Shanghai Street Food: 10 Must-Try Local Delicacies

Shanghai street food is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and aromas, showcasing the city’s rich culinary heritage and modern influences. From savory dumplings to crispy pancakes, the street food scene in Shanghai offers an authentic experience that captures the heart of local culture. Food lovers will revel in the diverse offerings, including sweet treats and spicy snacks that represent the city’s bustling food markets and street vendors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Shanghai street food is not to be missed!

Key Takeaways

• Shanghai street food offers a rich variety of flavors and textures.
• Dishes like Xiaolongbao and Jianbing highlight the city’s culinary heritage.
• Street food allows you to experience authentic local flavors at every budget.
• Beyond food, Shanghai’s street markets provide cultural and social experiences.

1. Xiaolongbao: The Iconic Soup Dumplings

Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, are a must-try when exploring Shanghai street food. These delicate dumplings are filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned pork and a rich, savory broth. When you take a bite, the soup inside bursts forth, creating a delightful explosion of flavor. Traditionally, they are steamed in bamboo baskets and come with a side of tangy black vinegar for dipping.

To enjoy them best, pick up a xiaolongbao using chopsticks, and gently place it on a spoon. This way, you can sip the soup before indulging in the rest of the dumpling. It’s a delicious culinary experience not to be missed!

Pro Tip: Try to eat them while they’re hot to truly savor their flavor. Be cautious, as the broth can be quite hot!

Where to eat: For authentic xiaolongbao, head to Din Tai Fung or the bustling Yuyuan Garden Food Market, where you can find both classic and creative variations.

2. Jianbing: Delicious Chinese Crepes

Jianbing is a popular street food that falls under the category of Shanghai street food. Often enjoyed as a quick breakfast, these delicious Chinese crepes are made from a thin layer of batter poured on a hot griddle. They are typically filled with eggs, scallions, and sometimes a crispy fried dough. Chili sauce and soybean paste often add extra zest.

What makes jianbing special is its versatility. Vendors customize them according to customer preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, you can adjust the flavor to your liking. The combination of textures—from crispy to soft—is truly amazing!

Did you know? The best jianbing vendors will prepare them in front of you, allowing you to see every step of the preparation.

Where to eat: For the best jianbing, visit Jianbing Street near Fuxing Park or explore the food stalls around Wujiaochang for authentic flavors.

3. Shengjianbao: Pan-Fried Juicy Buns

Shengjianbao are another iconic offering in Shanghai street food, featuring fluffy buns filled with pork and a delicious broth. Unlike xiaolongbao, shengjianbao are pan-fried, giving them a golden, crispy bottom while the top remains soft and pillowy.

When biting into these buns, you will experience a delightful contrast between the crunchy base and the juicy filling. These buns are often garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding a fresh taste to every bite.

Pro Tip: Dip them in vinegar for an added layer of flavor.

Where to eat: You can find some of the best shengjianbao at Yang’s Fried Dumplings or the popular Jia Jia Tang Bao, where the local flavors truly shine.

4. Chuan: Skewered Meat Delights

When it comes to Shanghai street food, Chuan or skewered meat delights quickly comes to mind. This popular street food features tender pieces of meat, often marinated and grilled to perfection on skewers. Vendors expertly season the meat with a mix of spices, enhancing the flavor and aroma. Common proteins used include chicken, lamb, and beef. Chuan is often served with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and spicy dipping sauce, making it a tasty and satisfying snack.

Moreover, enjoying Chuan is not just about the taste; it’s also about the atmosphere. Picture yourself wandering through bustling streets, the smell of grilled meat wafting through the air, and the excitement of a lively crowd. This experience adds to the enjoyment of your culinary adventure.

Pro Tip: Always try the lamb skewers—it’s one of the local favorites!

Where to eat: Head to Da Qing Hua in the Huangpu District, where you can savor some of the best Chuan. Additionally, Yang’s Fried Dumplings often includes skewered options that are worth trying.

5. Scallion Pancakes: A Crunchy Favorite

Another staple of Shanghai street food is the iconic scallion pancakes. Known for their flaky texture and savory flavor, these pancakes are made from simple ingredients: dough, green onions, and salt. The dough is rolled out, scattered with chopped scallions, and then folded multiple times to create layers. After frying, their crispy exterior and tender inside make them irresistible.

Scallion pancakes are a perfect street snack, often served with a side of soy sauce or vinegar for dipping. Visitors can easily find them at food stalls throughout Shanghai, with each vendor adding their own twist to this classic dish.

Did you know? Scallion pancakes are often enjoyed as a breakfast item in Shanghai!

