Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Shanghai's cuisine (Hu Cai) is characterized by rich flavors using soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine, with an emphasis on freshness and seasonal ingredients. The city is famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), red-braised pork belly (hong shao rou), smoked fish, drunken hairy crab (seasonal in autumn), and pan-fried buns. Beyond local specialties, Shanghai has evolved into one of Asia's premier international dining cities, with exceptional French, Japanese, Italian, and Southeast Asian options, plus the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in mainland China.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Shanghai.
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Thin-skinned steamed dumplings filled with pork and a pool of hot broth — Shanghai's most iconic food. Bite carefully from the side to sip the broth first.
Where to try: Nanxiang Mantou Dian (Yu Garden), Din Tai Fung (IFC Mall)
Price: ¥28-68/basket ($4-9.50)
Shengjian Bao (Pan-fried Pork Buns)
Shanghai's other legendary dumpling — pan-fried until crispy on the bottom, then steamed to create a juicy pork filling inside. Topped with sesame and scallion.
Where to try: Yang's Fry Dumplings (multiple locations), Da Hu Chun
Price: ¥12-18/4 pieces ($1.70-2.50)
Hong Shao Rou (Red-braised Pork Belly)
Meltingly tender pork belly braised in soy sauce, rice wine, and rock sugar — a classic Shanghainese comfort dish found in every local restaurant.
Where to try: Jian Guo 328, Fu 1088, any local restaurant
Price: ¥38-148 ($5-20)
Drunken Hairy Crab (Seasonal)
Female hairy crabs marinated in Shaoxing wine and served raw — a prized autumn delicacy available October-December. Rich, creamy roe is the highlight.
Where to try: Fu 1088, Yongfoo Elite, upscale Shanghainese restaurants
Price: ¥200-400+ ($28-55)
Shengdi (Deep-fried Pork Cutlet on Noodles)
Shanghai-style fried pork cutlet served over thick wheat noodles in a savory broth — a beloved local lunch dish found at hole-in-the-wall noodle shops.
Where to try: Lao Ban Mian local noodle shops, Huangpu District
Price: ¥15-25 ($2-3.50)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Founded in 1900, this legendary dim sum restaurant in Yu Garden Bazaar is famous for inventing the xiaolongbao soup dumpling. The original upstairs restaurant has queues that start before opening, but the ground floor takeaway counter offers the same dumplings to go.
Known for: The original xiaolongbao maker since 1900
85 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Din Tai Fung
The world-renowned Michelin-starred dumpling chain is arguably the best place to eat consistent, high-quality xiaolongbao in Shanghai. The kitchen is visible through glass — watch chefs pleat exactly 18 folds per dumpling.
Known for: Michelin-starred xiaolongbao with perfectly pleated 18-fold skins
Unit 401-402, Shanghai IFC Mall, 8 Century Avenue, Pudong
Mr & Mrs Bund
Paul Pairet's acclaimed modern bistro on the Bund is one of Shanghai's most beloved restaurants, combining playful French cuisine with stunning Lujiazui views. The Late Night Menu served from 10:30PM is a popular option after a night out.
Known for: Playful fine French dining with Bund views and legendary late-night menu
6/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
The world's most unique dining experience: a single 10-person table with a 20-course tasting menu synchronized with 360-degree projections, scent diffusion, and custom soundscapes. Widely considered one of Asia's best restaurants with three Michelin stars.
Known for: Three Michelin stars — the world's most immersive dining experience
Location revealed upon reservation, Shanghai
Fu 1088
Hidden inside a labyrinthine collection of restored 1930s French Concession villas, Fu 1088 serves refined traditional Shanghainese cuisine in extraordinary private dining rooms. The experience recreates the elegance of Republican-era Shanghai entertaining.
Known for: Refined Shanghainese cuisine in restored 1930s villa with private dining rooms
375 Zhenning Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Lost Heaven
A beautiful restaurant in a restored heritage building near People's Square serving the spicy, aromatic cuisine of Yunnan Province with Southeast Asian influences. The striking tribal-inspired decor and lively atmosphere make it one of Shanghai's most atmospheric dining experiences.
Known for: Yunnan minority cuisine with bold spices and stunning tropical ambiance
17 Yan'an East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Yongfoo Elite
Set inside the former British Consulate in the French Concession, Yongfoo Elite serves exquisite Shanghainese dishes in elegant heritage rooms filled with antiques and art. Dining here feels like stepping into 1930s Shanghai high society.
