavorful.
• Serving Style: Steamed.
• Recommended Spots: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, Soup Dumplings House.

8. Jianshuo Jiaozi (Pan-Fried Dumplings)

Jianshuo Jiaozi are pan-fried dumplings filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a satisfying contrast of textures. These dumplings are often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Key Points:

• Texture: Crispy exterior, tender filling.
• Serving Style: Pan-fried.
• Recommended Spots: Lao Shanghai Dumplings, Ding Tai Fung.

9. Shanghai-style Scallion Pancakes

Shanghai-style Scallion Pancakes are a delicious street food that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These pancakes are made from a simple dough mixed with chopped scallions and are often served with a side of dipping sauce.

Key Points:

• Texture: Crispy exterior, soft interior.
• Serving Style: Often served with dipping sauce.
• Recommended Spots: Scallion Pancake King, Local Street Stalls.

10. Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish

Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish is a variation of the traditional squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, characterized by its sweet and tangy sauce. The dish features a whole fish that is deep-fried and then coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce.

Key Points:

• Flavor Profile: Sweet and tangy.
• Presentation: Whole fish.
• Recommended Spots: Shanghai Cuisine Restaurant, Haidilao.

Conclusion

Shanghai's culinary landscape is a testament to its rich history and cultural diversity. From the famed xiaolongbao to the unique squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, the city offers an array of flavors and textures that cater to all tastes. Whether you are a local or a visitor, exploring Shanghai’s food scene is a delightful experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds.