🗺️ Tour Snapshot
Discover hidden culinary gems in one of Shanghai’s most historic neighborhoods. This small-group Shanghai Local Food Tour takes you beyond tourist hotspots and into four locally loved sit-down restaurants across the French Concession.
Savor over 10 authentic Shanghainese dishes, all rooted in family recipes and regional traditions. From freshly folded soup dumplings to rich braised pork belly, this tour is a flavor-packed deep dive into the city’s heritage.
As you walk between food stops, your guide shares stories of Shanghai’s unique mix of East and West. You’ll end the evening at a local craft brewery with a cold pint, rounding off your culinary experience with a taste of modern Shanghai.
- Explore the French Concession with a local food expert
- Taste 10+ classic Shanghainese dishes across 4+ sit-down spots
- Enjoy unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water
- Small group sizes (max 12) for a more personal experience
🎒 What’s Part of Your Tour
✔ Unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water
✔ Food tastings at 4+ sit-down, safe, and authentic restaurants
✔ Local English-speaking guide
✔ Small-group format (2–12 people)
✔ Vegetarian options with advance notice
Not included:
✘ Gratuities
✘ Hotel pickup and drop-off
📍 Where We’ll Meet You
Meeting Point:
Exit 5, Jiashan Road Subway Station (Line 9), in the heart of the French Concession.
📌 Please refer to your confirmation email or voucher for exact meeting details.
🌟 Itinerary Highlights
🏘️ Former French Concession – Discover Shanghai’s Culinary Secrets
Begin your Shanghai Local Food Tour in the leafy lanes of the French Concession, where East once met West in old Shanghai. Back in 1936, half the city was under foreign control. The area became a patchwork of villas, art deco apartments, and hidden alley kitchens.
As you walk with your guide, you’ll hear how immigration, war, and policy changed the food scene—and why old Shanghai dishes are now preserved only in a few spots. You’ll sample flavors passed down through generations, like secret family-style dumplings or lesser-known stir-fried classics. These dishes aren’t easy to find. But tonight, you’ll eat like an insider.
⏱ Time: 30 minutes
🎟 Admission: Free
🥟 Huijin Shopping Mall (Zhaojiabang Road) – Soup Dumplings, Elevated
Next, arrive at a locally loved soup dumpling (xiaolongbao) shop tucked into a modern shopping arcade. This isn’t a tourist trap or a Michelin-hyped place. It’s better.
Your guide will help you compare what makes a perfect dumpling: the stretch of the dough, the richness of the broth, the balance of vinegar and ginger. You’ll bite in while it’s hot—slightly cautious, fully delighted. And you’ll know how to tell the good from the great.
⏱ Time: 30 minutes
🎟 Admission: Free
🍜 Shanxi South Road – Handmade Buns & Intangible Heritage
This stop is about food made by hand—and made to last. You’ll visit a traditional eatery where cooks roll, stuff, and fry pan-fried buns from scratch. The process has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Shanghai.
As you walk in, glance at the open kitchen. Watch locals stretch dough and toss it onto hot skillets. Then sit down to taste scallion noodles, sesame dumplings, and local-style curry. It’s rich, warm, and layered—just like the neighborhood.
⏱ Time: 30 minutes
🎟 Admission: Free
🐖 Xiangyang South Road – The City’s Favorite: Red-Braised Pork Belly
Now it’s time for the king of Shanghai comfort food: red-braised pork belly (hong shao rou). This dish takes all day to cook—and it’s worth the wait.
Tender pork melts on your tongue, slow-braised in soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine. You’ll also try a rotating mix of dishes only locals know about, all made with the same care. It’s a full plate, meant to be shared—and remembered.
⏱ Time: 30 minutes
🎟 Admission: Free
🍧 Xiangyang Road 510 Long – Fresh Fruit Desserts Made by Hand
Time for something sweet—but not ordinary. Tucked into a quiet corner, this tiny dessert shop is owned by a Shanghainese woman who still makes fruit-based sweets fresh each day.
