10 Shanghai Street Foods Every First-Time Tourist Needs to Try

You want to taste the best shanghai street food for tourists, right? Street food brings you closer to shanghai’s real culture. Every bite tells a story in this lively city. > China Explorer Tour gives you foodie adventures, like the 1 Day Shanghai Tour, where you try must-eat dishes. Stay curious. New flavors in shanghai wait for you.

Key Takeaways

• Try Shengjian Bao for a crispy and juicy dumpling experience. This local favorite is a must for any street food adventure.

• Don't miss Xiaolongbao, the famous soup dumplings. Dip them in vinegar for a burst of flavor that locals love.

• Explore Tianzifang and Huanghe Road for a vibrant street food scene. These areas offer a mix of traditional and modern snacks.

Best Shanghai Street Food for Tourists

You want to know what makes the best shanghai street food for tourists, right? Local food experts say you should look for dishes that are popular, have cultural meaning, and show off unique flavors. These must eat in shanghai treats are everywhere. Locals and visitors love them. You can find them in busy markets, quiet alleys, and even on foodie tours with China Explorer Tour. Get ready to taste the real shanghai.

Shengjian Bao: Must Eat in Shanghai

Shengjian Bao is a must eat in shanghai. You see these pan-fried dumplings sizzling on hot griddles. The crispy bottom and juicy pork filling make every bite special. Locals call them buns, but you know them as dumplings. Shengjian Bao started in shanghai tea houses more than a century ago. People wanted quick snacks, so these buns moved from tea tables to street food stalls. Now, you find them everywhere. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes Shengjian Bao. You bite into the soft top, taste the rich soup inside, and crunch the golden base. Locals line up for them every morning. You should, too.

Xiaolongbao: Iconic Must-Eat Dish

Xiaolongbao is another must eat in shanghai. These soup dumplings are famous. Locals and tourists love them. You see families sharing baskets of xiaolongbao during holidays and birthdays. Locals feel proud because shanghai makes the best dumplings in the world. You grab a dumpling, dip it in vinegar, and taste the hot soup inside. Locals eat xiaolongbao for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. You find them in busy restaurants and street stalls. Some top spots include Jia Jia Tang Bao on Huanghe Road and Fu Chun in Jing’an District. You can also try Nanxiang Mantou Dian or Paradise Dynasty. Every bite brings you closer to shanghai’s food culture.

Cong You Bing: Classic Street Food

Cong You Bing is a must eat in shanghai. Locals call it scallion pancake. You see vendors flipping these crispy treats on hot pans. The smell of toasted sesame oil and fresh scallions fills the air. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes Cong You Bing. Locals say some vendors have made these pancakes for over 50 years. You taste the flaky layers and salty bite. Here’s what goes inside:

Locals rate Cong You Bing as one of the finest street food snacks. You should try it fresh from the pan.

Ci Fan Tuan: Local Breakfast Favorite

Ci Fan Tuan is a must eat in shanghai, especially for breakfast. Locals love this sticky rice ball filled with savory treats. You see people grabbing Ci Fan Tuan on their way to work. The dish shows how shanghai likes hearty food in the morning. You taste glutinous rice, pickled veggies, pork floss, and crunchy youtiao. Locals gather at street food markets to enjoy Ci Fan Tuan together. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes this breakfast favorite.

• Ci Fan Tuan is a savory dish that reflects the local breakfast culture in Shanghai, which favors hearty options over sweet ones.

• The dish combines glutinous rice with various fillings, making it a popular choice among locals.

• Its presence in street food markets emphasizes the communal and accessible nature of breakfast in Shanghai, where diverse groups come together to enjoy this staple.

Jianbing: Savory Street Food Crepe

Jianbing is a must eat in shanghai. Locals call it the king of breakfast crepes. You watch vendors spread batter on a hot griddle, crack an egg, and sprinkle fresh scallions. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes jianbing. You taste crispy wonton, spicy chili sauce, and pickled veggies. Locals love the mix of flavors. Here are some typical fillings:

You grab a jianbing, fold it, and eat it on the go. Locals say it’s the best way to start your day.

Chao Nian Gao: Stir-Fried Rice Cakes

Chao Nian Gao is a must eat in shanghai. Locals make this dish with chewy rice cakes, pork, and cabbage. You taste the soft rice cakes and savory sauce. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes Chao Nian Gao. The dish has a cool origin story. Locals say nian gao was an offering to the Kitchen God. Another legend tells how General Wu Zixu helped people survive a siege by making food from glutinous rice flour. Now, you find Chao Nian Gao in street food stalls and family kitchens.

