🍜 The 30 Best Shanghainese Dishes

Shanghai’s cuisine, rooted in Benbang traditions and Haipai influences, offers a diverse range of dishes. Below are the top 30 dishes for 2025, selected for their cultural significance, popularity, and suitability for gatherings, with historical context and data.

Dish	Category	Traveler Rating	Price (USD)	Key Features
Xiaolongbao	Dumpling	9.2/10 (Tripadvisor)	$4-10	Soup-filled, pork or crab [8]
Shengjianbao	Dumpling	8.8/10 (Tripadvisor)	$2-6	Pan-fried, crispy bottom [18]
Hong Shao Rou	Meat	8.7/10 (TasteAtlas)	$10-20	Braised pork belly, sweet-savory [11]
Hairy Crab	Seafood	9.0/10 (Tripadvisor)	$30-50	Steamed, seasonal roe [11]
Yellow Croaker Noodles	Noodle	8.5/10 (Tripadvisor)	$4-8	Creamy broth, tender fish [5]
Cong You Bing	Pancake	8.6/10 (Tripadvisor)	$1-3	Scallion, crispy-fluffy [12]
Nian Gao	Rice Cake	8.3/10 (TasteAtlas)	$5-10	Glutinous rice, sweet-savory [17]
Beggar’s Chicken	Meat	8.4/10 (Tripadvisor)	$15-25	Lotus-wrapped, tender [6]
Lion’s Head Meatballs	Meat	8.2/10 (TasteAtlas)	$8-15	Pork, cabbage, braised [3]
Scallion Oil Noodles	Noodle	8.7/10 (Tripadvisor)	$3-7	Fragrant, soy-based [23]
Smoked Fish	Seafood	8.3/10 (Tripadvisor)	$6-12	Crispy, sweet-spicy [11]
Crab Roe Noodles	Noodle	8.6/10 (Tripadvisor)	$7-15	Rich, creamy roe [23]
Qingtuan	Dessert	8.4/10 (TasteAtlas)	$0.7-7	Glutinous, sweet paste [17]
Xie Ke Huang	Pastry	8.2/10 (Tripadvisor)	$1-3	Crab-shaped, savory [18]
Eel Noodles	Noodle	8.1/10 (Tripadvisor)	$6-12	Sweet, oily eel [2]
Pork Zongzi	Rice	8.0/10 (TasteAtlas)	$2-5	Glutinous, pork-filled [17]
Tiao Tou Gao	Dessert	8.0/10 (Tripadvisor)	$2-5	Steamed rice cake [17]
Jianbing	Street Food	8.5/10 (Tripadvisor)	$1-3	Crepe, egg, savory [12]
Four Warriors	Breakfast	8.3/10 (Tripadvisor)	$2-6	Rice rolls, soy milk [3]
Yan Du Xian	Soup	8.1/10 (Tripadvisor)	$5-10	Pork, bamboo soup [24]
Sixi Baked Bran	Vegetarian	8.0/10 (Tripadvisor)	$4-8	Bran, peanuts, savory [24]
Zha Zhu Pai	Meat	8.2/10 (Tripadvisor)	$6-12	Fried pork chop [22]
Luosong Tang	Soup	8.0/10 (Tripadvisor)	$3-7	Borscht, tomato-based [15]
Tangbao	Dumpling	8.4/10 (TasteAtlas)	$3-8	Large soup dumpling [4]
Mala Tang	Soup	8.3/10 (Tripadvisor)	$5-10	Spicy, customizable [22]
You Bao Shan Hu	Seafood	8.1/10 (Tripadvisor)	$8-15	Stir-fried eel [5]
Gaotuan	Dessert	8.0/10 (Tripadvisor)	$1-4	Sticky rice balls [18]
Ci Fan	Breakfast	8.2/10 (Tripadvisor)	$1-3	Glutinous rice roll [3]
You Tiao	Breakfast	8.3/10 (Tripadvisor)	$0.5-2	Fried dough stick [3]
Da Bing	Breakfast	8.1/10 (Tripadvisor)	$1-3	Sesame pancake [3]
Doujiang	Breakfast	8.2/10 (Tripadvisor)	$0.5-2	Soy milk, sweet or salty [3]

