Exploring Shanghai’s food scene is a Shanghai city tour essential and one of the top Shanghai must-do things for travelers. From savory soups to street snacks, this guide decodes the city’s iconic dishes in Chinese, Pinyin, and English—perfect for planning a Shanghai food tour or diving into Shanghai Cuisine like a local. 

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Popular Shanghai Dishes

1.  小笼包 (Xiǎolóngbāo) – Soup Dumplings

Delicate steamed dumplings filled with hot broth and pork, best enjoyed at NanXiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.

2.  生煎包 (Shēngjiānbāo) – Pan-Fried Pork Buns

Crispy-bottomed buns oozing with juicy pork, a must-try at Yang’s Fry.

3.  红烧肉 (Hóngshāo Ròu) – Braised Pork Belly

Melt-in-your-mouth pork simmered in soy sauce and sugar, a hallmark of Shanghai cuisine.

Shanghai Cuisine Soups

1.  腌笃鲜 (Yāndǔxiān) – Bamboo Shoot & Pork Soup

2.  A springtime favorite blending salted pork, fresh bamboo shoots, and tofu knots.松鼠桂鱼 (Sōngshǔ Guīyú) – Sweet & Squirrel Mandarin Fish

Crispy fried fish drenched in tangy sauce, shaped like a squirrel (a playful Shanghai cuisine classic).

Staple Foods

1.  葱油拌面 (Cōngyóu Bànmiàn) – Scallion Oil Noodles

Simple yet addictive noodles tossed in fragrant scallion oil, a staple for Shanghai Travel Tips seekers.

2.  粢饭团 (Cīfàn Tuán) – Glutinous Rice Roll

Breakfast street food stuffed with pickled veggies, pork floss, and crispy youtiao (fried dough).

Popular Hokkien & Local Snacks

1.  葱油饼 (Cōngyóu Bǐng) – Scallion Pancake

2.  Flaky, pan-fried layers stuffed with scallions, often paired with soy milk.汤圆 (Tāngyuán) – Sweet Rice Balls

Chewy glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame or red bean paste, served in ginger syrup.

Why Try These Dishes?

A Shanghai food tour isn’t complete without tasting these classics. Pair your meals with Shanghai travel tips like visiting Yuyuan Bazaar for street snacks or booking a Shanghai city tour that includes culinary stops. From savory to sweet, Shanghai cuisine offers something for every palate.