Shanghai, the Magic City, is brimming with endless prosperity and historical depth, and its culinary scene is incredibly diverse. From street-side snack stalls to time-honored restaurants, every dish carries a unique story and charm. Today, let’s explore the top 10 must-try local delicacies of Shanghai.
Pork Chop with Rice Cakes (排骨年糕)
Shanghai’s haipai (海派) culture emphasizes inclusivity and the fusion of Chinese and Western influences, and Pork Chop with Rice Cakes perfectly embodies this spirit. This dish gained widespread fame through the drama Blossoms Shanghai. The tender, flavorful pork chop pairs harmoniously with soft, chewy rice cakes, creating a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Fried Stuffed Dough Balls (油墩子)
A common street snack in Shanghai, oil-fried stuffed dough balls are beloved for their crispy golden exterior and juicy, savory filling. Though simple to make, they evoke nostalgic childhood memories for many Shanghainese.
Legend has it that oil-fried dough balls have a connection to Emperor Qianlong. During his travels to Jiangnan, he once stopped at a temple, hungry and exhausted. The monks hastily prepared a snack by wrapping red bean paste in glutinous rice flour, deep-frying it into round balls. The emperor was so impressed that he named them “oil-fried dough balls” (油墩子), as they resembled the temple’s incense cushions.
Braised Wheat Gluten with Four Delicacies (四喜烤麸)
A classic Shanghainese dish, Braised Wheat Gluten with Four Delicacies features tender gluten braised with mushrooms, black fungus, and daylily flowers, offering a rich, savory-sweet flavor.
The name “Four Delicacies” (四喜) symbolizes the four great joys of life:
Rain after a long drought
Meeting an old friend in a distant land
A wedding night
Achieving success in imperial exams
Originating in the late Qing Dynasty, a chef created this dish to celebrate four auspicious events in his family, combining wheat gluten with four lucky ingredients. Over time, it became a staple in Jiangnan cuisine.
Soup Dumplings (小笼包)
Hailed as the “King of Shanghai Dim Sum”, soup dumplings are famed for their thin, delicate wrappers and juicy, flavorful filling. Made with high-gluten flour and a mix of pork and aspic, they burst with rich broth upon each bite.
Originating in Nanxiang Town during the Qing Dynasty, they were initially called “Nanxiang Steamed Pork Buns” before evolving into today’s iconic xiaolongbao.
Pan-Fried Pork Buns (生煎包)
A quintessential Shanghai snack, pan-fried pork buns boast a crispy bottom, tender filling, and savory-sweet broth. They became popular in the 1920s–1930s as a convenient street food and remain a breakfast and late-night favorite.
Yangchun Noodles (阳春面)
A simple yet elegant noodle dish, Yangchun Noodles feature clear broth, smooth noodles, and a light, refreshing taste. The name symbolizes the warmth of spring, reflecting Shanghainese nostalgia for simpler times.
Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs (糖醋排骨)
With its glossy caramelized glaze and perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is a Shanghai classic. The ribs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich sauce, embodying the Shanghainese love for sweet-sour flavors.
Eight-Treasure Rice (八宝饭)
A festive dessert, Eight-Treasure Rice is a colorful, sticky-sweet glutinous rice dish filled with red bean paste, nuts, and dried fruits. It symbolizes prosperity and reunion, often served during celebrations.
Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (蟹粉汤包)
A luxurious twist on xiaolongbao, these dumplings are stuffed with crab roe and rich broth, offering an umami explosion. Shanghai’s abundant crab supply makes this a must-try delicacy.
Drunken Duck (糟卤鸭肉)
Marinated in fermented rice wine brine, drunken duck is succulent, fragrant, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. This traditional Shanghainese dish highlights the city’s love for aromatic, wine-infused flavors.
These 10 iconic dishes capture the essence of Shanghai’s culinary heritage and cultural charm. If you ever visit, don’t miss the chance to savor these unforgettable flavors!
