Shanghai, China’s most dynamic and culturally diverse city, boasts a unique culinary style known as ‘Benbang’ (本帮菜) or ‘Hu cuisine’ (沪菜). So, you just finished our Shanghai Food Tours and are looking for a deeper dive into the city’s food scene? You’re in the right place! Originating in communal neighborhoods, this cuisine emphasizes the natural essence of fresh, seasonal ingredients—from vegetables and seafood to delicate water plants. Influenced by nearby regions like Zhejiang, Suzhou, and Anhui, these dishes balance light, delicate flavors with just the right hints of sweetness and savory depth.
With countless dining options, finding the best spots can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve handpicked a selection of must-visit spots, from upscale restaurants to cozy neighborhood favorites. These venues offer Shanghai classics and often provide English menus or helpful photos. Even if they don’t, we’ve highlighted their signature dishes for you. Use this guide to dive into Shanghai’s rich, diverse flavors!
If Beijing is renowned for its Peking Duck, Shanghai proudly offers its Crab Meat and Crab Roe dishes. As you step into this restaurant, you can directly observe the chef’s skillful hands swiftly cracking open crabs, expertly extracting their succulent meat and vibrant roe. Every piece is carefully collected and transformed into a luscious golden topping, ready to grace your choice of noodles or rice.
The richness of the crab roe provides a decadent ‘golden therapy’ for your taste buds. Whether served over tender noodles or fluffy rice, this dish promises a delectable experience that embodies the essence of Shanghai’s culinary tradition.
Where it’s located: Zhejiang East Road#441, Huangpu District, Shanghai
What to Order:
What We Love: A must-go gem if you are a crab-lover!
Average Price: 110 RMB/Person
Opening Hours: 10:30-21:30 Daily
Show Your Taxi Driver: 庄氏隆兴·蟹粉面道（南京东路店）
Map: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map
To blend in as a true Shanghainese, visiting this charming local restaurant along a bustling street is a must. Initially serving just its neighborhood, it gained popularity through word of mouth for its meticulously crafted dishes. Over time, the menu has expanded to blend authentic Shanghai flavors with enticing influences from nearby provinces. Despite its cozy size, the restaurant provides a vibrant dining experience, often drawing enthusiastic crowds, especially during peak hours.
Fresh seafood and vegetables are transformed into delectable creations, each dish showcasing the chef’s remarkable talent. Imagine diving into a plate where the delicate flavors of perfectly cooked seafood meet the crisp freshness of locally sourced vegetables. Every bite is a burst of rich, satisfying flavors that not only delight your palate but also leave you yearning for more.
Pro Tip: Visit at lunchtime or during off-peak dinner hours to avoid long waits.
Where it’s located: Nanjing East Rd#636, Huangpu District, Shanghai (close to People’s Square Subway Station, exit 14)
What to Order:
What We Love: Imagine living here and popping over to your neighbor’s for homemade lunch!
Average Price: 130 RMB/Person
Opening Hours: 11:00-14:00 17:00-21:00 Daily
Show Your Taxi Driver: 晓平饭店
Maps: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map
Imagine dining in 19th-century Shanghai at this Michelin-starred gem, where the vintage décor and authentic atmosphere transport you straight to the city’s golden era. If you appreciate old-world charm and evocative narratives, you’ll fall in love with this place.
The menu features a unique array of seafood and seasonal vegetables, masterfully prepared to capture the essence of Shanghai’s culinary heritage. Among the highlights is their signature Drunken Crab—tender crab meat soaked in rich, aged Chinese wine, enhancing its natural sweetness. Another standout is the Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy with Chicken Oil, a delightful dish that brings out the richness of local greens. The Sweet and Sour Smoked Fish, a harmonious blend of light sweetness and savory soy sauce, offers a perfect balance of fish flavors.
Pro Tip: To skip the crowds, visit during early-lunch or off-peak dinner hours.
Where it’s located: Zhaojiabang Road#407, Xuhui District, Shanghai
What to Order:
What We Love: Enjoy old-Shanghai dishes when immerse yourself back in the golden era
Average Price: 200 RMB/Person
Opening Hours: 11:00-14:00 17:00-21:30 Daily
Show Your Taxi Driver: 人和馆（肇嘉浜路店）
Maps: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map
You can’t miss this beloved Chinese Rice Cake dessert spot in the heart of a vibrant district. These rice cakes, adored for their soft, chewy texture, come in a variety of sweet and savory options. Crafted from perfectly steamed or sticky rice, each one is filled with an array of delicious ingredients. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rice cake and feeling it gently dissolve in your mouth, releasing the rich, comforting flavors of its filling. Whether you prefer the subtle sweetness of red bean or the savory depth of minced pork and egg yolk, each bite transforms into a little taste of paradise.
Pro Tip: They have locations throughout the city, but this one is a must-go. Here, you can also enjoy a range of classic Shanghai dishes alongside your rice cakes, making it the perfect stop for a truly local dining experience.
Where it’s located: Nanjing East Rd#636, Huangpu District, Shanghai (close to People’s Square Subway Station, exit 14)
What to Order:
What We Love: The unique red bean and meat-stuffing flavor rice cake, right downtown.
Average Price: 20 RMB/Person
Opening Hours: 7:00-21:00 Daily
Show Your Taxi Driver: 沈大成（南京东路店）
Maps: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map
For 20 years, this Zen-inspired vegetarian spot has been quietly serving up tranquility. The moment you step in, you’ll be greeted by a wave of calm and a warm welcome.
The menu here sticks to the Zen philosophy of simplicity and purity. You can forget about imitation meats—instead, you’ll enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of each season. Every dish is thoughtfully presented and perfectly seasoned to bring out its true taste while keeping things light and healthy.
To make your experience even more special, you can choose to sit at communal tables, in private dining rooms, or on an outdoor terrace with lovely street views. Whether you’re catching up with friends or savoring a quiet moment alone, this place is a cozy haven where you can relax.
Where it’s located: Xinhua Road #349\359, Changning District, Shanghai
What to Order:
What We Love: Creative and delicate vegetarian sanctuary for all-type of eaters.
Average Price: 130 RMB/Person
Opening Hours: 10:30-20:30 Daily
Show Your Taxi Driver: 五观堂素食（新华路店）
Map: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map
From Peking duck to the humble dumpling, we have compiled a few of our favorite foreigner-friendly local restaurants in Beijing. Criteria for this list means they have menus with English and/or photos and serve authentic and stupid-delicious fare. This is your meal itinerary if you’re traveling through Beijing. Don’t just pick one, try them all.
Coffee culture isn’t strong (or native) in China, but these cafes in Beijing will have you thinking otherwise. Criteria for our list considered all of the following: good coffee, decent wifi, comfortable vibe, and clean bathrooms.
After three years, China is reopening its border to tourists, effective immediately! Based on what we’ve seen in other parts of the world post-pandemic, the best time to visit a reopened country is early – before all of the crowds return. We’ve got all the details you need to start planning your next trip to China…
Sign up for our newsletter!