No shortcuts. No factory cream. Just mango over chilled sago cream, topped with pomelo pulp and a hint of sugar. Locals line up for this treat after dinner. Now, you get a taste of that neighborhood joy.
⏱ Time: 30 minutes
🎟 Admission: Free
🍺 Xiangyang North Road – Cheers to a Local Craft Beer
End your Shanghai Local Food Tour with a toast. Just a short walk away, you’ll visit a Shanghai craft brewery that reflects the city’s new creative energy.
Grab a pint of something fresh—maybe a citrusy pale ale or a darker brew. Sit outside if the weather’s nice. Talk with your guide and group, or just relax and watch the city lights. It’s the perfect way to reflect on everything you’ve seen—and tasted.
⏱ Time: 30 minutes
🎟 Admission: Free
💬 Guest Reviews
⭐ “Highlight of Our Shanghai Trip”
“This Shanghai Local Food Tour is our favorite tour of the entire trip to Shanghai. It combined culture, history, and absolutely delicious food.
Our guide, Max, was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk to. We enjoyed every moment and every bite.
Highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants a deeper and tastier experience of the city.”
— Andrew_M
⭐ “Eat, Walk, and Laugh Your Way Through the French Concession”
“Such a fun tour! We visited three different restaurants around the French Concession, each offering a new local dish.
The mango dessert was amazing. We ended the evening with local craft beer—so good.
Emma, our guide, was bubbly and full of great info about architecture, food, and Shanghai life. It honestly felt like going out with a friend.
Highly recommend this experience!”
— Amanda_H
⭐ “Amazing Shanghai Food Tour—Thank You, Sam!”
“Big thanks to Sam, our amazing guide! She took care of everything and made sure we had a great night.
She handled all our questions, helped with vegetarian options, and even arranged taxis to get us home safely.
The food was incredible. Sam created a warm, fun, and relaxed atmosphere.
We’re very grateful—this was a wonderful night. Thank you, Sam!”
— Callum_K
⭐ “A Perfect Stroll and Savor in the French Concession”
“We had such a great time walking and tasting our way through the French Concession. Cloris was a fantastic guide.
Each restaurant had a table ready for our small group, and food was served quickly and with care.
The variety of dishes throughout the night was impressive. We ended with a lovely dessert and a craft beer stop.
Highly enjoyable and well-paced.”
— Daniel_C
⭐ “Delicious Way to Explore the French Concession”
“This was such a fun way to see the French Concession! We ate so much food, and every single dish was amazing.
Our guide, Cloris, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. We were shocked to learn it was her first tour—she was so confident and well-prepared.
Definitely show up hungry. You won’t be disappointed!”
— Nellie_L
⭐ “The Best Food Tour We’ve Done”
“This was an excellent tour. We learned a ton about local food, and everything we ate was fantastic.
Cora, our guide, was warm, smart, and genuinely fun to be around. It felt like catching up with an old friend.
We loved every place she introduced us to. It really felt like we were eating the way locals do.
Thank you for such a memorable evening!”
— Lisa_H
⭐ “Delicious, Fun, and Hands-On”
“I absolutely loved this tour. We got to try so many local dishes, and I even got to make a few soup dumplings myself!
The variety was fantastic, and the pacing was just right. It felt personal and well thought out.
If you have the chance, definitely go on this tour. You’ll leave full and happy.”
— Kaley_O, Jan 2020
⭐ “We Had a Blast!”
“We had a blast! Right from the start, our guide Tingyu was energetic, friendly, and full of interesting info.
We visited five unique venues—some traditional, some modern like the craft beer bar. All had amazing food and drinks.
Tingyu made sure everything ran smoothly. Meals were ready when we arrived.
There were only four other guests on the tour, which made it relaxed and fun.
Highly recommend Lost Plate Tours—and if you get Tingyu as your guide, you’re in for a treat!”
— Tamzin_S