📜 History of Shanghainese Cuisine

Shanghai’s cuisine, known as Benbang (local cuisine), emerged over 400 years ago during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It evolved from peasant food into a refined style, influenced by Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisines, with a focus on sweetness, rich oils, and soy-based sauces. The 19th-century opening of Shanghai’s port introduced Haipai (Western-influenced) dishes, blending global flavors [3][22].

Key Historical Milestones

• Ming-Qing Dynasties (1368-1911): Benbang cuisine took shape with dishes like hong shao rou and beggar’s chicken [3].
• 1875: Xiaolongbao reportedly invented in Nanxiang, Shanghai, by Huang Mingxian [22].
• 1843: Shanghai’s port opening led to Haipai cuisine, introducing dishes like zha zhu pai [3].
• 1910s: Western bakeries like LaoDaChang introduced ice cream and pastries [13].
• 1930s: Benbang cuisine adapted to serve Shanghai’s growing working class [3].

🌟 Detailed Dish Profiles

1. Xiaolongbao

History: Invented around 1875 in Nanxiang by Huang Mingxian, who added aspic to pork fillings to create a soupy dumpling [22]. Description: Thin-skinned dumplings filled with pork or crab and hot broth. Rating: 9.2/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $4-10 for 6-10 pieces. Best Spot: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, 720 Nanjing East Rd. Gathering Tip: Perfect for sharing at dim sum gatherings [8][17].

2. Shengjianbao

History: Originated in the 1920s as a pan-fried version of xiaolongbao [18]. Description: Thick-walled buns with pork and broth, fried to a crispy bottom. Rating: 8.8/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $2-6 for 4 pieces. Best Spot: Yang’s Dumplings, multiple locations. Gathering Tip: Ideal for casual group breakfasts [18].

3. Hong Shao Rou

History: A Qing-era dish from Jiangsu, adopted by Shanghai for its sweet-savory profile [3]. Description: Braised pork belly in soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Rating: 8.7/10 (TasteAtlas). Price: $10-20. Best Spot: Old Jesse Restaurant, 41 Tianping Lu. Gathering Tip: Share with rice for family-style meals [11][23].

4. Hairy Crab

History: A seasonal delicacy from Yangcheng Lake, celebrated since the Qing dynasty [11]. Description: Steamed crabs with rich roe, served with vinegar and ginger. Rating: 9.0/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $30-50 per crab. Best Spot: Wang Bao He, 603 Fuzhou Rd. Gathering Tip: A luxurious centerpiece for autumn feasts [1][8].

5. Yellow Croaker Noodles

History: Rooted in Shanghai’s fishing village past, using Yellow Sea croaker [5]. Description: Noodles in creamy fish broth with tender croaker chunks. Rating: 8.5/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $4-8. Best Spot: A Niang Mian Guan, 36 Sinan Lu. Gathering Tip: Great for communal noodle bowls [5][17].

6. Cong You Bing

History: A street food staple from the Qing era, popular among workers [2]. Description: Flaky scallion pancakes, crispy outside, fluffy inside. Rating: 8.6/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $1-3. Best Spot: Huanghe Road Food Street stalls. Gathering Tip: Perfect for casual snacking at parties [12].

7. Nian Gao

History: A New Year dish symbolizing prosperity, adapted in Shanghai with pork ribs [17]. Description: Glutinous rice cakes, stir-fried with sweet sauce. Rating: 8.3/10 (TasteAtlas). Price: $5-10. Best Spot: Shanghai Min, Super Brand Mall. Gathering Tip: A festive dish for group celebrations [17].

