Shanghai/index.html'>Shanghai, a bustling metropolis blending modernity with rich cultural heritage, offers travelers an exciting array of experiences. One of the best ways to explore the heart of this vibrant city is through its food culture. In this soulful food walk, you’ll explore iconic shanghai tourist spots and savor the timeless flavors of Shanghai’s old-brand restaurants. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this food journey will immerse you in the essence of Shanghai’s culinary traditions. Let’s dive into the must-visit places and eateries for an unforgettable trip to Shanghai!
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1. A Taste of History at Lu Bo Lang
Start your journey at Lu Bo Lang, one of Shanghai’s oldest and most famous restaurants. Founded in 1875, this culinary gem is famous for its delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings), a must-try when exploring Shanghai tourist spots. At this iconic eatery, you’ll get a firsthand look at traditional Shanghainese dumpling-making techniques, passed down through generations. The restaurant's blend of rich history and mouthwatering flavors creates the perfect introduction to Shanghai’s food culture.
Must-Try Dishes: Xiao Long Bao, Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried dumplings), Shanghai-style braised pork.
2. Explore the Essence of Old Shanghai at Yang’s Dumplings
No trip to Shanghai is complete without a visit to Yang’s Dumplings (also known as Yang’s Fried Dumplings). This unassuming hole-in-the-wall serves one of the best sheng jian bao in the city. The crispy, golden-bottomed dumplings filled with juicy pork make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. As part of your Shanghai itinerary, be sure to stop here for a savory, piping-hot snack. This stop brings you not only the food but also the local atmosphere, making it an essential part of your Shanghai city tour.
Must-Try Dish: Sheng Jian Bao.
3. Discover Local Culture at Qibao Ancient Town
For a more immersive experience of Shanghai's old-world charm, head to Qibao Ancient Town, a hidden gem that feels worlds apart from the modern city center. This bustling water town is rich in history and brimming with traditional food vendors selling zhang xiao long (rice dumplings) and wonton soup. A walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of Qibao offers visitors a deeper connection to the old Shanghai way of life. Perfect for those looking to experience Shanghai’s soul beyond the major tourist spots.
Must-Try Dishes: Zhang Xiao Long (rice dumplings), Wonton Soup, Chinese herbal tea.
4. A Sweet Delight at Tonghanchun Sweets
Every soul-food walk needs a little sweetness, and Tonghanchun will fulfill your sugar cravings with its century-old tradition of making traditional Shanghainese desserts. Located near Nanjing Road, Tonghanchun has been serving delicious nian gao (glutinous rice cakes) for over 100 years. This spot is a testament to Shanghai’s evolving food culture, blending old recipes with modern twists. It’s the perfect place to take a pause and indulge in the sweet side of Shanghai’s culinary landscape.
Must-Try Dish: Nian Gao (glutinous rice cakes), Tang Yuan (sweet rice balls).
5. Snack on Savory Delights at Jia Jia Tang Bao
Located near Yu Garden, Jia Jia Tang Bao is another famous spot for Shanghai’s beloved xiao long bao. But unlike its competitors, Jia Jia offers a more traditional, no-frills approach, focusing entirely on the quality of their food. The dumplings here are a delight, with each bite releasing a burst of savory broth. When planning your trip to Shanghai, don’t miss out on this culinary treasure—perfect for food lovers who want an authentic, local experience.
Must-Try Dish: Xiao Long Bao, Sheng Jian Bao.
6. Experience the Charm of Yuyuan Bazaar
One of Shanghai’s most famous tourist spots, Yuyuan Bazaar, is a vibrant area where visitors can shop for traditional Chinese souvenirs, explore the beautiful Yu Garden, and feast on street food. Known for its picturesque traditional architecture and bustling market atmosphere, this spot combines both sightseeing and food tasting. While you’re strolling through the area, make sure to try local street foods such as chou doufu (stinky tofu), shao bing (sesame flatbread), and baozi (steamed buns).
Must-Try Snacks: Chou Doufu (stinky tofu), Shao Bing (sesame flatbread), Baozi (steamed buns).
7. Savor Shanghai’s Best Noodles at Ramen Street
Next on the list for your Shanghai itinerary is a hidden gem for noodle lovers—Ramen Street. Located in the heart of the city, this area is a haven for noodle enthusiasts, with dozens of shops offering varieties of noodles, from the rich and savory Shanghai-style noodle soup to dry noodles tossed in sesame paste. This bustling street is perfect for exploring local food culture and discovering new flavors. It’s an essential stop during your Shanghai city tour for anyone craving a noodle fix.
Must-Try Dish: Shanghai-style noodle soup, Dry noodles with sesame paste.
8. Shanghai’s Iconic Tea Houses: A Taste of Serenity
To wrap up your soulful food walk, visit one of Shanghai’s classic tea houses. Tea Culture is an integral part of Shanghai's heritage, and there’s no better place to relax and unwind than at The House of Tea. This iconic venue serves premium, fragrant Chinese teas paired with small snacks like egg tarts and Festivals/index.html'>mooncakes. This stop is not just about drinking tea but experiencing Shanghai’s centuries-old tea culture in a tranquil, historic setting.
Must-Try Drinks: Longjing tea, Jasmine tea, Oolong tea.
Plan Your Ultimate Trip to Shanghai
This old-brand food walk is just the beginning of the flavors that Shanghai has to offer. From Jia Jia Tang Bao to Lu Bo Lang, each stop immerses you in the essence of old Shanghai. Whether you’re following this guide for your first trip to Shanghai or adding these spots to your existing Shanghai itinerary, these soulful food experiences will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of this city's rich culinary heritage.
Be sure to include these authentic eateries and historic sites in your Shanghai city tour, and let a local Shanghainese guide you through a journey of taste, history, and culture. With these spots highlighted, your trip to Shanghai will undoubtedly be a flavorful one!
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