Top Ten Local Foods in Shanghai
Soup dumplings.
When it comes to Shanghai cuisine, the classic dish that first comes to mind is soup dumplings (小笼包). To make soup dumplings, you start by rolling dough into thin skins, then filling them with pork, shrimp, crab, or other vegetables, and steaming them in a round bamboo basket. When you take a bite, the delicate skin breaks, and the flavorful broth flows out, making it irresistible.
Many people are unaware of how the soup is infused into the dumplings. In fact, the broth is made by simmering pig skin with water, which cools and solidifies into a jelly-like substance. This jelly is then placed inside the dumplings, and when heated, it melts into a delicious soup.
Recommended restaurant: Jia Jia Tang Bao
Address: 9 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai.
Shanghai smoked fish
Shanghai smoked fish is a traditional and classic cold dish. The term "smoked" refers to the process of cutting the fish into thick pieces and marinating it in a rich sauce, rather than actual smoking. To prepare Shanghai smoked fish, fresh fish (often carp) is used and marinated with spices to enhance the "smoky" flavor. The fish is then deep-fried and drizzled with sauce, finishing off with a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds for garnish. The fish skin is crispy, and the seasoning is just right, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike, thus becoming one of Shanghai's classic dishes.
Recommended restaurant: Fu 1039
Address: 1039 Yuyuan Road, Changning District, Shanghai.
Pan-fried buns
Another highly recommended snack in Shanghai is the pan-fried bun (生煎包). Pan-fried buns are similar to soup dumplings (小笼包) in that both are filled with minced pork, and biting into one releases flavorful broth. However, unlike soup dumplings, pan-fried buns are cooked in a skillet until the bottom is crispy while the rest remains soft. They are also larger and thicker than soup dumplings, making them more bread-like in texture.
During the preparation, chefs add oil to a large skillet and fry the bottoms of the buns until golden and crispy. Then, they pour in a little water and immediately cover the skillet with a wooden lid, allowing the tops to steam until cooked. Finally, toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions are sprinkled on top before serving hot. Pan-fried buns are soft and juicy, making them a favorite among many locals in Shanghai.
A well-known restaurant famous for pan-fried buns is Xiao Yang Sheng Jian.
Address: 1601 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai.
Scallion pancakes
In China, jianbing is a staple food in many places, but the scallion pancake from Shanghai stands out with its unique texture. Shanghai scallion pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a rich aroma of scallions and oil. Taking a bite reveals a delightful crunch. When you tear it apart while it's still hot, you'll find the layers are rich and the scallion flavor is abundant, filling the air with a wonderful fragrance.
Recommended restaurant: A Po Scallion Pancake
Address: No. 578, Xiangyang South Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Four Joys Glutinous Wheat Gluten
Si Xi Kao Fu is a cold dish that many people in Shanghai have enjoyed since childhood. Kao Fu is made from raw gluten, which becomes soft and elastic after soaking in water, with a flavor similar to tofu. In a wok, sliced bamboo shoots, various mushrooms, and soaked Kao Fu are cooked over low heat and then seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and sesame oil. "Si Xi" means "wealth" in Shanghainese, which is why this dish often appears during the Lunar New Year. Vegetarians will definitely enjoy this dish.
Recommended restaurant: A Po Scallion Pancake
Address: No. 578, Xiangyang South Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Crab Shell Cake.
Crab Shell Cake is a traditional Shanghai snack with a golden-brown crust that closely resembles the shell of a crab, which is how it got its name. It can be sweet or savory; the sweet version is filled with red bean or jujube paste, while the savory one uses chopped scallions and minced pork as filling. Once baked, the crispy outer layer is sprinkled with sesame seeds. Taking a bite reveals the distinct layers and rich texture of the cake. Most Crab Shell Cakes can be kept for a week, making them a popular souvenir for travelers.
Recommended restaurant: Wang Jiashe
Address: 805 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai.
Braised Yellow Croaker Noodles
Dumpling noodle soup has always been a beloved dish, but there are other styles of noodle soup that don't receive as much praise. Among them, Braised Yellow Croaker Noodles is an underrated dish from Shanghai, yet many locals truly enjoy this bowl of noodles. The tender and juicy yellow croaker is a common ingredient in Shanghai cuisine. First, fish bones are simmered for several hours to create a creamy, white fish broth, which is then combined with noodles, allowing them to absorb the delicious flavor of the broth. Braised Yellow Croaker Noodles is definitely a must-try dish when visiting Shanghai.
Recommended Restaurant: Xian Delai
Address: 46 Yunnan South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Shanghai Stir-Fried Rice Cakes.
In China, rice cakes (年糕) are a staple made from glutinous rice, known for their soft and chewy texture. Shanghai Stir-Fried Rice Cakes typically include shredded pork, radish, and scallions, all stir-fried and seasoned with sweet sauce. Originally a dish for the Lunar New Year, its deliciousness means it's enjoyed year-round. Try Shanghai Stir-Fried Rice Cakes to experience the charm of classic Shanghai cuisine with its rich flavors.
Recommended Restaurant: Crab Yellow Fish Noodles
Address: 200 Taicang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Steamed Hairy Crab
Shanghai's famous steamed crab uses what locals refer to as "hairy crab" (大闸蟹). These crabs thrive in freshwater rivers and lakes, and autumn is the best season to enjoy them. Many vendors showcase these seasonal delicacies in transparent refrigerators to highlight their exceptional value. Hairy crabs are typically tied with straw and steamed in bamboo baskets for a delicious meal. Known for their rich roe and tender meat, many diners love to savor them slowly. The sweet, fresh flavor of the crab roe is best complemented by a touch of crab vinegar, which enhances its delicate taste without overpowering it with too many spices or seasonings.
Recommended Restaurant: Wang Bao He Restaurant
Address: 603 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Osmanthus Rice Cake
Using flowers in cuisine has a long history in China, adding a touch of spring to the dining table. Shanghai's Osmanthus Rice Cake is made from glutinous rice flour, giving it a soft and chewy texture, making it one of the most popular snacks in the city. Even former U.S. President Bill Clinton enjoyed this treat. During his visit to Shanghai in 1998, he was drawn to the cake's appearance and, despite not knowing how to use chopsticks (and having to switch chopsticks three times), he insisted on trying the Osmanthus Rice Cake.
Recommended Restaurant: Lvwolang New Building
Address: 10 Wenchang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai