Shanghai Foodie Bucket List: Restaurants Worth the Calories

Crafting the ultimate Shanghai itinerary? From sizzling breakfast bites to midnight cocktails, this guide dishes up the city’s tastiest spots—perfect for foodies booking Shanghai tours or designing a Shanghai vacation. Let your Shanghai trip package indulge every craving, with local secrets even seasoned shanghai tour guides rave about.

If you have any questions or would like to customize your trip, please contact us! 

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Breakfast: Start Your Day Like a Shanghainese

● A Da Cong You Bing (Huangpu District)

Dive into Shanghai’s breakfast culture with cong you bing (scallion oil pancakes) at this 70-year-old stall. Crispy, flaky layers paired with warm soy milk fuel locals rushing to work. Pro tip: Arrive before 8 AM to avoid lines.

Must-try: Classic scallion pancake (¥6) | Hours: 6 AM–1 PM

● Yang’s Fry Dumpling

Shanghai’s iconic shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns) shine here. Juicy, crispy-bottomed dumplings burst with broth—order a plate to-go while exploring Nanjing Road. A Shanghai tour guide staple for morning energy.

Price: ¥12/4 pieces | Hours: 7 AM–8 PM

Coffee: Third-Wave Brews with Local Flair

● % Arabica (West Bund)

Sip latte art masterpieces overlooking the Huangpu River. Their matcha-espresso fusion is a hit. Pair with a riverside bike ride for a Shanghai vacation vibe.

Must-order: Spanish Latte (¥45) | Hours: 8 AM–10 PM

● Old Shanghai teahouse (Xintiandi)

A hybrid gem blending pour-over coffee with traditional tea. The brick-and-wood decor channels 1930s charm—ideal for Instagramming your Shanghai trip package.

Try: Yunnan Coffee (¥38) | Hours: 10 AM–8 PM

Afternoon Tea: Elegance Meets Tradition

● The Peninsula Hotel

Indulge in a tiered tower of macarons, finger sandwiches, and rose-infused éclairs. Live harp music and Bund views make this a Shanghai tours favorite for luxury seekers.

Price: ¥688 for two | Hours: 2 PM–6 PM

● Huxinting Teahouse (Yuyuan Garden)

Sip longjing (dragon well tea) in a 16th-century pavilion. Pair with sweet gao (rice cakes) while watching koi glide below. A serene pause in any Shanghai itinerary.

Tea set: ¥120/person | Hours: 8:30 AM–9 PM

Vegetarian Local Cuisine: Meat-Free Magic

● Vegetarian Lifestyle (Jing’an Temple)

Reimagined Shanghainese classics like “vegetarian eel” (made from mushrooms) and braised “pork” tofu. The lotus root starch noodles are a gluten-free hit. Many Shanghai tour guides include this spot for mindful eaters.

Price: ¥80–120/person | Hours: 11 AM–10 PM

● Godly (Xuhui District)

A 100-year-old Buddhist restaurant serving mock-meat dishes like “sweet and sour ribs” (tofu skin and lotus root). Don’t miss their jiaozi (dumplings) filled with spinach and wood ear mushrooms.

Must-try: Eight Treasure Duck (¥68) | Hours: 10:30 AM–9 PM

Bars: Sip Shanghai’s Nightlife Soul

● Speak Low (Xuhui District)

Ranked among Asia’s best bars, this speakeasy hides behind a bookshelf. Try the Oolong Martini with smoked tea syrup—ideal for capping a Shanghai trip package day.

Signature drink: ¥120 | Hours: 6 PM–2 AM

● The Nest (Bund)

A glamorous rooftop spot pairing truffle fries with champagne. Skyline views of the Pudong lights make it a Shanghai vacation must. Reserve ahead for weekend tables.

Happy hour: 5 PM–8 PM (50% off cocktails)

Crafting Your Flavor-Fueled Shanghai Adventure

Mix food stops with cultural gems: pair Yuyuan Garden with Huxinting Teahouse, or blend West Bund coffee breaks with art museum visits. Many Shanghai tour guides offer customizable Shanghai trip packages combining food and sightseeing—because the best memories are seasoned with local flavor.