Top 10 foods/ dishes in Shanghai, China

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis at the heart of China's culinary evolution, offers a vibrant tapestry of flavors that are as diverse as its culture. From the delicate, soup-filled xiaolongbao to the rich, savory red braised pork belly, the city's cuisine captures the essence of both traditional and modern Chinese fare. In this guide, we explore the top 10 foods and dishes that define Shanghai's culinary scene, each telling a unique story of flavor, tradition, and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these dishes offer a delicious insight into the soul of Shanghai.

  1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) - These steamed buns are famous for their delicate skin and the rich broth inside, usually filled with pork or a combination of pork and crab roe.

  2. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns) - Unlike their steamed counterparts, these buns are pan-fried to give them a crispy bottom and are also filled with juicy pork and broth.

  3. Shanghai Hairy Crab - A seasonal delicacy, these crabs are sourced from the nearby Yangcheng Lake and are celebrated for their sweet meat and rich roe during the fall months.

  4. Beggar's Chicken - A legendary Hangzhou dish popular in Shanghai, it features a whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay-baked to perfection, creating a tender and flavorful meat.

  5. Peking Duck - While originally from Beijing, Shanghai offers its own rendition of this famous dish, with crispy skin and succulent slices of duck, traditionally served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.

  6. Jianbing (Chinese Crepe) - A popular street food, this breakfast crepe is made with wheat and grain batter, eggs, and topped with a variety of ingredients like scallions, coriander, pickles, hoisin sauce, and crispy wonton crackers.

  7. Niangao (Rice Cake) - These chewy rice cakes are typically stir-fried with pork and vegetables and are a common dish during the Chinese New Year for good luck but can be enjoyed all year round.

  8. Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish - Named for its way of being sliced to resemble a squirrel's tail, this dish is deep-fried until crispy and served with a sweet and sour sauce, making it a visual and flavorful treat.

  9. Red Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) - This is a classic Shanghai dish where pork belly is slow-cooked in soy sauce and sugar, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory-sweet flavor.

  10. Shansi Leng Mian (Cold Noodles) - A refreshing summer dish, these cold noodles are served with a tangy sauce, sesame paste, chili oil, and often topped with shredded chicken or cucumbers.