Where to eat: For delicious scallion pancakes, check out Jia Jia Tang Bao or the famed Yang’s Fried Dumplings. Both establishments are known for their quality and flavor.

6. Stinky Tofu: A Bold Street Snack

If you’re feeling adventurous, stinky tofu is a must-try in Shanghai. This infamous street food earns its name from its potent smell, which may be off-putting to some. However, once you get past the aroma, you’ll discover a delicious and unique treat. The tofu is fermented before being deep-fried, yielding a crispy texture on the outside while staying soft and flavorful on the inside.

Often served with pickled vegetables and a sweet or spicy sauce, stinky tofu provides a flavor explosion that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more. It’s a bold choice that showcases the depth of Shanghai’s culinary culture.

Pro Tip: To enjoy the best flavor balance, make sure to add a drizzle of garlic sauce over your stinky tofu.

Where to eat: For the ultimate stinky tofu experience, head to Wang Jia Sha or Sheng Jian Bao, both of which are renowned for their authentic preparation.

7. Sweet Potato Balls: Crispy and Sweet

Sweet potato balls are a delightful snack found throughout Shanghai street food markets. These small, round treats are made from mashed sweet potatoes mixed with a hint of sugar and sometimes coconut. After forming them into balls, they are deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft, sweet center. This contrast in texture is what makes them so enjoyable.

When you take a bite, the crispy exterior bursts with flavor, followed by the tender sweetness of the sweet potato. Additionally, they can be served with a drizzle of honey or condensed milk, enhancing their taste further. Sweet potato balls are not only a delicious treat but also a fun food to enjoy as you stroll through the vibrant streets of Shanghai.

Pro Tip: Look for stalls that prepare sweet potato balls on-the-spot for the freshest experience!

Where to eat: Visit Lin’s Sweet Potato Balls in the bustling streets of Huangpu District to try these delightful snacks.

8. Fried Noodles: A Quick and Tasty Dish

Fried noodles are an essential component of Shanghai street food, offering a satisfying meal on-the-go. These stir-fried noodles are typically tossed with a variety of vegetables, eggs, and your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp. The noodles are cooked quickly in a hot wok, which gives them a wonderful smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.

Various seasonings are added, such as soy sauce, garlic, and scallions, resulting in a deliciously savory dish. Fried noodles can be customized to your preference, making them a versatile option for food lovers. They are both filling and budget-friendly, ideal for a quick bite while exploring the city.

Where to eat: Check out Chuan Chuan Xiang in the Jing’an District for some of the best fried noodles in town.

9. Tanghulu: Fruit on a Stick

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack that is as fun to eat as it is to look at. Popular in Shanghai street food markets, these are skewered fruits coated in a crunchy, syrupy glaze. Typically, hawthorn berries are used, but you can often find strawberries, grapes, or even kiwi as well.

The fruit is first washed and skewered, then dipped in a sugary syrup and left to cool, creating a hard candy-like shell around the fruity goodness inside. This combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the satisfying crunch of the outer layer, makes tanghulu a must-try snack.

Fun Fact: Tanghulu is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it a popular choice for social media!

Where to eat: To sample some delicious tanghulu, head over to Yuyuan Garden Night Market, where vendors often sell this fruity delight.

10. Bubble Tea: The Perfect Drink Companion

No visit to Shanghai would be complete without savoring a cup of bubble tea. Originating from Taiwan, this delightful drink has made its mark in Shanghai’s vibrant street food scene. Bubble tea is primarily known for its chewy tapioca pearls, which provide a fun texture and contrast against the sweet, creamy base. You can enjoy it in a variety of flavors, from classic milk tea to fruity options like mango and lychee.

One of the best aspects of bubble tea is its customizability. You can choose different sweetness levels, ice amounts, and even add toppings like jelly or pudding. As a result, everyone can find a bubble tea that suits their taste. Additionally, many street vendors offer innovative twists on the traditional drink, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.

Pro Tip: Look for shops that make their pearls fresh daily for the best texture and taste!

Where to enjoy bubble tea: Check out Heytea or Gong Cha, both popular spots in Shanghai known for their quality bubble tea. Another hidden gem is Tea Story, famous for its unique flavor combinations and cozy atmosphere.

Shanghai street food is a delightful expression of the city’s culinary culture, offering a mix of traditional and modern flavors that cater to every palate. With an abundance of street vendors and markets, there’s never a dull moment for food lovers exploring Shanghai. Make sure to indulge in these unforgettable flavors and share your favorite moments from your culinary journey through this dynamic city!

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