8. Beggar’s Chicken

History: Originated in Qing-era Hangzhou, adopted by Shanghai; legend says a beggar cooked it in mud [6]. Description: Chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and mud, baked for tenderness. Rating: 8.4/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $15-25. Best Spot: Jesse Restaurant, 41 Tianping Lu. Gathering Tip: A showstopper for banquets [6].

9. Lion’s Head Meatballs

History: A Jiangsu dish adopted in Shanghai, named for its shape [3]. Description: Large pork meatballs with cabbage, braised in soy sauce. Rating: 8.2/10 (TasteAtlas). Price: $8-15. Best Spot: Shanghai Lao Lao, 41 Tianping Lu. Gathering Tip: Ideal for sharing at family dinners [3].

10. Scallion Oil Noodles

History: A simple dish from Shanghai’s fishing village days, elevated with soy sauce [23]. Description: Noodles tossed in fragrant scallion oil and soy sauce. Rating: 8.7/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $3-7. Best Spot: Ding Te Le, 22, Lane 494 Huaihai Middle Rd. Gathering Tip: A light option for group meals [23].

11. Smoked Fish

History: A Qing-era dish, marinated to mimic smoking [11]. Description: Deep-fried carp in a sweet-spicy sauce. Rating: 8.3/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $6-12. Best Spot: Zhaojiabang Rd restaurants. Gathering Tip: A flavorful appetizer for parties [11].

12. Crab Roe Noodles

History: A modern take on Shanghai’s crab obsession, popularized in the 20th century [23]. Description: Noodles with creamy crab roe and meat. Rating: 8.6/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $7-15. Best Spot: A Niang Mian, 36 Sinan Lu. Gathering Tip: A decadent group dish [23].

13. Qingtuan

History: A Qingming Festival treat, dating back centuries [17]. Description: Green glutinous rice dumplings with sweet paste. Rating: 8.4/10 (TasteAtlas). Price: $0.7-7. Best Spot: Shen Dacheng, multiple locations. Gathering Tip: A festive dessert for spring events [17].

14. Xie Ke Huang

History: A traditional pastry from the Qing era, named for its crab-like shape [18]. Description: Crispy pastry with sweet or savory filling. Rating: 8.2/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $1-3. Best Spot: Huanghe Road Food Street. Gathering Tip: Great for snacking at parties [18].

15. Eel Noodles

History: A Shanghai classic using local freshwater eels [2]. Description: Cold noodles with hot, sweet-oily eel. Rating: 8.1/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $6-12. Best Spot: Sunji Restaurant, Zhujiajiao. Gathering Tip: A unique dish for adventurous eaters [2].

16. Pork Zongzi

History: A Dragon Boat Festival staple, adapted in Shanghai with pork [17]. Description: Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves with pork. Rating: 8.0/10 (TasteAtlas). Price: $2-5. Best Spot: Wufangzhai, multiple locations. Gathering Tip: A festive treat for group events [17].

17. Tiao Tou Gao

History: A traditional sweet from the Qing era [17]. Description: Steamed glutinous rice cake with sweet toppings. Rating: 8.0/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $2-5. Best Spot: Shen Dacheng, multiple locations. Gathering Tip: A light dessert for parties [17].

18. Jianbing

History: Influenced by Shandong, popularized in Shanghai’s streets [12]. Description: Thin crepe with egg, hoisin, and crispy fillings. Rating: 8.5/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $1-3. Best Spot: Huanghe Road Food Street. Gathering Tip: A portable snack for casual events [12].

19. Four Warriors

History: Shanghai’s classic breakfast combo, popularized in the 20th century [3]. Description: Glutinous rice rolls, soy milk, you tiao, and sesame pancakes. Rating: 8.3/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $2-6. Best Spot: Shanghai #1 Food Company, Nanjing Rd. Gathering Tip: Perfect for group breakfasts [3].

20. Yan Du Xian

History: An Anhui dish adopted by Shanghai, known for its light broth [24]. Description: Soup with cured pork, bamboo shoots, and tofu skin. Rating: 8.1/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $5-10. Best Spot: Local restaurants in Xuhui. Gathering Tip: A warming group dish [24].

