Shanghai, the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of China, is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich culinary history and cultural diversity, Shanghai offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Shanghainese dishes to international cuisine, the city’s food scene is a true reflection of its cosmopolitan nature. In this blog post, we will explore the best places to eat in Shanghai, covering everything from street food to high-end restaurants.
Traditional Shanghainese Cuisine
Shanghainese cuisine is known for its bold flavors, delicate textures, and emphasis on fresh ingredients. Some of the most popular traditional dishes include Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Jiaozi (dumplings), and Dongpo pork. Here are some of the best places to try these dishes:
Xiaolongbao
Xiaolongbao is a must-try when visiting Shanghai. These delicate soup dumplings are filled with pork and a savory broth. Here are some of the best places to try Xiaolongbao:
- Jia Jia Tang Bao: This popular restaurant is known for its delicious Xiaolongbao and has been featured in many food shows and publications.
- Xiaolongbao Wangfujing: This restaurant is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a wide range of Xiaolongbao flavors.
- Sheng Jian Xiaolongbao: This casual restaurant is a local favorite and offers a variety of Xiaolongbao flavors at an affordable price.
Jiaozi
Jiaozi is a traditional Shanghainese dish that consists of boiled or pan-fried dumplings filled with meat and vegetables. Here are some of the best places to try Jiaozi:
- Jiaozi Wangfujing: This restaurant is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a wide range of Jiaozi flavors.
- Sheng Jian Jiaozi: This casual restaurant is a local favorite and offers a variety of Jiaozi flavors at an affordable price.
- Jiaozi Xiangyang: This restaurant is located in the Xiangyang district and offers a variety of Jiaozi flavors.
Dongpo Pork
Dongpo pork is a classic Shanghainese dish that consists of braised pork belly in a sweet and savory sauce. Here are some of the best places to try Dongpo pork:
- Shanghai Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a wide range of Shanghainese dishes, including Dongpo pork.
- Jia Jia Tang Bao: This popular restaurant is known for its delicious Xiaolongbao and also offers a delicious Dongpo pork dish.
- Sheng Jian Dongpo Pork: This casual restaurant is a local favorite and offers a variety of Dongpo pork flavors at an affordable price.
International Cuisine
Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse range of international cuisines. From Italian to Indian, Japanese to Korean, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best international restaurants in Shanghai:
Italian
Italian cuisine is popular in Shanghai, with many restaurants offering a range of dishes from pasta to pizza. Here are some of the best Italian restaurants in Shanghai: (See Also: Where to Eat in Saint Emilion? Culinary Delights)
- La Scala: This upscale restaurant is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a range of Italian dishes.
- Il Pagliaccio: This popular restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes and has been featured in many food shows and publications.
- La Dolce Vita: This casual restaurant is a local favorite and offers a range of Italian dishes at an affordable price.
Indian
Indian cuisine is also popular in Shanghai, with many restaurants offering a range of dishes from curries to tandoori chicken. Here are some of the best Indian restaurants in Shanghai:
- Spice Market: This upscale restaurant is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a range of Indian dishes.
- Tandoori Nights: This popular restaurant is known for its delicious tandoori chicken and has been featured in many food shows and publications.
- India Palace: This casual restaurant is a local favorite and offers a range of Indian dishes at an affordable price.
Japanese
Japanese cuisine is also popular in Shanghai, with many restaurants offering a range of dishes from sushi to ramen. Here are some of the best Japanese restaurants in Shanghai:
- Sushi-Tei: This upscale restaurant is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a range of sushi dishes.
- Ramen Nagi: This popular restaurant is known for its delicious ramen noodles and has been featured in many food shows and publications.
- Yakiniku Jumbo: This casual restaurant is a local favorite and offers a range of Japanese dishes at an affordable price.
Street Food
Shanghai is also known for its street food, with many vendors offering a range of dishes from snacks to meals. Here are some of the best street food stalls in Shanghai:
Xiaolongbao Street Food
Xiaolongbao is a popular street food in Shanghai, with many vendors offering a range of flavors. Here are some of the best Xiaolongbao street food stalls:
- Xiaolongbao Street Food Stall: This popular street food stall is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a range of Xiaolongbao flavors.
