Shanghai is a melting pot of flavors, blending traditional Chinese cooking with modern culinary trends. The city’s food scene is as diverse as its culture, offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred dining experiences. Whether you're a foodie looking for authentic local flavors or simply eager to taste something new, this guide will take you through Shanghai's must-try dishes, iconic eateries, and food markets, ensuring you savor the best the city has to offer.

1. Iconic Shanghai Dishes:

Ÿ   Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Perhaps the most famous Shanghai dish, xiaolongbao are delicate dumplings filled with juicy pork and a savory broth. Diners bite into the dumpling to release the flavorful soup before devouring the filling. Where to try: Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰), Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包).

Ÿ   Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Dumplings): Crispy on the bottom and soft on the top, shengjianbao are another must-try. These dumplings are pan-fried, giving them a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Where to try: Yang's Fried Dumplings (小杨生煎).

Ÿ   Hongshao Rou (Red-Braised Pork): A comforting dish of slow-cooked pork belly, hongshao rou is known for its rich, caramelized sauce made with soy, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. The meat is tender and melts in your mouth. Where to try: Jesse (老吉士).

Ÿ   Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish (Songshu Guiyu): A classic dish from Shanghai’s neighboring Suzhou, this sweet-and-sour fish is shaped like a squirrel and deep-fried to golden perfection. The sauce, a blend of vinegar and sugar, is both tangy and sweet. Where to try: Old Jesse (老吉士).

2. Street Food Adventures: Shanghai’s street food scene is vibrant, offering quick bites that pack a punch in flavor.

Ÿ   Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancake): A flaky, savory pancake stuffed with scallions, it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You'll find vendors making these fresh on the street. Where to find: Wujiang Road Night Market (吴江路夜市).

Ÿ   Jianbing (Chinese Crepe): Often eaten for breakfast, jianbing is a thin crepe filled with eggs, scallions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and crispy wonton skin for texture. It’s the ultimate Shanghai grab-and-go snack. Where to find: Street stalls near People’s Square.

Ÿ   Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorn): A popular street snack, tanghulu are skewered fruits (usually hawthorns) coated in a crunchy sugar glaze. Sweet and slightly tart, it’s a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth. Where to find: Yuyuan Garden Bazaar (豫园).

3. Exploring Shanghai’s Food Markets:

Ÿ   Yuyuan Garden Bazaar (豫园商城): Located near the historic Yuyuan Garden, this bazaar offers a wide range of street food and snacks. Whether you're craving dumplings, fried rice cakes, or sweet pastries, you’ll find something to satisfy your hunger here.

Ÿ   Tongchuan Road Seafood Market (通川路水产市场): For seafood lovers, Tongchuan Road is a must-visit. It’s one of the biggest seafood markets in the city, where you can handpick your fresh seafood and have it cooked at one of the nearby restaurants.

Ÿ   Qibao Old Town (七宝古镇): Located in the suburbs of Shanghai, Qibao is an ancient water town known for its snacks like Qibao rice cakes and roasted chestnuts. Strolling through its streets is like stepping back in time while enjoying classic street food.

4. Fine Dining and Fusion Cuisine: While street food is a huge part of the experience, Shanghai is also home to numerous fine-dining establishments that take traditional flavors and elevate them with modern techniques.

Ÿ   Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet: A one-of-a-kind multi-sensory dining experience, Ultraviolet combines cutting-edge technology with innovative cuisine, offering a dining adventure like no other in Shanghai.

Ÿ   Fu He Hui (福和慧): This Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant offers a tranquil atmosphere and beautifully presented dishes that draw inspiration from traditional Chinese cooking.

Ÿ   M on the Bund: A pioneer in Shanghai's Western fine dining scene, M on the Bund serves a fusion of Mediterranean and modern European dishes, all while offering stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline.

5. Tips for Food Lovers:

Ÿ   Best Time to Eat: Many restaurants in Shanghai offer lunch specials from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, so it's a great time to try a variety of dishes at a lower price.

Ÿ   Local Etiquette: When dining in traditional Shanghai restaurants, sharing dishes with your group is common practice. Don't be afraid to order a variety and enjoy a communal dining experience.

Ÿ   Language Tips: While many restaurants have English menus, it’s helpful to know a few key Chinese phrases like "Bu yao la" (不要辣, "no spicy") if you're sensitive to spice or "Bu yao xiangcai" (不要香菜, "no cilantro") for those who dislike cilantro.

Conclusion: From street vendors serving savory snacks to high-end restaurants pushing culinary boundaries, Shanghai’s food scene is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re indulging in local dumplings or exploring the city’s seafood markets, Shanghai offers something for every palate. Be adventurous, try something new, and let your taste buds guide you through this dynamic culinary landscape. Enjoy your Shanghai food journey!