What to Eat in Shanghai: Xiaolongbao, Benbang Cuisine & Street Food

The short answer: eat xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) for breakfast, and book a benbang (本帮) restaurant for dinner — Shanghai’s home cooking is sweet, savory, and soy-sauce-rich. Budget ¥120–200 per day for food.

The Must-Try List

1. Xiaolongbao (小笼包) — the soup dumpling

Thin-skinned dumplings filled with pork and hot broth. The ritual: bite a small hole, sip the soup, then eat the dumpling with a touch of vinegar and ginger.

• Where: Go where the queue is — it’s usually worth it. Din Tai Fung is the polished international version; local shops are cheaper and just as good.
• Price: ¥20–40 for a basket of 6–8.

2. Shengjianbao (生煎) — pan-fried pork buns

The crispy-bottomed cousin of xiaolongbao — pan-fried until the base is golden and crunchy, with a juicy pork filling. One liang (两) is 4 pieces — don’t over-order.

• Where: Da Huchun (大壶春) is the traditional leavened-dough school — a local institution.
• Price: ¥10–20 per liang.

3. Benbang Cuisine (本帮菜) — Shanghai’s home cooking

Sweet, savory, and soy-sauce-heavy: braised pork belly (红烧肉), sweet-and-sour ribs (糖醋排骨), and scallion oil noodles (葱油拌面). Shanghai food is the opposite of spicy — it’s comfort food with a sugar kick.

• Where: Lao Jishi (老吉士) and Lanxin (兰心) are local favorites. Book ahead — they’re small and popular.
• Price: ¥80–150 per person.

4. Street Breakfast: Congyou Banmian & More

• Congyou banmian (葱油拌面): Scallion-oil noodles — simple, fragrant, addictive.
• Xianrou yuebing (鲜肉月饼): Savory pork mooncakes, especially popular around Mid-Autumn.
• Where: Any busy breakfast shop; Nanjing Road’s side streets have plenty.
• Price: ¥10–25.

5. Autumn Special: Hairy Crab (大闸蟹)

From late September to November, Shanghai goes crab-crazy. Steamed whole, dipped in ginger-vinegar sauce — the roe is the prize.

• Where: Any reputable restaurant in season; ask your hotel for a recommendation.
• Price: ¥50–150 per crab depending on size.

Local vs Tourist: Where to Eat

• Skip: Restaurants directly on Nanjing Road’s main pedestrian strip — tourist-priced.
• Go: Side streets off Nanjing Road, the French Concession, and any shop with a queue of locals.
• Rule of thumb: If the menu is only in Chinese and the seats are plastic, you’re in the right place.

Shopping Streets (for food & souvenirs)

• Nanjing Road is packed with people — the lights are pretty at night, and the classic photo spot is in front of the Peace Hotel (和平饭店).
• For serious shopping, Nanjing West Road (Henglong Plaza, Jing’an Kerry Centre) is the luxury zone; Qipu Road (七浦路) is the wholesale market where you bargain.

FAQ

What food is Shanghai famous for? Xiaolongbao, shengjianbao, and sweet benbang cuisine.

Where do locals eat? Lao Jishi and Lanxin for benbang; queue-worthy xiaolongbao shops everywhere.

How many shengjianbao should I order? One liang = 4 pieces. Don’t over-order.

Is Shanghai food spicy? No — it’s sweet and savory, heavy on soy sauce and sugar.

How much does food cost? Street food ¥10–30, casual meals ¥50–100, upscale ¥200+.

What should I eat in autumn? Hairy crab and xianrou yuebing (savory mooncakes).

Last updated: October 2026.