5 Foods to Try in Shanghai for a True Taste of the City
One of the best ways to experience Shanghai (or any destination) is through its food. The city is famous for its street snacks, comforting noodle dishes, and delicate dumplings that have been perfected over generations.
Whether you’re wandering through local markets or sitting down in a traditional restaurant, Shanghai’s food culture is both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly approachable for first-time visitors.
If you want a quick introduction to the city’s culinary scene, here are five foods you shouldn’t miss.
1. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Perhaps the most famous dish in Shanghai is Xiao long bao, delicate dumplings filled with pork and hot broth.
The magic happens when you bite into one — the dumpling releases a burst of savory soup inside. Locals traditionally place the dumpling in a spoon, poke a small hole, and sip the broth before eating the rest.
Some restaurants even serve giant versions of these dumplings that come with a straw so you can drink the soup first before cutting into the dumpling.
It’s both delicious and a little theatrical, making it one of the most memorable foods to try in the city.
2. Shanghai Scallion Pancakes
A staple of Shanghai street food is the crispy Cong you bing, also known as scallion pancakes.
These savory pancakes are made by layering dough with oil and chopped green onions, then pan-frying them until the outside becomes perfectly crisp while the inside stays soft and chewy.
They’re simple but incredibly satisfying, and they’re often sold from street stalls where you can watch them being cooked fresh on a hot griddle.
For many locals, this is the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast snack.
3. Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings)
Another Shanghai specialty is Shengjianbao.
At first glance they look similar to soup dumplings, but the preparation is completely different.
These dumplings are pan-fried in large shallow pans, giving them a golden crispy bottom while the top remains fluffy and steamed.
Inside, they’re filled with juicy pork and broth, making them both crispy and juicy at the same time — a combination that locals absolutely love.
You’ll often see them topped with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
4. Shanghai Noodles
A comforting dish you’ll see throughout the city is Shanghai noodles.
These thick wheat noodles are stir-fried with soy sauce, vegetables, and often pork or shrimp.
The flavor profile tends to be slightly sweet and savory, reflecting Shanghai cuisine’s love of soy sauce and sugar.
It’s a simple but satisfying dish that locals eat regularly and travelers often find very approachable.
5. Tanghulu (Candied Fruit Skewers)
These colorful fruit skewers are dipped in hardened sugar syrup that creates a shiny candy shell, which makes you wonder if Willy Wonka wandered into Shanghai.
Traditionally they’re made with hawthorn berries, but in modern markets you’ll often see strawberries, grapes, or even kiwi.
The crunchy candy coating combined with the fresh fruit makes them a fun snack to eat while walking through Shanghai’s lively streets.
Which would you try?
Shanghai’s food scene is incredibly diverse, but these five dishes offer a wonderful introduction to the city’s flavors.
From delicate soup dumplings to crispy street snacks, each dish tells a story about the traditions and everyday life of the city.
If you’re visiting Shanghai for the first time — even on a short stopover — trying these foods is one of the best ways to experience the culture.
And who knows… you might discover a new favorite dish along the way.