21. Sixi Baked Bran

History: A Benbang vegetarian dish from the Qing era [24]. Description: Baked bran with peanuts and fungus. Rating: 8.0/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $4-8. Best Spot: Local Benbang restaurants. Gathering Tip: A light vegetarian option for groups [24].

22. Zha Zhu Pai

History: A Haipai dish from the 19th century, inspired by Western schnitzel [22]. Description: Fried pork chop with soy-wine sauce. Rating: 8.2/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $6-12. Best Spot: LaoDaChang, 588 Huaihai Middle Rd. Gathering Tip: A crowd-pleaser for mixed groups [22].

23. Luosong Tang

History: A Haipai dish from the 19th century, adapted from Russian borscht [15]. Description: Tomato-based soup with cabbage. Rating: 8.0/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $3-7. Best Spot: Ming Ming Can Ting, 269 Beihai Lu. Gathering Tip: A light starter for banquets [15].

24. Tangbao

History: A larger cousin of xiaolongbao, popularized in the 20th century [4]. Description: Oversized soup dumplings with pork or crab. Rating: 8.4/10 (TasteAtlas). Price: $3-8. Best Spot: Jia Jia Tang Bao, 97 Huanghe Rd. Gathering Tip: A fun group appetizer [4].

25. Mala Tang

History: A modern street food with Sichuan influences, popularized in Shanghai [22]. Description: Spicy soup with customizable ingredients. Rating: 8.3/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $5-10. Best Spot: Kui Xing Lou, 58 Taicang Rd. Gathering Tip: Customizable for group preferences [22].

26. You Bao Shan Hu

History: A traditional seafood dish from Shanghai’s fishing heritage [5]. Description: Stir-fried eel with bamboo shoots and ginger. Rating: 8.1/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $8-15. Best Spot: Sunji Restaurant, Zhujiajiao. Gathering Tip: A bold dish for seafood lovers [5].

27. Gaotuan

History: A Qing-era snack symbolizing prosperity [18]. Description: Sticky rice balls with sweet fillings. Rating: 8.0/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $1-4. Best Spot: Wufangzhai, multiple locations. Gathering Tip: A sweet treat for dessert tables [18].

28. Ci Fan

History: Part of Shanghai’s “Four Warriors” breakfast, from the Qing era [3]. Description: Glutinous rice rolls with pork floss and pickles. Rating: 8.2/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $1-3. Best Spot: Shanghai #1 Food Company, Nanjing Rd. Gathering Tip: A quick breakfast for groups [3].

29. You Tiao

History: A traditional breakfast item, popularized in Shanghai’s markets [3]. Description: Deep-fried dough sticks, crispy and light. Rating: 8.3/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $0.5-2. Best Spot: Huanghe Road Food Street. Gathering Tip: A crowd-pleasing breakfast snack [3].

30. Da Bing

History: A sesame pancake from Shanghai’s breakfast culture [3]. Description: Large, flaky pancake with sesame seeds. Rating: 8.1/10 (Tripadvisor). Price: $1-3. Best Spot: Shanghai #1 Food Company, Nanjing Rd. Gathering Tip: A shareable breakfast item [3].

📊 Shanghainese Food Statistics

Metric	Value	Source
Total Dishes	300+	China Highlights [0]
Average Price/Dish	$0.5-50	Tripadvisor [1]
Restaurants Serving Benbang	500+	Tripadvisor [1]
Traveler Reviews (Top 30)	100-5,000	Tripadvisor [1]

🎉 Shanghainese Dishes for Gatherings and Parties

Shanghainese cuisine is perfect for group dining, with shareable dishes that cater to diverse tastes. Below are top picks for parties, family gatherings, and celebrations, with details on suitability and serving tips.

