Shanghai Food Guide 2026:
Soup Dumplings, Comfort Food & Stylish Dining
From delicate xiaolongbao to glossy red-braised pork—Shanghai offers China's most refined comfort food alongside cutting-edge modern restaurants.
Shanghai at a Glance
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city, and its food scene reflects that perfectly. Here, traditional Shanghainese comfort food sits alongside world-class modern restaurants, making it ideal for travelers who want variety.
Unlike Sichuan's fire or Cantonese lightness, Shanghai cuisine (本帮菜, běnbāng cài) is slightly sweet, richly sauced, and deeply satisfying. Red-braised everything, soup-filled dumplings, and pan-fried buns are the stars.
This guide shows you what to eat, where to find it, and how to navigate one of Asia's most exciting food cities.
Why Shanghai Belongs on Your 2026 Itinerary
Shanghai ranks No.3 in our Top 10 Food Cities guide—here's why it's perfect for food travelers.
1. Most accessible for first-timers
More English signage, international infrastructure, and gentle flavors make Shanghai the easiest entry point into Chinese food culture.
2. Best soup dumplings on Earth
Xiaolongbao was perfected here. From legendary spots like Din Tai Fung to neighborhood gems, Shanghai does soup dumplings better than anywhere.
3. Modern + traditional in one city
Have xiaolongbao for lunch in a 100-year-old teahouse, then dinner at a Michelin-starred tasting menu. Shanghai offers both worlds.
4. Perfect hub city
High-speed rail to Hangzhou (45 mins), Suzhou (25 mins), and Beijing (4 hours) makes Shanghai ideal for multi-city trips.
Must-Eat Shanghai Dishes
These three dishes alone justify a trip to Shanghai.
Xiaolongbao · 小笼包
Delicate soup dumplings with paper-thin wrappers holding hot, savory broth and pork. Bite, slurp the soup, then eat. The technique takes practice—but it's worth mastering.
Shengjianbao · 生煎包
Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy golden bottom, fluffy top, and soup inside. Like xiaolongbao's street-food cousin—messier, crispier, and equally addictive.
Hong Shao Rou · 红烧肉
Red-braised pork belly—glossy, caramelized cubes of melt-in-your-mouth pork simmered in soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Shanghai's ultimate comfort dish.
Shortcut: 1 Day, 3 Essential Shanghai Bites
- Breakfast: Shengjianbao at Yang's Dumplings
- Lunch: Xiaolongbao at Jia Jia Tang Bao or Din Tai Fung
- Dinner: Hong shao rou + seasonal vegetables at a local Benbang restaurant
Where to Eat: Neighborhoods & Vibes
1. Yu Garden Area (豫园) — Classic Shanghai
Touristy but worth it for the old-school atmosphere. Find xiaolongbao, local snacks, and century-old restaurants. Go early to avoid crowds.
2. French Concession — Trendy & Modern
Tree-lined streets, boutique coffee shops, and modern Chinese restaurants. Perfect for brunch, craft cocktails, and contemporary takes on local food.
3. Jing'an — Food Hall Heaven
Modern malls with excellent food courts featuring regional Chinese cuisines. Great for trying many dishes in one place with air conditioning.
4. The Bund & Pudong — Fine Dining Views
Rooftop restaurants and Michelin-starred spots with skyline views. Save this for a special dinner with the city lights as backdrop.
Want to find hidden local gems?
Shanghai's best neighborhood restaurants often have Chinese-only menus. Use Chinese Food Decoder to discover what the locals order.
Seasonal Specialties
Shanghai's food scene changes with the seasons. Time your trip right for these specialties:
What to Eat When
- Sept–Nov: 🦀 Hairy crab season (大闸蟹) — Shanghai's most anticipated food event. Steamed crab with vinegar and ginger.
- Spring: 🌱 Fresh bamboo shoots, river fish, and seasonal greens at their peak.
- Summer: 🍉 Cold noodles, chilled appetizers, and refreshing summer dishes.
- Winter: 🍲 Hot pot weather! Perfect for warming broths and slow-braised dishes.
Pro Tip: Hairy Crab Season
If you visit in October/November, don't miss hairy crab. Female crabs (with more roe) are prized. Look for restaurants advertising "大闸蟹" in their windows.
48-Hour Eating Plan
Day 1: Classic Shanghai
- Morning: Shengjianbao at Yang's Dumplings
- Lunch: Xiaolongbao at Jia Jia Tang Bao (Yu Garden area)
- Afternoon: Coffee in the French Concession, people-watching
- Dinner: Hong shao rou + local dishes at a Benbang restaurant
Day 2: Modern & Diverse
- Morning: Breakfast congee + you tiao (油条) at a local spot
- Lunch: Food court exploration in Jing'an
- Afternoon: Walk the Bund, tea at a rooftop bar
- Dinner: Modern Chinese tasting menu or hairy crab (in season)
Practical Tips
💳 Payment
WeChat Pay and Alipay everywhere. International cards work at hotels and malls. Cash less common but accepted.
🕐 Timing
Lunch: 11:30–13:30. Dinner: 17:30–21:00. Popular xiaolongbao spots get crowded by noon—go early.
🗣️ Language
More English than other Chinese cities. Tourist areas and modern restaurants often have English menus.
🚇 Getting Around
Excellent subway system. DiDi (ride-hailing) works well. French Concession is best explored on foot.
Ready to Explore Shanghai's Food Scene?
Download Chinese Food Decoder before your trip. Navigate any menu—from neighborhood dumpling shops to Michelin-starred restaurants.