When visiting Shanghai, be sure to try the city's unique and flavorful dishes, such as Xiaolongbao, Cong You Bing, and Di Shui Dong, which showcase the city's blend of traditional and modern culinary influences.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Shanghai's cuisine is a unique blend of traditional and modern influences, reflecting the city's history as a major trading port. The city's proximity to the East China Sea and the Yangtze River has made it a hub for fresh seafood, which is often combined with traditional ingredients like pork, soy sauce, and ginger to create dishes like Drunk Chicken and Steamed Fish with Scallions. Shanghai's cuisine is also known for its use of Shaoxing wine, a type of rice wine that is often used in cooking and adds a distinct flavor to many dishes.
The city's culinary scene has been shaped by its history of cultural exchange, with influences from neighboring provinces like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, as well as from foreign cuisines like Japanese and Western. This blend of influences has resulted in a distinctive culinary style that is both traditional and innovative. From the Huanghe Road food street to the Jing'an Temple area, Shanghai's neighborhoods offer a wide range of dining options, from traditional restaurants to modern cafes and food courts.
Shanghai's food culture is also characterized by its emphasis on seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. The city's chefs take great pride in using the freshest ingredients available, often sourced from local markets and farms. This focus on seasonal ingredients means that menus are constantly changing, with new dishes and ingredients being introduced throughout the year. Whether you're interested in trying traditional Shanghainese cuisine or exploring the city's modern food scene, Shanghai has something to offer every kind of food lover.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaolongbao | Dumpling | Steamed dumpling filled with pork and broth | Din Tai Fung, Jia Jia Tang Bao |
| Cong You Bing | Savory Pancake | Crispy pancake filled with scallions and pork | Street vendors, Huanghe Road |
| Di Shui Dong | Soup | Spicy soup made with crab, pork, and vegetables | Di Shui Dong restaurant, Xintiandi |
| Hairy Crab | Seafood | Steamed crab served with vinegar and ginger | Seafood restaurants, Huangpu River |
| Sheng Jian Bao | Pan-Fried Dumpling | Pan-fried dumpling filled with pork and broth | Yang's Fry Dumplings, Wujiang Road |
| Guo Tie | Pan-Fried Dumpling | Pan-fried dumpling filled with pork and vegetables | Guo Tie restaurant, Jing'an Temple |
| Wonton Noodles | Noodle Soup | Thin noodles served in a light broth with wontons | Wonton Noodle Shop, Henan Road |
| Egg Tarts | Dessert | Flaky pastry filled with a creamy egg custard | Lord Stow's Bakery, Xintiandi |
| Shao Kao | Barbecue | Grilled meats and vegetables served with a variety of sauces | Shao Kao restaurants, Huanghe Road |
| Zongzi | Snack | Glutinous rice filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, wrapped in bamboo leaves | Street vendors, traditional markets |
Street Food & Snacks
- Cong You Bing: a crispy pancake filled with scallions and pork, typically costs $1-2 USD
- Jianbing: a savory crêpe filled with eggs, scallions, and pork, typically costs $1-2 USD
- Shao Kao: grilled meats and vegetables served with a variety of sauces, typically costs $5-10 USD
- Zongzi: glutinous rice filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, wrapped in bamboo leaves, typically costs $1-2 USD
- Tangyuan: glutinous rice balls filled with sweet or savory fillings, typically costs $1-2 USD
- Xiaolongbao: steamed dumplings filled with pork and broth, typically costs $5-10 USD
- Sheng Jian Bao: pan-fried dumplings filled with pork and broth, typically costs $5-10 USD
- Fried Dumplings: pan-fried dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, typically costs $5-10 USD
Drinks
- Jinjiang: a sweet, milky tea that is popular in Shanghai, typically costs $1-2 USD
- Tsingtao Beer: a Chinese beer that is widely available in Shanghai, typically costs $5-10 USD
- Shaoxing Wine: a type of rice wine that is often used in cooking and drinking, typically costs $10-20 USD
- Fresh Juice: a variety of fresh juices made from local fruits and vegetables, typically costs $2-5 USD
- Chinese Coffee: a strong, bitter coffee that is popular in Shanghai, typically costs $1-2 USD
- Tea: a variety of teas, including green tea, black tea, and jasmine tea, typically costs $1-2 USD
Dining Customs
- Table Manners: it is customary to use chopsticks when eating, and to wait for the host to start eating before beginning
- Tipping: tipping is not expected, but 5-10% is appreciated in high-end establishments
- Reservations: reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress Code: dress code varies by restaurant, but smart casual is generally acceptable
- Eating with Hands: it is generally not acceptable to eat with your hands, except when eating certain types of street food
- Trying New Foods: it is considered polite to try new foods and flavors, and to ask questions about the ingredients and preparation methods
Where to Eat
- Traditional Restaurants: try traditional Shanghainese cuisine at restaurants like Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao
- Food Courts: try a variety of dishes at food courts like the one at the Shanghai Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center
- Street Food: try popular street foods like Cong You Bing or Jianbing at street vendors or markets
- Markets: try fresh produce and local specialties at markets like the Jing'an Market or the Tianzifang Market
- Cafes: try modern cafes like Cafe del Mar or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a variety of coffee and tea drinks
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Jing'an Market: a traditional market selling fresh produce, meats, and local specialties, located on Jing'an Road
- Tianzifang Market: a trendy market selling a variety of foods, drinks, and souvenirs, located in the Tianzifang area
- Huanghe Road Food Street: a street lined with food vendors and restaurants, offering a variety of traditional and modern dishes, located on Huanghe Road
- Shanghai Tower Food Court: a modern food court offering a variety of international and local cuisines, located in the Shanghai Tower
- Xintiandi: a trendy area with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a range of modern and traditional dishes, located in the Xintiandi area