Generated with sparks and insights from 6 sources
Summary
Shanghai's culinary scene is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, offering everything from delicate Xiao Long Bao to the seasonal delight of Steamed Hairy Crab. Street food like Jianbing and Shanghai Fried Noodles provide a taste of local life, while traditional treats like Tanghulu and Dou Hua round out the experience. Each dish offers a unique insight into the city's rich culinary heritage.
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Delicate dumplings filled with meat and savory broth, a must-try delicacy in Shanghai.
Tips
Be careful not to burn yourself when eating. Hold with a soup spoon and poke a hole to sip the broth.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Best Places To Eat Xiao Long Bao In Shanghai (XLB) | China ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0TnRyG2B4M", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 15, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How To: Eat Shanghai Xiao Long Bao", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJOaHXxmytM", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 23, 2015", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Best Dumplings in Shanghai! Amazing Xiao Long Bao ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKOyBtJWvu0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 21, 2018", "length": "" }</div>
Steamed Hairy Crab
A seasonal delicacy enjoyed in late autumn, known for its sweet flavor and tender meat.
Tips
Prepared simply to highlight the crab's natural flavors, often served with rice vinegar, ginger, and scallions.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "\u5927\u95f8\u87f9 Shanghai Hairy Crab", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZflEKzDTmq8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 25, 2014", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How To Eat Chinese Mitten Crab \uff5cHairy Crab\uff5cSweet Chili ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYpNom0pecU", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 8, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Hairy Crab: If you haven't tried it, you are missing out. Seriously.", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya_VMP_W_yo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 7, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
Jianbing (Egg Crepe)
A popular crispy thin crepe, a convenient and delicious hand-held breakfast or snack.
Tips
Best when made fresh by a street vendor. Look for long lines as an indicator of quality.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Shanghai Street Food Tour | JianBing - Chinese Breakfast ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwXtMQNs59g", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 19, 2019", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Jianbing - How to Make Authentic, Street Food style Jianbing ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGpuTEvgr-Y", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 10, 2017", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Shanghai Street Food: Chinese Breakfast Crepe Pancake ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLmEZmeW4eg", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Mar 13, 2018", "length": "" }</div>
Shanghai Fried Noodles
A signature street food dish, featuring thick-cut noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables.
Tips
Enjoy the authentic taste of this dish at street stalls throughout Shanghai.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Chinese Street Food - Best Shanghai Fried Noodles Chow ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuF83AWRcl4", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 3, 2019", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Chinese Street Food - Best Fried Noodles \u7092\u9eb5 Fried rice ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlWowuig1DQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 31, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Chinese Street Food -Fried noodles with egg fried rice, fried ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbauWTD1OXk", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 28, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes)
Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, these pancakes are a local favorite.
Tips
Many locals brave long lines for the best versions of this dish.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Scallion Pancake, Shanghai Street Food-style Congyoubing ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iblk2-1QNGM", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 4, 2018", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Scallion Pancakes Worth Waiting 3 Hours For", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_jaNO4B8FI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 1, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Chinese Scallion Pancakes. Street Food | Cong You Bing / \u8525 ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkfttxo4et0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 1, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorn)
Sparkling glazed fruits on skewers, a sweet and sour treat.
Tips
Hawthorn is traditional, but strawberries and apples are also popular.
Dou Hua (Soy Milk Custard)
A warm, savory breakfast option with a silky smooth texture.
Tips
Enjoy with various garnishes for different flavors, from savory soy sauce and chili oil to sweet sugar syrup.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Easiest 2-Ingredient Chinese Tofu Pudding \u8c46\u8150\u82b1", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfREuhBZyBE", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 5, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Douhua - Silken Tofu (\u8c46\u82b1) - China Eats series", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn1R89_9tdo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 1, 2017", "length": "" }</div>