Known for: Refined Shanghainese cuisine in former British Consulate with antique-filled rooms
200 Yongfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
T8 Restaurant
Located in the North Block of Xintiandi in a beautifully restored shikumen building, T8 serves refined contemporary cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere with an excellent wine cellar. A benchmark of the Xintiandi dining scene since 2001.
Known for: Elegant contemporary European dining in historic shikumen architecture
181 Taicang Road, North Block, Xintiandi, Huangpu
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Shanghainese
Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Fu 1088
Yongfoo Elite
Yang's Fry Dumplings (Yang's Dumplings)
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Restaurant
American
Boxing Cat Brewery
Egg
The Nest
French
Mr & Mrs Bund
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Jean-Georges Shanghai
Chinese
Da Dong Roast Duck
Vegetarian Lifestyle (Zao Zi Shu)
European
T8 Restaurant
Commune Social
Cantonese
Jiang's Kitchen
Cantonese Modern
Hakkasan Shanghai
Fusion
Fennel Fusion Food & Wine Bar
Health Food
Sproutworks
Hong Kong Cantonese
Cha's Restaurant (Cha Can Ting)
International
Wagas
International Café
Baker & Spice
Italian
Mercato
Mexican
Taco Popo
Modern Asian
People 7
Moroccan
Barbarossa
Shanghainese Breakfast
Bao Lo Ge
Shanghainese Home Cooking
Jian Guo 328
Shanghainese Street Food
Little Fang's Dumplings
Sichuan Hot Pot
Hot Pot House (Xiao Long Kan)
Spanish
El Willy
Steakhouse
Shook! Shanghai
Taiwanese
Din Tai Fung
Yunnan
Lost Heaven
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Jianbing (Chinese Savory Crepe)
Thin wheat crepe spread with egg, hoisin sauce, chili, and crispy wafer — the most popular breakfast street food throughout China.
Find it at: Street carts near metro stations and residential areas, active 6-10AM
Tanghulu (Sugar-coated Fruit Skewers)
Hawthorn berries or other fruits dipped in hardened sugar syrup on bamboo skewers — a traditional winter snack popular at Yu Garden Bazaar.
Find it at: Yu Garden Bazaar, Nanjing Road, Qibao Ancient Town
Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Pork Burger)
Slow-cooked pork belly stuffed into a toasted flatbread bun — often called China's answer to the hamburger. Popular at lunch carts near office areas.
Find it at: Street carts and small shops throughout the city
Egg Waffles (Hong Kong Style)
Golden bubble waffles made to order and folded around ice cream or eaten plain — a popular sweet street snack spreading from Hong Kong cafes.
Find it at: Nanjing Road pedestrian area, Xintiandi
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Yunnan Southern Road Food Market
A local wet market in the old city neighborhood serving the community with fresh produce, live seafood, tofu, and breakfast snacks in an authentically local atmosphere.
Hours: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Sinan Mansions Farmers Market
Weekly organic and artisan food market on Sundays in the gardens of Sinan Mansions, featuring local produce, homemade preserves, and specialty foods from small producers.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sundays only)
Fuyou Road Antique and Snack Market
A weekend antique market near Yu Garden with street food stalls selling traditional Shanghai snacks like smoked fish, turnip cake, and rice wine.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (weekends)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Download Dianping (Chinese Yelp) for the most current local restaurant recommendations
For popular restaurants, queue systems are common — get a queue number at the door and wait
Many restaurants require WeChat Pay or Alipay — have cash as a backup for street food
Hairy crab season (October-December) is the best time to try premium Shanghainese cuisine
Breakfast is a cultural experience — visit a local market for jianbing, youtiao, and warm soy milk
Ask for 'bu yao la' (no spice) if you can't handle heat in Sichuan or Hunan restaurants
- Vegetarian
- Increasing number of vegetarian options at modern restaurants; Buddhist temple restaurants (Jade Buddha Temple) offer excellent vegetarian Chinese cuisine; the Zao Zi Shu chain is fully vegetarian
- Halal
- Halal restaurants available near Xiaotaoyuan Mosque in Huangpu; Muslim-majority areas in Hongkou have halal options
- Gluten free
- Difficult due to widespread use of soy sauce; communicate clearly with staff — say 'wu mai fen' (no wheat flour); Japanese restaurants often have gluten-free soy sauce options
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ¥20-50 per meal ($3-7) | Street food stalls, local breakfast spots, cafeteria-style local restaurants |
| Mid-range | ¥100-300 per meal ($14-42) | Sit-down restaurants with table service including a shared dish plus rice or noodles |
| Upscale | ¥500+ per person ($69+) | Michelin-starred and fine dining restaurants on the Bund and in Xintiandi |