- Jia Jia Tang Bao Street Food: This street food stall is located near the Jia Jia Tang Bao restaurant and offers a range of Xiaolongbao flavors.
- Sheng Jian Xiaolongbao Street Food: This casual street food stall is a local favorite and offers a variety of Xiaolongbao flavors at an affordable price.
Jiaozi Street Food
Jiaozi is another popular street food in Shanghai, with many vendors offering a range of flavors. Here are some of the best Jiaozi street food stalls:
- Jiaozi Street Food Stall: This popular street food stall is located in the heart of Shanghai and offers a range of Jiaozi flavors.
- Sheng Jian Jiaozi Street Food: This casual street food stall is a local favorite and offers a variety of Jiaozi flavors at an affordable price.
- Jiaozi Xiangyang Street Food: This street food stall is located in the Xiangyang district and offers a variety of Jiaozi flavors.
Food Markets
Shanghai is also home to many food markets, where you can find a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Here are some of the best food markets in Shanghai: (See Also: Where to Eat in York England? Top Picks)
People’s Square Food Market
The People’s Square Food Market is one of the most popular food markets in Shanghai, with a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Here are some of the best stalls to visit:
- Fresh Fruit Stall: This stall offers a wide range of fresh fruit, including exotic fruits from around the world.
- Meat and Seafood Stall: This stall offers a wide range of meats and seafood, including fresh fish and shellfish.
- Vegetable Stall: This stall offers a wide range of fresh vegetables, including organic and non-organic options.
Yuyuan Food Market
The Yuyuan Food Market is another popular food market in Shanghai, with a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Here are some of the best stalls to visit:
- Fresh Fruit Stall: This stall offers a wide range of fresh fruit, including exotic fruits from around the world.
- Meat and Seafood Stall: This stall offers a wide range of meats and seafood, including fresh fish and shellfish.
- Vegetable Stall: This stall offers a wide range of fresh vegetables, including organic and non-organic options.
Recap
In conclusion, Shanghai is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Shanghainese cuisine to international flavors, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a casual street food snack or a fine dining experience, Shanghai has it all. Here are some of the best places to eat in Shanghai:
- Xiaolongbao: Jia Jia Tang Bao, Xiaolongbao Wangfujing, and Sheng Jian Xiaolongbao
- Jiaozi: Jiaozi Wangfujing, Sheng Jian Jiaozi, and Jiaozi Xiangyang
- Dongpo Pork: Shanghai Restaurant, Jia Jia Tang Bao, and Sheng Jian Dongpo Pork
- Italian: La Scala, Il Pagliaccio, and La Dolce Vita
- Indian: Spice Market, Tandoori Nights, and India Palace
- Japanese: Sushi-Tei, Ramen Nagi, and Yakiniku Jumbo
- Street Food: Xiaolongbao Street Food Stall, Jiaozi Street Food Stall, and Sheng Jian Xiaolongbao Street Food
- Food Markets: People’s Square Food Market and Yuyuan Food Market
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get around Shanghai?
A: The best way to get around Shanghai is by using the city’s metro system. The metro is efficient, affordable, and easy to use. You can also use taxis, buses, or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing.
Q: What is the best time to visit Shanghai?
A: The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and comfortable. Avoid visiting during the summer, when the heat and humidity can be overwhelming. (See Also: Where to Eat in Laguna Beach? Foodie Guide)
Q: What is the best way to pay for food in Shanghai?
A: The best way to pay for food in Shanghai is by using cash or WeChat Pay. Many restaurants and street food stalls accept WeChat Pay, which is a popular mobile payment method in China.
Q: Can I drink tap water in Shanghai?
A: No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Shanghai. Tap water is not safe to drink in China, and you should stick to bottled or filtered water instead.
Q: What is the best way to communicate with locals in Shanghai?
A: The best way to communicate with locals in Shanghai is by using Mandarin Chinese. Many locals speak some English, but it is still a good idea to learn some basic Mandarin phrases to help you navigate the city.