Must-Try Foods in Shanghai: A Culinary Journey

# Must-Try Foods in Shanghai: A Culinary Journey

Shanghai's food scene is legendary, blending traditional flavors with modern innovation. Here are the must-try dishes!

## Iconic Shanghai Dishes

### 1. Xiaolongbao (小笼包) - Soup Dumplings

The crown jewel of Shanghai cuisine! These delicate dumplings are filled with hot, savory broth and pork.

**Where to try:**

- Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰) - International chain but consistently excellent

- Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包) - Local favorite near Yu Garden

- Yang's Fry Dumplings (小杨生煎) - Try the pan-fried version

**How to eat:** Pick up with chopsticks, bite a small hole, sip the broth, then eat!

### 2. Sheng Jian Bao (生煎包) - Pan-Fried Buns

Crispy bottom, fluffy top, juicy filling - these pan-fried pork buns are addictive.

**Best spots:**

- Da Hu Chun (大壶春)

- Yang's Fry Dumplings

- Street vendors near metro stations

### 3. Shanghai Hairy Crab (大闸蟹)

Seasonal delicacy (October-November) prized for its sweet meat and rich roe.

**Pro tip:** Expensive but worth trying at least once at a reputable restaurant.

### 4. Red-Braised Pork (红烧肉)

Melt-in-your-mouth pork belly in sweet soy sauce - Shanghai's comfort food.

### 5. Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面)

Simple but delicious - springy noodles tossed in aromatic scallion oil.

## Street Food Adventures

### Morning Breakfast

- **Youtiao (油条)** - Crispy fried dough sticks

- **Doujiang (豆浆)** - Fresh soy milk (sweet or savory)

- **Cifan Tuan (粢饭团)** - Rice rolls with various fillings

### Evening Snacks

- **Jianbing (煎饼)** - Chinese crepes

- **Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)** - Don't let the smell scare you!

- **Sugar-coated hawthorn (糖葫芦)**

## Best Food Streets

1. **Huanghe Road Food Street** - Tourist-friendly, many famous restaurants

2. **Zhapu Road** - Authentic local eateries

3. **Shouning Road** - Night market atmosphere

4. **Wujiang Road** - Street food paradise

## Dining Tips

- Most restaurants have picture menus

- Use translation apps for Chinese-only menus

- Peak dining times: 12-1 PM (lunch), 6-8 PM (dinner)

- Cash and Alipay/WeChat Pay widely accepted

- Tipping is not customary in China

## Budget Breakdown

- Street food: ¥10-30 per meal

- Local restaurants: ¥50-100 per person

- Mid-range: ¥150-300 per person

- High-end: ¥500+ per person

**Bon Appétit! 🍜**