HomeShanghai Foodie Trip Idea

Shanghai Foodie Trip Idea

Foodie’s Pilgrimage – Shanghai’s Legendary Culinary Trail

Shanghai FAQs

What is the best food in Shanghai?

  • Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Delicate dumplings filled with rich broth and tender pork, a must-try Shanghai classic.
  • Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Buns): Crispy on the bottom and soft on top, these buns are filled with juicy pork and a savoury filling.
  • Hong Shao Rou (Red-Braised Pork Belly): A sweet and savoury dish, featuring tender pork belly slow-cooked in a rich sauce.
  • Drunken Crab: A unique dish where crabs are marinated in Shaoxing wine, giving them a delicate, aromatic flavour.

What to eat at Shanghai's food street Huanghe Road?

  • Xiaolongbao: Hot, soupy dumplings filled with pork, offering a burst of flavour in every bite.
  • Shengjianbao: Crispy on the bottom, these pan-fried buns are filled with delicious, juicy pork.
  • Tangbao: Steamed buns filled with a sweet paste, a perfect balance of savoury and sweet.
  • Chengfen: Savoury rice cakes served with chilli sauce and vegetables, a hearty snack.
  • Lu Da Gun: Sticky rice rolls with red bean paste, a sweet treat to end your food tour.

How is Chinese vinegar different from western varieties?

  • Milder Flavour: Chinese vinegar, made from rice, is less acidic and has a sweeter, softer taste compared to Western vinegars.
  • Black Vinegar (Zhenjiang Vinegar): The most common type in Shanghai, with a smoky, rich flavour that complements many local dishes.
  • Use in Dishes: Chinese vinegar adds complexity to dishes like Xiaolongbao and Shengjianbao, while Western vinegars are typically sharper and more acidic.

Is Shanghai Drunken Crab actually raw crab?

Yes, Drunken Crab is made with live crabs marinated in Shaoxing wine, which helps preserve and flavour the crabs.

  • Marination Process: The crabs are not cooked but instead are soaked in the alcohol, which gives the meat a unique, aromatic richness.
  • Taste: The marinated crab has a delicate, slightly sweet taste due to the wine, making it a popular delicacy in Shanghai.

Where's the best breakfast in Shanghai?

  • Jia Jia Tang Bao: Known for its freshly made, hot Xiaolongbao. A local favourite near People's Square.
  • Yuyuan Bazaar: A great spot for local snacks, including Chengfen (savory rice cakes) and sweet Lu Da Gun (sticky rice rolls).
  • M on the Bund: For a Western-style breakfast with a stunning view of the Bund, offering a variety of delicious options.
  • Local Breakfast: A typical Shanghai breakfast includes fresh dumplings, buns, and traditional snacks to fuel your day.

Shanghai Drunken Crab

shanghai drunken crab

We do Genuine China Experiences: No Shopping Stops, Just Real Culture

  • Officially Licensed China Tours with NECIPS Certification
  • NO SHOPPING TOURS GUARANTEED
  • Customised China Tours for Seniors, Children, and Special Needs
  • Value for Money, No Hidden Costs
  • Authentic Local Chinese Food
  • Prioritise Your Comfort and Safety
shanghai xiaolongbao

What Makes Shanghai’s Food Scene Unique?

  • Shanghai isn’t just a global metropolis—it’s also a culinary capital where East meets West in a vibrant fusion of flavours. From traditional Shanghainese classics to international food influences, Shanghai’s culinary scene is a melting pot of deliciousness.

  • Whether you’re dining along the Bund or exploring hidden alleyways, this food tour will introduce you to Shanghai’s most iconic and mouthwatering dishes.

1

Must-Try Foods in Shanghai

shanghai xiaolongbao soup dumplings

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – Shanghai’s Steamed Delight

  • Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, are a quintessential Shanghai dish. These delicate dumplings are filled with juicy, savoury broth and minced pork.

  • The trick is to take a small bite to release the soup and then dip it in vinegar and ginger for the ultimate flavour experience.

  • Foodie Tip: Head to Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao for some of the best in town!

shanghai shengjianbao pan fried buns

Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns) – Crispy on the Outside, Juicy Inside

  • These pan-fried buns are filled with seasoned pork and a soupy filling, crispy on the bottom and soft on top. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or late-night snack.

