Top 10 Shanghai Dishes You Must Try

Shanghai is a city that never stops moving, and its food scene is just as dynamic. From street-side stalls to elegant dining rooms, the local cuisine is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. For international travelers, diving into Shanghai’s culinary classics is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city. Here are the top 10 Shanghai dishes you absolutely must try, with practical tips on what to look for and where to find them.

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

These delicate steamed dumplings are Shanghai’s most famous export. Xiaolongbao are filled with pork (or crab meat) and a rich, hot broth that bursts in your mouth with every bite. The trick is to nibble a small hole in the wrapper, let the steam escape, and then sip the soup before eating the dumpling whole. Dip it in black vinegar with ginger shreds for the perfect balance.

Where to try: Look for bustling xiaolongbao shops in areas like Yucun Road or near the Old City God Temple. Din Tai Fung is a reliable chain with consistent quality, but local hole-in-the-wall places often have even more authentic flavors.

2. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Think of shengjianbao as Xiaolongbao's crispy-bottomed cousin. These buns are pan-fried until golden on the bottom, then steamed, creating a soft top and crunchy base. The filling is a juicy pork mixture, often with a touch of ginger and green onion. Be careful — the first bite can squirt hot soup.

Where to try: Street-side breakfast stalls and dedicated shengjian shops in the French Concession or near Nanjing Road. They are best eaten fresh off the pan.

3. Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly (Hongshao Rou)

This iconic dish is comfort food at its finest. Pork belly is slowly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese cooking wine until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce becomes a glossy, caramelized glaze. The sweetness is balanced by salty soy, making it a perfect companion to steamed rice.

Where to try: Many home-style restaurants in the former French Concession or Jing’an district serve this. Look for places with "home cooking" or "local cuisine" on their signs.

4. Shanghai Wontons in Chili Oil (Hongyou Chaosou)

Unlike the Cantonese-style wontons in clear broth, Shanghai’s version comes drenched in a fiery red chili oil sauce, often with garlic, sesame paste, and soy. The wontons themselves are filled with a mix of pork and greens, and the sauce is nutty, spicy, and addictive. They are usually served as a main or shared appetizer.

Where to try: Small noodle shops and wonton specialists along Tianzifang or near the Shanghai Museum area.

5. Spring Rolls (Chun Juan)

Shanghai-style spring rolls are thinner and crispier than their northern counterparts. The filling typically includes shredded pork, cabbage, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, wrapped in a delicate batter and deep-fried until golden. They are served with a sweet chili dipping sauce. Perfect as a snack or starter.

Where to try: Look for them on dim sum menus or at street-food stalls near People’s Square.

6. Smoked Fish (Xun Yu)

Despite the name, this dish is not actually smoked — it’s deep-fried and then marinated in a sweet-soy glaze. Fish (usually grass carp) is cut into thick slices, fried until crispy on the outside, and then simmered in a sauce made from soy, sugar, and spices. The result is a savory-sweet treat with a satisfying crunch.

Where to try: At "dianxin" (dim sum) style restaurants or cold dish counters in Shanghai-based cafes.

7. Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shizi Tou)

These are giant pork meatballs braised with Chinese cabbage in a light soy broth. The name comes from their size and shape — they resemble a lion’s head. The meatballs are incredibly tender, often made with a mix of minced pork, water chestnuts, and ginger. The cabbage soaks up the flavorful broth, making the dish feel both hearty and light.

Where to try: Traditional Shanghainese restaurants in the old city or near the Bund. Many family-run places serve this as a communal dish.

8. Rice Cake with Pork and Vegetables

Shanghai-style rice cakes are chewy, soft, and slightly sweet. They are stir-fried with sliced pork, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and leafy greens in a soy-based sauce. The dish is a comforting and filling staple, often eaten as a quick lunch or late-night snack.

Where to try: Noodle and rice cake shops in residential neighborhoods. The best versions are made fresh daily.

9. Wuxi-Style Spareribs (Wuxi Paigu)

Though named for the nearby city of Wuxi, this dish is a Shanghai favorite. Pork spareribs are braised in a dark, sweet sauce made from soy, sugar, and fermented glutinous rice. The meat falls off the bone, and the sauce is thick enough to coat each rib. It’s a sweet and savory explosion.

Where to try: Look for it on the menu at Shanghai-style "benbang" (local) restaurants, especially in the Huangpu district.

10. Shanghai Shaved Ice (Baobing)

To cool down after all that savory food, nothing beats a bowl of Shanghai-style shaved ice. Finely shaved ice is topped with condensed milk, fresh fruit, red beans, taro, or chewy tapioca pearls. Some versions include ice cream or almond jelly. It’s a light, refreshing dessert perfect for Shanghai’s humid summers.

Where to try: Dessert cafes along Huaihai Road or near the Expo area. Many shops specialize in creative varieties.

Practical Tips for Eating in Shanghai

• Language: Most menus have picture displays or English names, but a translation app can help with street-food stalls.
• Pace yourself: Dishes are often served family-style. Order 2–3 dishes per person and share.
• Spice level: Shanghai cuisine tends to be mild and sweet compared to Sichuan food. If you want heat, ask for chili oil on the side.
• Cash vs. card: Street vendors prefer mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) but many accept cash. Keep small bills handy.
• Hygiene: Look for busy stalls with high turnover — fresh food is safer and tastier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these dishes spicy? Most Shanghai dishes are not spicy. They focus on sweetness, saltiness, and umami. If you want heat, ask for chili oil separately.

Q: Is it safe to eat street food in Shanghai? Yes, as long as you choose stalls that are busy and clean. High turnover means fresh ingredients. Avoid food that has been sitting out for hours.

Q: Can vegetarians find options? Yes, many vegetable-based dim sum, spring rolls, and rice cakes can be made vegetarian or vegan. Ask for no meat or shrimp paste.

Q: What is the best way to travel between food spots in Shanghai? Shanghai’s metro is efficient and covers most food districts. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also widely available. For a guided culinary tour, many travelers prefer private transport with an English-speaking driver, which can be arranged through local tour operators.

Conclusion

Shanghai’s food scene is a journey in itself — a delicious blend of history, culture, and everyday life. From the first bite of a soup dumpling to the last spoonful of shaved ice, each dish tells a story of the city’s vibrant soul. Whether you explore street stalls or sit down for a family-style feast, these 10 dishes will give you a true taste of Shanghai. For more personalized travel tips and itinerary planning, check the official website of your preferred travel service for up-to-date recommendations. Buon appetito — or as they say in Shanghai, 慢慢吃 (take your time eating)!