9 delicious dishes from Shanghai's local cuisine, every dish is delicious and enjoyable.

🫶 Xiaolongbao (Xiǎolóngbāo)
A Shanghai staple, these thin, bite-sized dumplings are filled with a meat filling. The highlight is the piping hot, flavorful broth inside. To eat them, place the dumplings on a spoon, poke holes in the dough to let the broth flow out, then slurp the soup and eat the dumplings. They're often served with shredded ginger and vinegar.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包), with several branches. We recommend the Huanghe Road branch near People's Square.

🫶 Fried Steamed Buns (Shēng Jiān Bāo)
Another popular dumpling/bun dish, just like xiaolongbao, these Shanghai-style fried buns are characterized by their crispy exterior, soft interior, and dense filling. The piping hot broth creates a perfect balance of flavor and crispiness. They're often topped with roasted sesame seeds for a fragrant aroma.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Yang's Fried Dumpling (小杨生煎) - Multiple branches

🫶 Braised Pork Belly/Hong Shao Rou (Hóngshāo Ròu)
A classic Chinese dish made with tender pork belly, slowly simmered in a sauce made from sweet soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, and sugar, resulting in a rich, well-rounded flavor and the aroma of Chinese spices. Some recipes also include quail eggs and tofu.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Ren He Guan (人和馆)

🫶Hairy Crab (Dàzháxiè)
This seasonal dish is highly anticipated by foodies, especially during October and December, when hairy crabs have the most eggs and are at their best. The most popular way to prepare this dish is to steam it simply to preserve its freshness. It is served with vinegar and shredded ginger. Hairy crab roe can also be used in noodles or eaten with hot steamed rice.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Michelin-starred Cheng Long Hang (成隆行蟹王府), Jiujiang Rd. branch

🫶Pai Gu Nian Gao (Páigǔ Niángāo)
A unique local snack consisting of deep-fried pork ribs served on a rice cake (nian gao). The crispy pork meat pairs perfectly with the chewy rice cake, and is topped with a sweet and salty sauce.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Xian De Lai (鲜得来), recommended at South Yunnan Rd. branch

🫶Cōng Yóu Bàn Miàn (Cōng Yóu Bàn Miàn)
A famous Shanghai street food, this dish emphasizes simplicity yet rich flavors. Fresh green onions are stir-fried in oil in a wok until fragrant before being mixed with noodles. We recommend adding peanut sauce for a richer, more flavorful flavor.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Xian De Lai (鲜得来), South Yunnan Rd.

🫶Scallion Pancakes (Cōngyóu Bǐng)
Scallion pancakes, or roti dough mixed with scallions, are deep-fried until golden brown. This popular Shanghai street snack is best enjoyed while hot to experience the crispy exterior and soft interior that captivates locals.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Usually found at street stalls, but can also be found in areas with street food.

🫶Shanghai Fried Pork (Zhà Zhūpái)
A dish similar to Japanese tonkatsu but lighter, Shanghai fried pork is marinated in a special recipe, breaded, and deep-fried until golden brown. Served with a sweet and sour sauce, it's becoming increasingly rare.

📍Recommended Restaurant: Ding Te Le Zhou Mian Guan, Huaihai Rd.

🫶Shanghai Breakfast
Recommended dishes include youtiao, or crispy golden dough sticks. Often served with sweet or salty soy milk, guatia (deep-fried dumplings), and xiaohuntun (small dumplings in hot broth), these dishes have long been a part of Shanghai's way of life.

📍Recommended restaurants: Local breakfast spots (such as those in People's Square or Yu Garden)

These dishes are recommended by Shanghai locals. If you're looking for authentic Shanghai cuisine, be sure to check them out! 💕
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