The Curated Guide to Shanghai's Iconic Dishes
Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis blending tradition and innovation, offers a rich culinary landscape perfect for introducing international visitors to authentic Chinese flavors. Below is a curated guide to Shanghai's iconic dishes, presented in English with cultural context and practical tips for an unforgettable experience. If you want to know some interesting facts about Shanghai, please click here to view.
1. Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Description: These delicate steamed dumplings, originating from Nanxiang Town, are renowned for their paper-thin wrappers encapsulating savory pork filling and scalding hot broth. The crab roe version, available in autumn (September-November), adds a luxurious touch with golden crab paste.
Nanxiang Xiaolongbao
Where to Try: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yuyuan Garden, a 100-year-old establishment featured in BBC's Taste of Shanghai documentary, where Rick Stein praised their "exquisite balance of texture and flavor".
Pro Tip: Use chopsticks to gently lift the dumpling, take a small bite to sip the broth first, then dip in ginger-infused vinegar to cut through the richness.
2. Shengjian Mantou (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
Description: These crispy-bottomed buns with juicy pork filling are a breakfast staple. The "Hun Shui Pai" style (full-fermented dough) at Dahuchun (est. 1932) boasts a fluffy texture, while Dongtaixiang offers a thinner, crispier version.
Shengjian Mantou
Where to Try: Dahuchun on Yunnan South Road, a historic eatery with a loyal local following.
Pairing: Enjoy with a bowl of curry beef soup for a classic combo.
3. Hong Shao Rou (Braised Pork Belly)
Description: A quintessential Shanghainese dish, this slow-cooked pork belly in thick, caramelized sauce ("heavy oil and dark sauce") is melt-in-your-mouth tender with a sweet-savory balance.
Hong Shao Rou (Braised Pork Belly)
Where to Try: Guangmingcun Grand Restaurant on Huaihai Middle Road, celebrated for its nostalgic "laneway-style" cooking.
Cultural Note: The dish exemplifies Shanghai's "red cooking" technique, using soy sauce and rock sugar to achieve its signature deep color and umami-rich flavor.
4. Cong You Ban Mian (Scallion Oil Noodles)
Description: A simple yet addictive dish of alkaline noodles tossed in fragrant oil infused with crispy scallions and shrimp.
Cong You Ban Mian
Where to Try: Yujiji Noodle House for traditional flavors, or Laodi Fang Noodle Shop for gourmet toppings like stir-fried eel.
Fun Fact: The dish's popularity stems from its affordability and versatility, making it a beloved comfort food.
5. Pai Gu Nian Gao (Spare Ribs with Sticky Rice Cake)
Description: Tender, batter-fried pork ribs paired with chewy rice cakes, coated in a sweet-spicy sauce. A nostalgic favorite featured in the hit TV series Blossoms Shanghai.
Spare Ribs with Sticky Rice Cake
Where to Try: Xiandelai on Yunnan South Road, a historic spot with over 80 years of history.
6. You Bao Xia (Oil-Exploded Shrimp)
Description: Fresh river shrimp flash-fried to crisp perfection, dressed in a tangy-sweet sauce. Served cold, the dish highlights the shrimp's natural sweetness and wine infusion. This dish is frequently mentioned in foreign reviews, particularly popular among European and American tourists.
You Bao Xia
Where to Try: Lü Bo Lang (Green Wave Pavilion) in Yuyuan Garden, a Michelin-recommended restaurant known for its refined presentation.
7. Xie Ke Huang (Crab Shell Bread)
Description: These flaky pastries, shaped like crab shells, come in sweet (sesame) or savory (scallion) versions. Best enjoyed with a cup of Longjing tea.
Xie Ke Huang
Where to Try: Yuyuan Garden Market stalls for an authentic street-food experience.
Cultural Immersion & Dining Experiences
1). Yuyuan Garden Area:
Lü Bo Lang: Overlooking the iconic 九曲桥 (Jiuqu Bridge), this imperial-style restaurant serves Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish and Crab Roe Tofu, blending culinary artistry with garden views.
Songyuelou: A 120-year-old vegetarian restaurant famous for Vegetarian Steamed Buns filled with seasonal greens and mushrooms.
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Yuyuan Garden Food
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Yuyuan Garden Night Views
2). Fine Dining:
Fu He Hui: A two-Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant reimagining plant-based cuisine with truffles and wild mushrooms, offering dishes like "Smoked Boletus".
Regional Routes for Exploration
1). Yuyuan & Old Town:
Itinerary: Nanxiang Xiaolongbao → Songyuelou Vegetarian Buns → Lü Bo Lang's Squirrel Fish.
2). Nanjing Road & People's Square:
Itinerary: Shen Dacheng's Tiaotou Cake → International Hotel's Butterfly Pastry → Lao Zhengxing's Stir-Fried Eel.
3). Xuhui & Jing'an:
Fu He Hui: Guangmingcun's Fresh Meat Mooncakes → Spiceman Gelato's Sichuan Pepper Ice Cream → %Arabica Coffee.
Yuyuan Garden: The video was filmed by Araf Camelshoes.
Nanjing Road: The video was filmed by Laowai in Shanghai.
Insider Tips
Queue Management: Popular spots like Nanxiang Xiaolongbao often have long lines; visit before 10 AM or after 2 PM to avoid crowds.
Seasonal Highlights: June (midsummer) is ideal for Yan Du Xian (bamboo shoot and pork stew), while autumn (September-November) brings the best hairy crab dishes.
English-Friendly Options: Restaurants like Jiajia Tangbao and Dahuchun offer English menus and staff who speak basic English.
Shanghai's cuisine is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the delicate craftsmanship of Xiaolongbao to the bold richness of Hong Shao Rou. By combining these dishes with cultural landmarks and local stories, you'll offer foreigners a truly immersive taste of the city's soul.