Must-Try Shanghai Dishes:
- Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Steamed pork-filled dumplings with soup inside—order at dim sum restaurants or Jia Jia Tang Bao.
- Shengian (Pan-Fried Dumplings): Crispy-bottomed dumplings with soup filling, a Shanghai breakfast favorite.
- Soy-Braised Chicken (Hong You Chicken): Tender chicken braised in rich soy sauce—available at local street stalls.
- Shanghai Noodles: Thick chewy egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and protein, served at local noodle shops.
- Eel Dishes: Stir-fried eel or rice with eel—popular specialty items showing Shanghai's regional cuisine.
- River Snails in Chili Broth: Seasonal specialty combining local snails in spicy aromatic sauce—try at night markets.
Dining Customs: Tipping is not expected in Shanghai. Restaurants add a 10% service charge to bills. Eating quickly is normal—lingering is discouraged at casual eateries. Sharing dishes family-style is customary at group meals.
Where to Eat: Street vendors and small local shops offer authentic Shanghai flavor at lowest prices. Hotel restaurants provide international options and hygiene assurance. The Bund's waterfront restaurants offer scenic dining with premium pricing. Old City marketplace provides traditional atmospheres with reasonable costs.