Shanghai is one of the most exciting food cities in the world. After living here for many years, I can confidently say that very few dishes are impossible to find. Chefs from every corner of China — and beyond — come to Shanghai to cook, experiment, and serve a city that never seems to stop eating.
Despite the endless variety, there are certain dishes I keep coming back to again and again. With the help of local Shanghainese friends, I’ve put together this guide to traditional foods you should try to truly understand what eating in Shanghai is all about.
What Is Shanghai Cuisine?
Shanghai cuisine, often called Benbang cuisine, originated in the city itself but is also influenced by nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Compared to other regional Chinese cuisines, Shanghai food is usually lighter, slightly sweet, and less spicy.
Soy sauce and sugar play an important role, giving many dishes a signature sweet-savory balance. Seafood is widely used thanks to the city’s coastal location, and rice is more common than noodles.
Over time, foreign influences have blended into local cooking, creating a unique fusion style known as Haipai cuisine. This mix of Chinese and Western techniques has produced dishes like Shanghai-style pork chops, potato salad, and even local versions of borscht.
Must-Try Shanghai Dishes
1. Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao 小笼包)
These delicate dumplings are filled with minced pork and hot, flavorful soup. The thin skin traps the broth inside, which is why eating them carefully is essential. A dip of black vinegar with ginger is all they need.
They’re available all over the city, from small neighborhood shops to well-known restaurants.
2. Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou 红烧肉)
This iconic dish features tender cubes of pork belly cooked in a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine. The result is rich, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting.
It perfectly represents Shanghai’s love for balancing savory flavors with sweetness.
3. Steamed Hairy Crab (Qing Zheng Da Zha Xie 清蒸大闸蟹)
In autumn, Shanghai goes crazy for hairy crab. Steamed simply to highlight its natural flavor, the real prize is the creamy crab roe inside.
It’s not cheap and takes patience to eat, but for locals, it’s a seasonal ritual worth waiting for.
Shanghai Chinese Breakfast Favorites
Breakfast is one of the best times to experience Shanghai street food. From early morning, small carts and storefronts serve quick, filling meals for commuters.
4. Shanghai Shao Mai (烧卖)
Unlike Cantonese shumai, Shanghai shao mai is filled with sticky rice rather than minced meat. It’s shaped like a bell and often includes pork, bamboo shoots, or crab.
It’s hearty enough to keep you full until lunchtime.
5. Deep-Fried Dough Stick (Youtiao 油条)
Crispy on the outside and airy inside, youtiao is often eaten with rice porridge or tucked into flatbreads. It’s simple, greasy, and incredibly satisfying.
6. Egg Pancake (Dan Bing 鸡蛋饼)
This popular breakfast wrap is made from a thin egg-and-flour batter cooked on a hot griddle. It’s brushed with sauce and filled with ingredients like meat, scallions, tofu skin, or chili.
Every stall does it slightly differently, which is half the fun.
7. Shandong Pancake (Shandong Jian Bing 山东煎饼)
Thinner and crispier than dan bing, this crepe-like pancake is cooked without oil. Many people add a fried dough stick inside for extra crunch, turning it into a filling street snack.
Why Shanghai Food Is Worth Exploring
Shanghai’s food reflects its history as a trading port and cultural crossroads. Traditional flavors coexist with modern twists, and humble street snacks sit comfortably alongside refined restaurant dishes.
Whether you’re wandering local neighborhoods at breakfast time or sitting down for a long dinner, food is one of the best ways to understand the city.
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