Shanghai Food Tour: The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Must-Eat Dishes & Hidden Gems!

Embarking on a Shanghai food tour is one of the best ways to experience the city’s vibrant culture. This curated “Must-Eat List,” approved by locals, will guide you to the most authentic flavors. Get ready for a delicious adventure!

From sizzling pan-fried buns to delicate soup dumplings and hearty local noodles, these classic dishes define Shanghai’s culinary scene. Follow this guide for an unforgettable Shanghai food tour experience.

1. Da Hu Chun

A benchmark for Shanghai pan-fried buns, Da Hu Chun boasts a 90-year history. Their buns use a fully fermented dough, making them soft, thick, and chewy. The filling is generous and firm. Pro tip: dip them in rice vinegar and pair with a bowl of curry beef soup for a classic old-school Shanghai flavor.

Address: 136 Sichuan Middle Road, Huangpu District

Approx. Cost: ~¥40 / ~$6 USD

2. Dong Tai Xiang Pan-Fried Bun Restaurant

This iconic spot uses a semi-fermented process, resulting in a thin, elastic dough with an extra-crispy bottom. The filling is fresh and juicy. It’s open 24 hours, perfect for a late-night Shanghai food tour stop.

Address: 188 Chongqing North Road, Huangpu District

3. Hu Jia Shuang Guotie (Hu Family Double Potstickers)

Potstickers are a staple of Shanghai snacks. Their potstickers are filled with rich broth and have a golden-brown, crispy base. The aroma is irresistible. It’s conveniently located about 100 meters from Metro Line 8’s Xizang North Road Station.

Address: 235-1 Zhongshan North Road, Jing’an District

4. Shui Feng Guotie (Shui Feng Potstickers)

Famous for thin skin and juicy fillings. Locals often buy these and take them to the noodle shop next door—a unique local tradition to experience on your Shanghai food tour.

Address: 450 Yanji East Road, Yangpu District

5. Fu Mai Xiao Long (Fu Mai Steamed Buns)

Their fresh pork xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are steamed to order. The dough is soft and chewy, and the filling is generous. The soup inside is deliciously flavorful.

Address: 157 Tianshan West Road, Changning District

6. Wanshouzhai

This spot gained fame after being recommended by a popular singer. The xiaolongbao has plentiful soup and firm meat, all at an affordable price.

Address: 123 Shanyin Road, Hongkou District

7. Mu’s Scallion Pancake

A favorite for over 20 years. Their scallion pancakes are small, thick, and not greasy. They are moist and soft inside, widely recognized by locals.

Address: 269 Wuyi Road, Changning District

8 . Large Intestine Noodles

Popular for nearly 40 years. Regulars use a secret code: “Boss, a bowl of spicy grilled meat!” The large intestine is tender and juicy. Diners love it so much they sometimes bring their own chairs!

Address: 107A, 1st Floor, No. 686, Xizang South Road, Huangpu District

9. Huxi Old Alley Noodle Shop

Famous for its large intestine noodles and freshly stir-fried toppings. Try the clam and pork liver noodles or the eight-treasure spicy sauce noodles. A few ounces of noodles with rich toppings make a fulfilling meal.

Address: 101, No. 685, Dingxi Road, Changning District

10. Weixiangzhai

Shanghai noodles are incredibly diverse. Beyond rich toppings, they offer smooth sesame sauce noodles. Their refreshing cold noodles are a summer favorite.

Address: No. 14, Yandang Road, Huangpu District

11. Guangmingcun

This shop has queues all year round. It’s famous for fresh meat mooncakes and stalls overflowing with braised duck and smoked fish. It’s a great place to buy local delicacies.

Address: 588 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District

12. Xinyuan Private Kitchen

A state-run style restaurant serving authentic Shanghainese cuisine. Signature dishes include pork offal and Shaoxing wine chicken. Even celebrity Yao Ming is a regular.

Address: Room 102, Building 1, Shangjie, 508 Jiashan Road, Xuhui District

13. Haijinzi

One of the “Three Giants of Shanghainese Cuisine” on Jinxian Road. This affordable, home-style restaurant is a local canteen. Must-tries include scallion-roasted pork chops and crab roe omelet.

Address: 240 Jinxian Road, Huangpu District

14. Chun Restaurant

Another gem on Jinxian Road, rivaling the “Big Three.” Their stuffed snails are incredibly generous. The meat filling is substantial, with a perfect blend of aromas and a hint of Shaoxing wine.

Address: 124 Jinxian Road, Huangpu District

15. Wang Er Shuai Lao Mu Zi Chicken

This is Shanghai-style fried chicken, sold by weight. It has a complex fragrance of sweet bean sauce and five-spice powder. The skin is crispy, and the meat is juicy. Many people buy a whole chicken.

