Shanghai's Food Scene: A Culinary Journey Through China's Most Dynamic City
Shanghai is a city that never stops eating, and once you arrive, you'll understand exactly why. From smoky street-side stalls in the French Concession to Michelin-starred dining rooms overlooking the Bund, the food here is as layered and surprising as the city itself. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Shanghai's restaurant and street food scene deserves a place at the very top of your itinerary.
Overview
Shanghai sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River and is home to over 24 million people, making it one of the largest cities on earth. Its culinary identity is equally enormous, blending traditional Shanghainese flavours — think sweet, sticky, and deeply savoury — with influences from across China and the world. This is a city where you can eat xiao long bao (soup dumplings) for breakfast, devour a plate of Cantonese dim sum at lunch, and sit down to a French-inspired tasting menu by evening. The food culture here is genuinely world-class, and it rewards curious, adventurous eaters at every price point.
Essential Information
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY). Budget roughly $5–$10 USD for a satisfying street food meal, $15–$40 USD for a solid sit-down restaurant, and $80–$200 USD per person at high-end venues.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is spoken at many tourist-facing restaurants, but downloading a translation app is highly recommended for smaller local spots.
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring food markets and outdoor dining areas.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China and can sometimes be considered rude. Skip it unless you are at an internationally-oriented hotel restaurant.
- Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate cashless payments. Tourists can now link international cards to Alipay, though carrying some cash as backup is wise.
Where to Eat
Start your food journey in the Old City (Nanshi), the most historic part of Shanghai. Head to Yuyuan Bazaar for a bowl of soup dumplings at Nanxiang Mantou Dian, one of the city's most iconic xiao long bao institutions. Expect a short queue — it is absolutely worth it. A basket of eight dumplings costs around $3 USD.
For street food after dark, Wujiang Road Food Street near People's Square is a dependable choice. You'll find scallion pancakes, stinky tofu, skewered meats, and cold sesame noodles all within a single block. Arrive hungry and order slowly — this is one of the best spots in the city to graze.
The French Concession is where to go when you want a longer, more relaxed meal. The neighbourhood is full of beautifully restored lane houses now home to excellent restaurants. Try Fu 1088, a stunning private residence turned Shanghainese restaurant where classic red-braised pork and sweet osmanthus rice cakes are served in an atmosphere that feels genuinely timeless. Budget around $60–$80 USD per person.
For something more contemporary, Xintiandi and the surrounding streets offer a strong mix of modern Chinese cuisine and international dining. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet is arguably the most ambitious restaurant in the country — a 10-seat, fully immersive dining experience that requires booking weeks in advance, with menus starting at around $400 USD per person. Worth it for a special occasion.
Don't overlook the Jing'an District for everyday eating. The neighbourhood around Jing'an Temple has excellent hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, vegetarian Buddhist restaurants near the temple itself, and some of the city's best coffee spots for a morning start.
Getting There
Shanghai is served by two major airports. Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles the majority of long-haul international flights and is the primary gateway for most visitors. Direct flights operate from major cities including London, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, and Dubai, with flight times ranging from 10 to 14 hours depending on your origin. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) primarily serves domestic and regional routes, making it useful if you're connecting from Beijing or Chengdu.
From PVG, the Maglev train whisks you into the city in around eight minutes — one of the fastest commercial trains in the world. A taxi to central Shanghai takes 40–60 minutes and costs approximately $25–$35 USD depending on traffic.
Accommodation Options
- Budget ($30–$70 USD/night): The Generator Shanghai and various hostels in the Former French Concession offer clean, central options for travellers watching their spending.
- Mid-range ($100–$200 USD/night): The Waterhouse at South Bund is a beautifully converted warehouse with industrial-chic design and a location close to excellent local restaurants.
- Luxury ($300+ USD/night): The Peninsula Shanghai on the Bund is consistently ranked among the finest hotels in Asia, with rooms that overlook the historic waterfront and impeccable dining on site.
Plan your trip to Shanghai
Shanghai is a city that rewards those who come hungry — for food, for culture, and for the unexpected. Whether you spend three days or three weeks, the sheer depth and variety of what's on offer will leave you planning your return before you've even left. Ready to experience one of the world's great food cities for yourself? Start comparing flights, lock in your dates, and book your