Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: March 26, 2026
I still remember my first morning in Shanghai, standing on a quiet side street with steam rising from bamboo baskets and no English menu in sight. That small moment turned into my real introduction to the city. This guide to the Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Shanghai comes from those on-the-ground experiences—what I actually ordered, tasted, and went back for again.
Shanghai’s food scene can feel overwhelming at first. But once you know what to look for, it becomes one of the easiest cities to eat well. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the dishes locals genuinely eat—so you can order with confidence and enjoy every bite.
1. Xiaolongbao – The Iconic Soup Dumplings
The first time I tried xiaolongbao, I bit in too quickly and burned my mouth—something almost everyone does once. Sitting in a small, crowded shop with steam fogging the windows, I realized this dish is as much about patience as flavor. That’s why it always tops my list of the Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Shanghai.
These delicate dumplings are filled with pork (sometimes crab) and a rich, hot broth sealed inside a thin wrapper. The right way is simple: lift gently, take a small bite, sip the soup, then finish it. Once you get it, every bite feels perfectly balanced.
You’ll see them everywhere, but I keep going back to small neighborhood spots where locals queue quietly. Places like Jia Jia Tang Bao and Din Tai Fung feel more real than polished chains—and the dumplings are often better too.
2. Shengjianbao – Crispy Pan-Fried Dumplings
I still remember grabbing shengjianbao on a rushed morning, standing on the sidewalk with locals before work. The bottoms were sizzling straight from the pan, and I nearly dropped one when the hot juice burst out. That first bite told me why this is truly a must-try dish in Shanghai.
Unlike xiaolongbao, these dumplings are pan-fried, giving them a golden, crispy base with a soft top. Inside, you’ll find juicy pork and a bit of broth, finished with sesame seeds and scallions. It’s that contrast—crunchy, soft, and juicy—that makes them so satisfying.
I often go to Yang’s Fried Dumplings when I want a reliable version. Yes, there’s usually a line, but it moves fast—and the first bite always justifies the wait.
3. Scallion Pancakes – Savory and Crispy Delight
One morning, I followed the smell of frying dough into a small Shanghai food market and found a vendor pressing scallion pancakes by hand. I ordered one without saying a word—just pointed—and watched it crisp up in seconds. It’s simple, but easily a must-try food in Shanghai.
Cong you bing is all about texture. The outside turns golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and layered with fragrant scallions and sesame oil. It’s not fancy, but that’s exactly why it works.
You’ll find these pancakes everywhere—especially in neighborhood markets and street stalls. I like getting one early in the day, eating it fresh off the griddle while walking. It’s one of those small, everyday Shanghai moments that stays with you.
4. Hairy Crab – A Seasonal Delicacy
The first time I had hairy crab, it was late autumn, and the whole table slowed down. Everyone put on gloves, carefully cracking shells and dipping the meat into ginger vinegar. It’s not fast food—it’s an experience. And honestly, it’s another food you can’t miss in Shanghai.
Hairy crab is prized for its rich, golden roe and delicate meat. Most locals prefer it simply steamed to keep the flavor pure. The best ones come from Yangcheng Lake, which is why you’ll often see that name proudly listed on menus.
You’ll only find this during the cooler months, usually autumn into early winter. When it’s in season, I always make time for it. It’s not just about taste—it’s about sitting down, slowing down, and enjoying Shanghai the local way.
5. Beggar’s Chicken – A Hidden Gem
The first time I ordered Beggar’s Chicken, I had to wait—and honestly, I wasn’t sure it would be worth it. But when the server cracked open the clay and unwrapped the lotus leaves, the aroma alone made it clear I was about to try something special. This is traditional Shanghai cuisine at its most memorable.
The chicken is slow-cooked until incredibly tender, infused with herbs and the subtle fragrance of lotus leaves. Every bite is rich but not heavy, and it feels very different from the quick street foods most travelers try. It’s easily a must-try food in Shanghai if you want something deeper and more traditional.
I usually recommend calling ahead at places like Qianlong Imperial Restaurant. It takes time to prepare—but that’s part of what makes it worth it.