  • DIY Experience: Watch street vendors prepare these crispy buns in traditional, sizzling hot pans!

shanghai hongshaorou braised pork

Hong Shao Rou (Red-Braised Pork) – Sweet, Savoury, and Irresistible

  • A beloved dish in Shanghai, this rich, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly is slow-cooked in a savoury-sweet sauce made of soy, sugar, and wine.

  • The perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours will have you coming back for more.

shanghai jianbing chinese crepe

Shanghai Street Snacks – A Taste of the City’s Vibrant Markets

  • Chengfen (Savory Rice Cake)– Steamed rice cakes topped with spicy sauce and veggies.
  • Lu Da Gun (Sticky Rice Roll)– A sweet, chewy rice roll with fillings like red bean paste or sesame.
  • Jianbing (Chinese Crepe)– A savoury crepe filled with egg, crispy crackers, and a mix of herbs.
  • Foodie Tip:Explore the Yuyuan Bazaar or Nanjing Road for the most vibrant street food scene.

More Shanghai activities

Yu Garden

1 Day Shanghai Day Tour: Gardens, History & Scenic River Cruise

4.60(5 reviews)
1 Day
See more
Yu Garden

3 Days Shanghai City Tour : Scenic Views & Huangpu River Cruise

4.60(5 reviews)
3 Days/2 Nights
See more
2

Dining Tips in Shanghai

  • Locals love their food with a touch of sweetness and richness. Don’t be surprised if sugar is added to unexpected dishes!
  • Eating Xiaolongbao can be tricky—take a small bite, sip the broth, and then dip it in black vinegar.
  • In local markets and smaller eateries, WeChat Pay/Alipayis the preferred method of payment. Cash is also accepted, but mobile payment is often quicker.
3

Best Time for a Shanghai Food Tour

shanghai spring
  • Spring (March–May)& Autumn (September–November) – Ideal weather for walking around food streets and exploring outdoor markets.
  • Evenings & Night Markets (6 PM–10 PM)– Shanghai’s street food scene really shines after sunset, with local food stalls offering fresh, hot snacks.

4

Shanghai Food Safety Tips

  • Choose busy stalls with long lines to ensure food is freshly prepared.
  • Be cautious with seafood or raw dishes—stick to cooked options at street vendors for safety.
  • Many places don’t provide napkins, so bring some tissues or wet wipes to clean your hands.

5

A Culinary Adventure Through Shanghai’s Flavours

shanghai crab bao

  • A food tour in Shanghai isn’t just about tasting delicious dishes—it’s about discovering the city’s rich culinary history, which blends Chinese tradition with modern influences. Whether you’re biting into juicy Xiaolongbao, enjoying a crispy Shengjianbao, or sipping on sweet red-braised pork, Shanghai’s food scene tells a story of its own.

  • Want to dive deeper into Shanghai’s flavours? Join our guided food tour or contact us to create your perfect culinary itinerary!

6

Explore Shanghai Neighbouring Cities

  • Since you are already planning to visit Shanghai, why not also travel to neighbouring cities like Beijing, Zhangjiajie, or Xi’an? Check out below on the combination tour routes and do enquire! We won’t bite!
Yangtze Cruise

14 Days China Group Tour: Beijing Xi’an Chengdu Chongqing Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise

5.00(2 reviews)
14 Days/13 Nights
See more
Summer Palace

14 Days Lhasa Group Tour with Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu & Shanghai

4.75(4 reviews)
14 Days/13 Nights
See more

Offers to inspire you

Beijing Foodie Trip Idea

The OG Peking Roast Duck is what we all love. From tender meat to juicy and crispy duck skin. It is to die for!

See all activities

Zhangjiajie Foodie Trip Idea

Fish and rise lovers paradise. Try out the authentic Tujia cuisine made to impress! Only at Zhangjiajie!

See all activities

Just China Tours

Let's chat about your dream journey to China

Tell us your ideal trip, and we'll make it happen this year








    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Fill up the form below to tell us what you're looking for

      Destination

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Send Enquiry
      Whatsapp