• Nian gao is traditionally associated with the Kitchen God, believed to be an offering to prevent him from reporting a family's misdeeds during the year.

• A legend involving General Wu Zixu states that during a siege, his advice led to the discovery of food made from glutinous rice flour, which saved lives and led to the annual making of nian gao in his honor.

Ma La Tang: Spicy Street Food

Ma La Tang is a must eat in shanghai if you love spicy food. Locals crowd around bubbling pots, picking their favorite ingredients. You choose veggies, tofu, meat, and noodles. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes Ma La Tang. The soup gets its kick from chili powder, Sichuan peppercorns, and spices like cinnamon and fennel. You taste the heat and numbing spice. Locals say Ma La Tang is perfect on cold nights.

1. Various types of chili powder, including:

   • 1/3 cup of paprika

   • 1/3 cup of mild chili powder

   • 2 tbsp of face heaven chili powder (extremely spicy)

   • Alternatives like Thai Bird’s Eye chili powder or cayenne.

2. Spices used in the blend:

   • 1 piece of cinnamon stick

   • 1/2 tsp of fennel seeds

   • 1 tbsp of Sichuan peppercorns

   • 1 tbsp of Gan Cao

   • 4 pieces of clove

   • 1 piece of black cardamom

   • 1 piece of dried galangal

   • 4 slices of dried sand ginger

   • 1 piece of star anise

   • 2 pieces of bay leaf

Douhua: Silky Tofu Dessert

Douhua is a must eat in shanghai for dessert lovers. Locals call it tofu pudding. You taste the silky texture and sweet syrup. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes Douhua. Vendors steam fresh soy milk, mix in gypsum, and serve it warm or cold. You can eat Douhua with sugar, syrup, or even savory toppings. Locals say it’s the perfect way to end a meal.

• Prepare a heatproof bowl or container that can hold at least 2 cups of water and will fit into your steamer. Add the gypsum, salt/sugar if using, and a small amount of soy milk into the bowl. Mix until fully dissolved. Then slowly pour in the rest of the soy milk and stir constantly to mix in the gypsum. Cover with plastic wrap.

• Add water to your steamer and bring it to a full boil. Place the bowl with the soy milk mixture into the steamer, cover the steamer, and steam for 10 minutes over high heat.

• Once done, remove the steamer from the stove. Uncover carefully to let the steam out, and poke a few holes with a fork on the plastic to release the condensation while the tofu cools.

• Once the steam is mostly released, remove the plastic wrap and serve the douhua warm or cold.

Tanghulu: Sweet Street Snack

Tanghulu is a must eat in shanghai if you want something sweet. Locals love these candied fruit skewers. You see shiny red hawthorn berries, strawberries, and grapes coated in crunchy sugar. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes Tanghulu. Vendors also use kiwi, pineapple, mandarin oranges, apples, and bananas. You bite into the crisp shell and taste the juicy fruit. Locals say Tanghulu is fun to eat and share.

• Hawthorn berries

• Strawberries

• Grapes

• Kiwi

• Pineapple

• Mandarin oranges

• Apples

• Bananas

Stinky Tofu: Adventurous Must-Eat

Stinky Tofu is a must eat in shanghai for adventurous food lovers. Locals say the strong smell means great flavor. You see vendors frying tofu until it’s golden and crispy. The best shanghai street food for tourists always includes Stinky Tofu. Some tourists hesitate because of the odor. Locals say you should try it at least once. You taste the crunchy outside and soft inside. Stinky Tofu is an acquired taste, but locals swear by it.

Tip: If you want to try all these must eat in shanghai dishes, join a foodie tour with China Explorer Tour. You get local guides, insider tips, and the best shanghai street food for tourists in one day.

Where to Find Must-Eat Dishes in Shanghai

Tianzifang Street Food Scene

You walk into Tianzifang and see a maze of narrow lanes. The street buzzes with energy. Vendors shout out their best noodles and snacks. You smell fresh dumplings and grilled meats. You find noodles with spicy sauce, fried noodles, and even sweet noodles with sesame. Locals love Tianzifang for its mix of old and new. You grab a bowl and sit on a tiny stool. The street feels alive. You taste shanghai in every bite.

