There’s something magical about the first bite of real Shanghai food: sweet, savoury, comforting, and packed with umami charm. From juicy xiao long bao to glossy braised pork belly, Shanghai’s cuisine is an edible love letter to the city’s rich culture.

A you’re after crispy-bottomed dumplings or slow-cooked family recipes, this city knows how to feed your soul.

For food lovers, authentic Shanghainese fare is a must-try. It’s not just delicious: it’s a story told through soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Traditional dishes reflect a proud culinary heritage, while modern takes offer something surprising with every bite.

In this guide, we’ll dish out where to get the good stuff: from famous dumpling houses to hidden alleyway gems and upscale eateries with a twist. Get your chopsticks ready: you’re about to explore Shanghai through your taste buds.

Activities to Enjoy With Friends in Shanghai

Shanghai cuisine is all about balance: think slightly sweet, delicately salty, and loaded with rich aromas. Signature flavours come from a careful blend of soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, and occasionally a dash of vinegar for depth.

The city’s love for braising, steaming, and pan-frying creates dishes that are full-flavoured yet refined. It’s comfort food with finesse: warm, soulful, and irresistibly moreish.

And let’s not forget the stars of the show: pork (especially belly), fresh seafood, glutinous rice, and seasonal veggies all make repeat appearances on traditional menus.

If you're chasing time-honoured classics, these restaurants are the real deal:

Expect queues, camera flashes, and satisfied sighs. Most spots stick to traditional cooking techniques: so what you’re tasting is the real Shanghai.

Want the kind of food guides don’t always list? Here’s where locals actually go:

For these gems, forget the fancy plates: it’s all about bold flavours, warm welcomes, and the occasional shouted order from a granny with a ladle. Bring cash, patience, and your appetite.

Shanghai’s dumplings are legendary. Two names you need to know:

Traditionally, xiao long bao are delicate and steamed, while sheng jian bao are fried and hearty with a crunchy base. Modern versions sometimes stuff them with seafood or truffle, but nothing beats the classic pork-filled originals.

Street food lovers, rejoice! These foodie playgrounds are made for late-night snacking:

Expect queues, cash-only stalls, and the kind of meals that make your suitcase smell like heaven. Best time to go? Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM: when the crowds buzz and the woks are hot.

Fancy something a bit posher? Try these elevated dining spots that take tradition and sprinkle it with stardust:

These are the places where you’ll sip craft cocktails while eating dumplings on porcelain plates. Dress up, bring a date, and expect the unexpected.

Avoid eateries where the menu has pictures of pandas or Eiffel Towers, you know the type.

While many traditional dishes include pork, Shanghai’s food scene is flexible:

When ordering, don’t hesitate to request customisations, most places will happily adapt where possible, especially at newer or fusion-style eateries.

Exploring authentic Shanghai food is an unforgettable journey through bustling streets, hidden alleyways, and time-honoured flavours. No matter you're savouring soup dumplings in a local eatery or discovering modern twists on traditional dishes, Shanghai offers something delicious at every turn.

To make your culinary adventure seamless, don’t forget to plan your trip with Traveloka.

From booking flights and cosy hotels to securing your spot at popular attractions, everything you need is just a tap away, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying every bite of Shanghai.