Shanghai Dining: What & Where to Eat

As the locals in Shanghai put it, “Blessed are those born in Shanghai as they have the most chances to taste delicious food”. Shanghai is a multicultural city where people from different regions and with different cultural backgrounds gather, bringing their own culinary traditions. Shanghai dining is not one of the Eight Major Cuisines of China, but rather a fusion of the most appealing aspects of these other national styles of food. The catering industry in Shanghai is thriving, with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, providing a rich selection of dishes. Additionally, Shanghai people have high standards for food quality and taste, and enjoy fine-tuned cooking. Therefore, it may be safely said that you can enjoy all the best food from home and abroad for all budgets when in Shanghai. What to eat in Shanghai? The following is the detailed information:
 

Shanghai cuisine, also known as Benbang cuisine, is characterized by its rich sauces and spices, fresh and delicate flavors. No matter what dish, it exudes the refined tone of Shanghai people. Here you can find both the rich and savory flavors of Braised Pork in Brown Sauce (Hong Shao Rou), as well as the refined elegance of Steamed Mixed Shreds of Chicken, Ham and Pork (Kou San Si), all of which embody the essence of a well-rounded cuisine. There are also delicious street foods such as Steamed Stuffed Bun (Xiao Long Bao) and Fried Stuffed Bun (Sheng Jian Bao) to savor at any moment. In the links below, we provide a detailed introduction to recommended dishes and restaurants in Shanghai, as well as bilingual menus of the dishes for you.

Old Shanghai smoked fish

Pan-Fried Bun Stuffed with Pork

 Bilingual Menu of Shanghai Dishes
 Shanghai Cuisine Restaurants
 Local Snacks
 Snack Streets 
 

Chinese food has a profound history and culture. Due to the large area and multiple ethnic groups which the country has, different regions have their own cuisines and famous food. Dishes of different cuisines are varied in cooking method, appearance and taste. Additionally there are many distinctive Chinese snacks you may like to try when you visit the country. 

Pagoda-Shaped Pork

Salty crispy chicken

 
As an all-embracing pot of world cultures, the city is sure to have the delicacies from all over the world. In contemporary times, numerous foreigners are engaged in work, study, or have made this city their home. A large number of foreign visitors have selected this city as a must-visit destination during their sojourn in China. Moreover, an increasing number of local residents are eager to sample foreign cuisines and experience exotic customs and cultures. Consequently, a multitude of western restaurants have emerged and gained popularity in Shanghai.

Salmon Sashimi

Grilled Codfish

 
If you love both Chinese and western food and want various styles of delicacies at the same time, a buffet dinner is sure to give you satisfaction. Maybe you are interested in trying typical Chinese hot pot; a large number of restaurants in the city serving different kinds of hot pot will surely live up to your expectations. Missing the western steak and BBQ? Don' worry. The city's steakhouses and barbeque are excellent.

If you are on a tight timetable, fast food chains are to be found all over the city, offering quality food at highly reasonable prices. Vegetarian and Muslim restaurants are also available for diners who have special dietary requirements. Tired of common and dull dining experience? Many top restaurants in Shanghai are for you to explore. If you want to have a leisurely afternoon, please do not hesitate to go to the bakeries, confectionaries, cafes, and teahouses in the city. You are sure to enjoy yourself to the full!

Hot Pot

Pizza