Where to Find the Best Food Around Shanghai
Shanghai is a city of contrasts—historic alleyways meet futuristic skylines, and traditional flavors intertwine with modern gastronomy. For travelers who see dining as a cultural journey, the city offers some of the most exciting culinary experiences in China. From refined fine dining to steaming street food stalls, every corner of Shanghai tells a story through taste. Whether you crave Michelin-starred artistry or a humble bowl of noodles, here’s where to find the best food around Shanghai.
1. Michelin-Starred Marvels
Shanghai has become a global dining capital, boasting some of Asia’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet is perhaps the most exclusive dining experience in the world, serving only ten guests per evening in a secret location where multi-sensory effects like lights, music, and aromas accompany each course. For those who want refined Chinese flavors, Fu He Hui transforms vegetarian cuisine into haute gastronomy with dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients. Seafood lovers can indulge at Xin Rong Ji, a restaurant famous for delicate preparations of wild-caught yellow croaker and other ocean delicacies. These venues showcase Shanghai’s ability to blend culinary innovation with unforgettable storytelling.
2. Traditional Shanghainese Flavors
To understand Shanghai’s food culture, you must taste its local specialties. Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are the city’s most iconic dish—thin wrappers filled with savory broth and pork, best enjoyed at classic venues like Jia Jia Tang Bao. Another local favorite, Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), offers a satisfying contrast of crispy bottoms and fluffy tops, bursting with juicy fillings. Don’t miss hong shao rou (red-braised pork), a slow-cooked dish that reflects Shanghai’s love of sweet-savory flavors. Exploring these dishes in Old Town or the bustling Yuyuan Garden area offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage.
3. Street Food Adventures
Shanghai comes alive at night, and nowhere is this more evident than in its street food culture. On Wujiang Road, vendors serve everything from skewered lamb grilled with cumin to crispy scallion pancakes layered with fragrant oil. Over on South Yunnan Road, food stalls specialize in spicy crayfish, fried dumplings, and bowls of noodles topped with rich sauces. The smoky aromas, lively chatter, and neon-lit atmosphere create a sensory experience that is as much about community as it is about taste. For adventurous travelers, sampling Shanghai’s street food is essential to understanding its dynamic culinary scene.
4. International Dining Scene
As one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, Shanghai offers flavors from around the world. Along The Bund, fine dining restaurants pair world-class cuisine with breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. Mr & Mrs Bund by Paul Pairet delivers modern French classics with a playful twist, while Mercato serves Italian fare with rustic charm in a sleek, stylish setting. The city also hosts excellent Japanese sushi counters, contemporary Korean barbecue spots, and European-inspired bistros. This diversity reflects Shanghai’s global character, where East truly meets West at the dining table.
5. Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known names, Shanghai is full of culinary treasures tucked away in unexpected corners. The French Concession, with its leafy boulevards, hides artisanal cafés, boutique bakeries, and experimental kitchens. Small noodle shops run by local families offer bowls of yangchun noodles for less than the price of a coffee, while secret dumpling stalls reward those who wander off the main streets. These hidden gems give travelers a taste of everyday Shanghai, where tradition, innovation, and community come together in the most delicious ways.
✨ Why Shanghai is a Food Lover’s Dream
Shanghai’s food culture mirrors its identity: dynamic, layered, and constantly evolving. From the artistry of Michelin-starred tasting menus to the warmth of street food shared among friends, every dining experience reflects the city’s spirit. For the luxury traveler, exploring food in Shanghai is not only about indulgence but also about connection—tasting heritage, creativity, and global influences all in one dazzling destination.