6. Lion’s Head Meatballs – A Hearty Classic
The first time I ordered Lion’s Head Meatballs, I expected something heavy—but what arrived was surprisingly delicate. Sitting in a small local restaurant, I watched the meatballs gently simmer with cabbage, and it felt like stepping into someone’s home kitchen. This is another famous dish in Shanghai that locals grow up eating.
The meatballs are large, soft, and incredibly tender, usually braised or simmered in a light, savory broth. It’s classic Shanghainese cuisine—comforting, balanced, and not overly rich.
I usually order this when I want a slower, sit-down meal after walking all day. You’ll find it in many neighborhood restaurants, and it’s best enjoyed hot, shared, and without rushing.
7. Shanghai-Style Deep-Fried Fish (Shànghǎi Bào Yú)
The first time I tried Shànghǎi Bào Yú, it was served cold, which caught me off guard. But after one bite, the texture and flavor made sense—crispy fish coated in a light, sweet-tangy glaze that felt surprisingly refreshing. It’s one of those dishes that quietly represents traditional Shanghai cuisine.
The fish is sliced, marinated, then deep-fried until crisp before being dressed in that signature sauce. Even though it’s fried, it doesn’t feel greasy. Instead, it adds contrast to richer dishes, which is why locals often order it as part of a shared table of must-try foods in Shanghai.
I usually order this at places like Lao Jesse or Jishi. It’s a good reminder that Shanghai flavors aren’t just bold—they’re carefully balanced.
8. Stir-Fried Rice Cake (Chao Nian Gao) – A Chewy Delight
The first time I ordered chao nian gao, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The rice cakes looked simple, almost plain—but that first chewy bite stayed with me. It’s the kind of dish locals grow up with, and easily another must-try dish in Shanghai once you move beyond the famous dumplings.
The texture is what makes it special—soft, chewy slices stir-fried with pork, cabbage, or seafood, all coated in a savory sauce. It’s warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. This is classic Shanghai comfort food, the kind you don’t rush.
You won’t usually see it in tourist-heavy spots, which is why I think of it as one of the hidden food gems in Shanghai. I like ordering it in small neighborhood restaurants, especially when I want something simple, real, and grounding after a long day.
9. Shanghai-Style Wonton Soup – A Comforting Classic
I still remember ducking into a small shop on a cold evening and ordering Shanghai-Style Wonton Soup without overthinking it. The bowl arrived quietly—clear broth, delicate wontons, nothing flashy. But after the first spoonful, I understood why this is truly a must-eat in Shanghai.
The wontons are larger and softer than you might expect, filled with seasoned pork and sometimes shrimp. The broth is light but deeply comforting, the kind that warms you without feeling heavy. It’s simple, but that’s exactly the point.
You’ll find it almost everywhere, but I always prefer small, local eateries where people come for a quick, familiar meal. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t try to impress—it just quietly delivers.
10. Shanghai-Style Red Braised Pork – A Sweet and Savory Indulgence
The first time I tried Shanghai-Style Red Braised Pork, I almost didn’t order it—it looked too rich. But one bite changed everything. The pork was soft, glossy, and perfectly balanced, and I immediately understood why Hong Shao Rou is one of the defining Shanghai food specialties.
The pork belly is slowly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The sauce is slightly sweet, deeply savory, and meant to be eaten with rice. It’s comforting, but also surprisingly refined.
I usually order this when I want something classic and satisfying after a long day. It’s not a light dish—but it’s one of those flavors that stays with you long after the meal ends.
By the time you’ve worked through these Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Shanghai, you’ll notice something shift. What felt unfamiliar at first starts to make sense—menus, flavors, even the rhythm of how locals eat.
Shanghai isn’t a city you understand all at once. But if you follow the food—one dumpling, one bowl, one small shop at a time—you’ll find your way into it naturally.
About the Author
Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.
Further Reading
What to Buy in Shanghai: Best Souvenirs, Gifts & Snacks
How to Visit the Bund in Shanghai: Top Things to Do, Map & Tips
Shanghai People’s Square: Metro, Attractions, Hotels & Travel Tips
Shanghai Museum: Tickets, Transport, Highlights & Tips
Former French Concession Shanghai: Maps, Walking Route & Tips
Tianzifang: Breathing in Shanghai’s Soul
Shanghai People’s Square: Metro, Attractions, Hotels & Travel Tips