Huanghe Road Food Hotspots

Huanghe Road is famous for street food. You see long lines at noodle shops. People slurp noodles with beef, pork, or vegetables. You try noodles with thick broth or dry noodles tossed with sauce. Locals say Huanghe Road has the best noodles in shanghai. You spot street stalls selling fried noodles and steamed buns. You join the crowd and order a plate. The noodles taste chewy and rich. You feel the street vibe.

Old Town Markets

Old Town markets show you the heart of shanghai street food. You walk past noodle stands and smell fresh herbs. You watch cooks pull noodles by hand. You see bowls of noodles with chili oil, noodles with pickled veggies, and noodles with braised beef. The street feels busy. Locals chat and eat noodles together. You try noodles with soy sauce and garlic. You taste shanghai’s history in every bowl.

Foodie Stops on China Explorer Tour

You want to try the best noodles in shanghai. China Explorer Tour takes you to top street food spots. Your guide shows you where locals eat noodles and dumplings. You visit noodle shops in Old Town and taste noodles with pork and scallions. You walk down the street and sample noodles with spicy broth. You learn about shanghai’s noodle traditions. You eat noodles with new friends. The tour makes street food easy and fun.

Tip: Ask your guide for their favorite noodles. You might discover a hidden gem on the street.

Tips for Enjoying Shanghai Street Food

Safety and Hygiene

You want your street food experience in shanghai to be safe and tasty. Always pack hand sanitizer or eco-friendly wipes. Clean your hands before you eat youtiao or any snack. Choose fruits like oranges, pineapples, or bananas. Wash them with safe water if you can. Pick hot meals that are freshly cooked. This lowers the risk of bacteria. Look for vendors who use clean utensils and wear gloves. Follow the local crowd to busy stalls. High turnover means fresh food. Sometimes, restaurants are not safer than street food. Trust your instincts and enjoy every bite of youtiao.

Tip: Watch how vendors handle youtiao and other foods. Clean hands and fresh oil mean a better experience.

Navigating Language Barriers

You may not speak Chinese, but you can still enjoy shanghai street food. Point to the youtiao or dish you want. Use translation apps on your phone. Show pictures of youtiao or other snacks. Smile and use simple words. Locals appreciate your effort. Many vendors know basic English. If you join a foodie tour, your guide helps you order youtiao and explains the menu. This makes your experience smooth and fun.

Payment and Pricing

You see QR codes everywhere in shanghai. Most street food vendors accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms make your experience easy. Scan the code, pay, and grab your youtiao. Cash works too, but digital payments are faster. Here’s a quick look:

Prices for youtiao and other snacks are usually low. You get a great experience without spending much.

Guided Foodie Tours

You want the best street food experience in shanghai. Guided foodie tours give you local guides who know every youtiao stall and hidden gem. Your guide shares stories about shanghai’s food culture. You taste youtiao and learn why locals love it. Some tours offer cooking classes. You make youtiao with your own hands. You visit places tourists miss. This experience connects you to shanghai’s real flavors. China Explorer Tour makes your experience easy, safe, and unforgettable.

Note: Guided tours help you try youtiao and other dishes with confidence. You get insider tips and a richer experience.

You just explored the best street food in shanghai. You tasted every bun, from pork bun to bao, and even tried a fried pork dumpling. You found shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes, and pork dumpling baskets. China Explorer Tour helps you find every bun. Book your shanghai adventure now!

FAQ

What street food should I try first in shanghai?

You should start with wontons. Locals love wontons. You can also try xiaoyang pan-fried buns. These snacks show you real shanghai flavors.

Can I join a tour to taste wontons and other street food?

Yes! You can join a tour. Many tours let you taste wontons, xiaoyang pan-fried buns, and even sichuan wontons. Guides help you find the best spots.

Tip: Ask your tour guide about sichuan wontons. Some tours include cooking classes. You can learn to make wontons yourself.

Where can I find the best wontons during my shanghai tour?

You find wontons in Old Town markets. Many tours visit these places. You can also ask your tour guide for hidden wontons stalls. Try xiaoyang pan-fried buns too.

See Also

Five Essential Street Foods To Experience In Beijing

Ideal Small Group Food Tours In Beijing Hutongs

Easy Dumpling Cooking Classes For Tourists In Beijing

Discover The Hidden Gems Of Peking Duck In Beijing

Essential Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors To Tiananmen Square