China · tool
Shanghai food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Shanghai.
What to eat in Shanghai
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
Delicate soup dumplings filled with savory pork and a rich, steaming broth. The trick is to bite a small hole to release the soup before eating the dumpling itself.
Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉)
Braised pork belly, slow-cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine until meltingly tender and caramelized. It's a quintessential Shanghainese sweet and savory comfort food.
Shengjianbao (生煎包)
Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy, golden-brown bottom and a fluffy, steamed top, usually filled with a juicy meatball and broth. They are typically eaten hot, with care to avoid the scalding soup.
Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面)
Simple yet incredibly flavorful noodles tossed with a fragrant, homemade scallion oil and a touch of soy sauce. It’s a beloved quick meal and breakfast staple.
Hairy Crab (大闸蟹)
A seasonal delicacy (autumn months), prized for its sweet, rich roe and tender meat. It's typically steamed and served with vinegar and ginger dipping sauce.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Charming tree-lined streets with a mix of historic villas and modern eateries, offering a sophisticated dining scene.
Bustling traditional area with historic architecture, packed with snack stalls and classic Shanghainese restaurants.
A dynamic district blending modern skyscrapers with traditional temples, featuring a wide range of international and local dining options.
Restored Shikumen (stone-gate houses) transformed into chic restaurants, bars, and boutiques, creating an upscale entertainment hub.
Dietary notes
Shanghainese cuisine is generally rich in pork and seafood, with a pronounced sweet and savory flavor profile. Vegetarian and vegan options can be found, especially in Buddhist vegetarian restaurants or by specifically requesting modifications, but may require effort. Gluten-free options are challenging due to common use of soy sauce and wheat-based noodles.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not customary in China, and attempting to tip can sometimes cause confusion or mild offense.
- •While mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are dominant, carry some cash for smaller vendors or older establishments that may not accept foreign cards.
- •It's polite to accept food and drinks offered by hosts, even if you can only take a small portion.
- •Chopstick etiquette is important: do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl (resembles incense for the dead) or use them to spear food.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends or for dinner.