Top 10 Local Foods to Try in Shanghai

Shanghai's culinary scene is as diverse as its culture, offering a unique blend of flavors that are both traditional and innovative. Here are the top 10 local foods you must try when visiting Shanghai:

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Delicate steamed buns filled with a mixture of minced pork and savory broth, xiaolongbao is Shanghai’s signature snack. Enjoy them hot, and be cautious of the delightful but scalding soup inside.

2. Shengjianbao (Pan-fried Pork Buns)

These are pan-fried on the bottom, creating a crispy layer, while the top remains soft and fluffy. Filled with juicy pork and broth, they are a beloved Shanghai breakfast staple.

3. Shanghai Hairy Crab

Available especially during the autumn months, these crabs are known for their rich, creamy roe. Locals typically steam them to preserve their original flavor, often enjoyed with vinegar and ginger tea.

4. Peking Duck (Shanghai Style)

While originating from Beijing, Peking Duck is prepared with a unique Shanghai twist, featuring a glossier and sweeter skin. It's served with pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and a sweet bean sauce.

5. Red-braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

This is a classic Shanghai dish consisting of pork belly slow-cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and various spices. The result is a tender and flavorful dish with a beautiful caramelized exterior.

6. Smoked Fish Slices (Xun Yu)

Despite the name, this traditional dish features fish that is first marinated, then fried, and finally braised with soy sauce and sugar, giving it a distinctive smoky sweetness.

7. Nanxiang Steamed Buns

Originating from the Nanxiang area in Shanghai, these steamed buns are larger than xiaolongbao and are filled with minced pork, crab meat, or a combination of both, known for their juicy fillings.

8. Beggar’s Chicken

This legendary dish involves wrapping a marinated chicken in lotus leaves and clay before baking. The result is incredibly tender and aromatic meat, revealing a touch of rusticity and tradition.

9. Scallion Oil Noodles (Cong You Ban Mian)

A simple yet soulful dish, it consists of noodles dressed in a flavorful scallion oil. It's often topped with fried scallions, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

10. Stir-fried River Shrimps

Small river shrimps stir-fried with a light seasoning to highlight their natural sweetness. This dish exemplifies Shanghai’s preference for subtle and fresh flavors, showcasing the quality of local ingredients.

Indulging in these dishes will give you a genuine taste of Shanghai's rich culinary heritage, each offering a unique palette of flavors and textures.