Shanghai Street Food: The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Must-Try Dishes & Where to Find Them

Shanghai street food offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the city’s vibrant culinary culture. It’s a world where bold flavors, rich traditions, and incredible value collide. This guide, curated with local insights, will lead you to the very best eats, from sizzling pans in hidden alleys to cherished century-old establishments.

Must-Try Classic Shanghai Street Food Snacks

Embark on your tasting adventure with these iconic bites that define the Shanghai street food scene.

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

These delicate, broth-filled parcels are the crown jewel of local cuisine. For the most authentic experience, skip the tourist spots and head to a local favorite.

Local’s Pick: Guyi Garden Restaurant, considered the birthplace of Xiao Long Bao.

Ordering Tips: A basket of classic pork Xiao Long Bao costs around ¥30 (approx. $4.50 USD). Gently bite a corner, sip the rich broth first, then enjoy the dumpling. For a luxurious twist, try the crab roe version.

Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Buns)

A true staple of Shanghai street food, these buns boast a crispy, golden bottom and a soft, steamed top, filled with juicy pork.

Dahuchun: A top choice for locals. Their crab roe and pork buns are a delight (4 for ~¥14.5 / ~$2.10 USD).

Tasting Tip: Let them cool for a moment to avoid burning your mouth on the hot, savory soup inside.

Hearty & Savory Shanghai Street Food Staples

Pork Ribs and Rice Cakes

This classic combination features fried pork ribs and soft, chewy rice cakes, all glazed in a signature sauce.

Where to Go: Xiandelai at 6 Yunnan South Road.

The Deal: Set Meal A, with a pork rib, rice cakes, and soup, is only ¥23 (approx. $3.30 USD). Dip the rib in Shanghai’s spicy soy sauce for the full experience.

The Best Noodle Shops for Authentic Shanghai Street Food

Noodles are a pillar of the local diet. These shops serve up some of the most beloved bowls in the city.

Huxi Old Alley Noodle Shop

Address: 685 Dingxi Road

Must-Try: Clam and Pork Liver Noodles (¥32 / ~$4.50 USD). Toppings are generous, and noodle refills are free!

Tip: Go early to avoid long queues. The service is famously friendly.

Changjiao Noodle Shop

Address: 561 Fuxing Middle Road

Specialty: Signature “Long-Legged Pork” Noodle Soup. It’s a simple, comforting bowl perfect for a cold day.

Dingtel Congee & Noodle Shop

Address: 22, Lane 494, Huaihai Middle Road (Easy to miss, but worth the hunt!)

Honors: Michelin-recommended for five years.

Must-Try: The incredibly flavorful Braised Yellow Croaker Noodle Soup and the crispy Fried Pork Chop.

Shanghai Breakfast’s “Four Heavenly Kings”

Start your day like a local with these four essential breakfast items, a cornerstone of morning street food culture.

Dabing (Big Flatbread): A savory or sweet oven-baked bread.

Youtiao (Fried Dough Sticks): Perfect for dipping.

Cifan (Sticky Rice Ball): Glutinous rice wrapped around youtiao, pork floss, and other fillings.

Soy Milk: Don’t miss the savory version, a life-changing porridge-like drink with shrimp, greens, and youtiao crumbs.

Recommended Shop: Zhang Ji Fried Dough Sticks. Try their “all-ingredient” rice ball.

More Unforgettable Shanghai Street Food Specialties

Scallion Pancake

Where: Lao Tan Tou Scallion Pancake. Crispy, flaky, and packed with scallion flavor. Add an egg for a perfect snack.

Qingtuan & Shuangniangtuan

Where: Shen Dacheng, a century-old shop founded in 1875.

Qingtuan: Sweet green rice dumplings, best eaten warm.

Shuangniangtuan: Glutinous rice balls with dual fillings of red bean and black sesame, rolled in coconut.

Poached Chicken

Where: Xiao Shaoxing (Yunnan South Road branch). A local institution since 1943.

Serving Suggestion: Order the poached chicken with a side of chicken porridge. Be sure to visit this original branch for the most authentic taste.

Classic Shanghai Restaurants for a Sit-Down Meal

For a deeper dive into local flavors, visit these beloved, no-frills restaurants.

Xing’an Restaurant

Address: Luwan District Xinhai Road, 145 Xing’an Road

Experience: A tiny, popular spot with only 8 tables. It offers amazing value.

Must-Try: Salted egg yolk pork ribs, braised pork belly.

Cost: Expect to pay around ¥80 (approx. $11.50 USD) per person.

Xiaoping Restaurant

Address: 202 Jiashan Road

Must-Try: Stir-fried pork liver (incredibly tender), Grandma’s braised pork, and Shanghai Fried Noodles.

Tip: This is a well-known spot, so be prepared to queue.

Beyond Street Food: Classic Shanghai Dishes to Try

In a proper restaurant, don’t miss these classic dishes that showcase the breadth of Shanghai cuisine:

Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Eight-Treasure Duck

Shanghai Smoked Fish

Crystal Noodles Shrimp

Stir-fried River Shrimp

Practical Tips for Your Shanghai Street Food Adventure

Payment: Mobile pay (WeChat Pay/Alipay) is king. Carry some cash for older, smaller stalls.

Ordering: For trendy spots like “Grandma’s Milk Tea,” order via their mini-app in the morning to avoid long wait times. Their Taro Milk Tea is a classic.

Be Adventurous: Don’t shy away from unfamiliar ingredients like pork liver or intestine—they are local delicacies! The cuisine tends to be rich and slightly sweet.

Local Experiences: Try a “local work meal” in an office building cafeteria for an affordable buffet. Visit a “Laiyifen” snack chain to see what locals buy for home.

Explore: The best Shanghai street food is often found in unassuming alleyways. Follow the locals!

Exploring Shanghai street food is the best way to connect with the city’s soul. From a steaming basket of soup dumplings to a crispy scallion pancake, every bite tells a story. Enjoy your culinary journey!