Address: No. 1513, Xinshi North Road, Jiangwan Town, Hongkou District

Flavorful Restaurants: Experience Local Life

Shanghai hides many unforgettable, flavorful spots.

16. Fen Jia

A top-tier Liuzhou snail rice noodle shop. The smell is pungent, but the taste is deliciously sour and spicy! In summer, try their sweet and refreshing tapioca soup.

Address: Shop No. 83, Yangzhai Road, Changning District

17. Jiangxi Restaurant

A “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant with strong local flavor. It showcases the warmth of everyday life. On summer nights, enjoy ice-cold beer and snacks here.

Address: No. 472, Dapu Road, Huangpu District

18. Ri Kui Okonomiyaki

An izakaya-style okonomiyaki restaurant. Each bite offers a fusion of egg, cabbage, pork, and octopus. It’s rich, satisfying, and great value.

Address: No. 677 Xianxia Road, Changning District

19. Zhuangyuanlou Hotel

“Zao Huo” (dishes made with fermented rice wine sauce) is a unique Shanghai delicacy. This Ningbo-style restaurant is famous for its “Zao Huo.” Their sauce is savory with a hint of sweetness.

Address: No. 460 Gubei Road, Changning District

Popular Restaurants Worth the Wait

These popular spots are worth queuing for with friends!

20. Xiji Hong Kong and Kowloon Night Market Stalls

A must-visit street market! Chefs prepare Cantonese dishes on-site. Their signature Temple Street Fried Chicken uses the Typhoon Shelter style. It’s tender and nestled in layers of fried garlic.

Address: 3M Floor, Shanghai Real Estate Building, No. 9 Donghu Road, Xuhui District

21. Guan Guan Ji Halal Restaurant

Always packed, even with three floors. Their signature hand-pulled lamb is air-shipped daily from Ningxia. The boiled lamb is fragrant with just a touch of salt. The hand-pulled rice is also a must-try.

Address: No. 70-2, Zhejiang Middle Road, Huangpu District

22. Shan Shi Liu Guizhou Cuisine

A Guizhou restaurant with Michelin connections. The sour soup fish is a must-order. The soup is fermented in Kaili and transported to Shanghai, full of natural mountain flavors.

Address: Room L307, 3rd Floor, K11 Art Mall, No. 300 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District

23. Thai Gallery Restaurant

Exquisite Thai cuisine in a beautiful setting inside Jing’an Park. Surrounded by trees and a lake, it feels like a vacation. Their array of curry dishes is dazzling.

Address: No. 1649 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District

24. NOBLE Restaurant

Specializing in modern Huaiyang cuisine. Their braised lion’s head meatballs are tender and flavorful. The smoked suckling pig and dragon beard fish are also highly popular.

Address: L612, South Tower, 6th Floor, Grand Gateway 66, Xuhui District

25. Chaimen Fan’er

A long-established Sichuan restaurant, popular in Chengdu for 20 years. Their award-winning Ma Lang Tofu and Sesame Red Oil Chicken let you experience internationally-styled Sichuan cuisine.

Address: L811, L+Mall, Lujiazui Center, No. 899 Pudong South Road, Pudong New Area

Quick & Delicious Eats

Short on time? These hidden gem fast-food spots are visually appealing, delicious, and time-saving.

26. Shake Shack

A bit pricey but worth it for a treat. The Cheese Beef Mushroom Burger bursts with cheese and generous mushrooms. A truly worthwhile indulgent meal.

Address: N1-22, North Zone, Jing’an Kerry Centre, No. 1515 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District

Approx. Cost: ~¥80 / ~$11 USD

27. NYC Deli (New York Sandwich)

This sandwich offers an authentic American flavor. The Philadelphia Cheese Beef Sandwich is incredibly generous. Baguette, beef, cheese, and onion create a rich, layered texture.

Address: 209 Fujian Middle Road, Huangpu District

28. Kabuli Fried Chicken

Many consider this the number one fried chicken. The portions are large, the skin is crispy, and the meat is juicy. We recommend the scallion and salt flavor and the cheese flavor.

Address: LG2-530, Jin Hongqiao Shopping Mall, 179 Maotai Road, Changning District

29. Tubestation Pizza

Ever seen a giant pizza that feeds 10? Their 32-inch four-in-one giant pizza is an experience. American style, with a crispy crust and chewy texture. We highly recommend the chicken and beef flavors.

We hope this Shanghai food tour guide helps you enjoy a delicious trip! Have a good appetite!