• Xiaolongbao: Serve steaming baskets for dim sum-style gatherings; pairs well with vinegar and ginger. Capacity: 6-10 pieces per person [8].
• Hong Shao Rou: A rich, shareable dish for family dinners, served with rice. Ideal for 4-8 people per portion [11].
• Hairy Crab: A luxurious centerpiece for autumn banquets, best for 10+ guests with individual servings [1].
• Beggar’s Chicken: A dramatic dish for large events, serving 6-10 with its lotus-wrapped presentation [6].
• Lion’s Head Meatballs: Large portions for 4-6 people, perfect for cozy group meals [3].

🔍 Dish Selection Criteria

Dishes were selected based on cultural significance, traveler reviews, and suitability for gatherings. Ratings are sourced from Tripadvisor and TasteAtlas, with a minimum of 100 reviews and 8.0+/10 scores for top dishes [1][17].

• Cultural Significance: Dishes like xiaolongbao and hairy crab are iconic to Shanghai’s Benbang and Haipai cuisines [3].
• Traveler Reviews: Minimum 100 reviews, with 80%+ rating “Excellent” or “Very Good” (8.0+/10) [1].
• Gathering Suitability: Shareable dishes like dumplings and braised meats, ideal for group dining [8].
• Price Range: Affordable ($0.5-50) to cater to various budgets, from street food to fine dining [1].
• Availability: Dishes available at 500+ Shanghai restaurants or street markets [1].

🌍 Where to Eat in Shanghai

Shanghai’s dining scene spans historic restaurants, street food stalls, and modern eateries. Below are top districts and restaurants for authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

District	Key Restaurants	Signature Dishes
Huangpu	Nanxiang Steamed Bun, Jia Jia Tang Bao	Xiaolongbao, tangbao [8]
Xuhui	Old Jesse, Shanghai Lao Lao	Hong shao rou, lion’s head meatballs [11]
Pudong	Shanghai Min, Wang Bao He	Hairy crab, nian gao [1]
Jing’an	Yang’s Dumplings, Ding Te Le	Shengjianbao, scallion oil noodles [18][23]
Qingpu	Sunji Restaurant	Eel noodles, you bao shan hu [5]

🎯 Tips for Enjoying Shanghainese Cuisine

• For Groups: Order a variety of dishes like xiaolongbao, hong shao rou, and beggar’s chicken for shared dining experiences [8].
• For Street Food: Explore Huanghe Road or Yuyuan Bazaar for affordable snacks like cong you bing and jianbing [12].
• For Luxury Dining: Book Wang Bao He or Shanghai Min for seasonal delicacies like hairy crab [1].
• For Vegetarians: Try sixi baked bran or vegetable-based soups like yan du xian at Benbang restaurants [24].
• For Breakfast: Enjoy the “Four Warriors” (ci fan, you tiao, da bing, doujiang) at local stalls for an authentic start [3].

📚 References

This guide is built on trusted sources to ensure accuracy and value for food enthusiasts.

• [0] China Highlights, “Shanghai Food Guide 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [1] Tripadvisor, “Best Shanghai Restaurants 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [2] China Highlights, “Shanghai Street Food Guide,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [3] TravelChinaGuide, “Shanghai Cuisine History,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [4] TasteAtlas, “Top Shanghai Dishes 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [5] China Discovery, “Shanghai Culinary Guide 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [6] China Highlights, “Top Shanghai Foods,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [8] Tripadvisor, “Shanghai Dining Reviews 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [11] TasteAtlas, “Shanghai Food Rankings 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [12] China Highlights, “Shanghai Street Food,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [13] TravelChinaGuide, “Shanghai Haipai Cuisine,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [15] Tripadvisor, “Shanghai Food Guide (UK),” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [17] TasteAtlas, “Shanghai Traditional Foods,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [18] China Discovery, “Shanghai Snacks Guide,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [22] The Woks of Life, “Shanghai Cuisine Guide,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [23] Tripadvisor, “Shanghai Noodle Restaurants,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [24] China Highlights, “Shanghai Vegetarian Dishes,” accessed July 15, 2025.