Popular Food Spots
Popular Food Spots
We spent a lot of time putting this list together, from places we’ve tried ourselves to recommendations from friends in Shanghai. Some are famous, some less so. Hopefully you find a few new favorites along the way.
Lai Lai Xiao Long
莱莱小笼
Michelin Bib Gourmand >30k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Dim Sum
- Recommended
- Crab Roe Xiaolongbao
蟹粉小笼 - Address
-
506 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
(about 440m from Exit 19 of People’s Square Station)
黄浦区天津路506号
Michelin Description
This simple little shop tucked away in a bustling alley has been packed with hungry diners ever since it opened its doors 20 years ago. The chefs are always busy in the kitchen making xiao long bao, the crab roe variety being the most popular. Brace yourself for an even bigger crowd in hairy crab season, when wontons, spring rolls and soups are generously loaded with crabmeat and roe. The classic soupy pork buns are another must-try.
Li Bai Xie
李百蟹
>28k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Crab Specialties
- Recommended
- Crab Roe Noodles
蟹黄面 - Address
-
3F, Bund 22, 22 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
上海市黄浦区中山东二路22号外滩22号3楼
Description
Li Bai Xie is all about crab. Its signature dish is noodles topped with a rich mix of crab roe, creamy crab paste, and crab meat, giving it a very rich, savory flavor. You can get the same crab topping over rice, along with other dishes like crab xiaolongbao. The Bund 22 branch is also worth considering for the view, especially if you can get a window seat overlooking the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline.
Wei Xiang Zhai
味香斋
Michelin Guide >17k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Noodles
- Recommended
- Sesame Noodles
麻酱面 - Address
-
14 Yandang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
(near Huaihai Middle Road)
上海市黄浦区雁荡路14号
Michelin Description
Wei Xiang Zhai, located on Yandang Road, has stood for over eighty years. Despite its antique appearance, the shop remains bustling with customers, all thanks to its bowls of nostalgic noodles that leave a lasting impression. The menu is very simple, offering only a few types of noodles and hand-pulled noodles. The most popular item is undoubtedly the signature sesame sauce noodles. We recommend pairing them with spicy sauce noodles, beef broth, or pork rib rice cakes for an extra touch of satisfaction. If you visit on a hot day, try a bowl of cold noodles to cool off.
Fei Da Chu
费大厨
>10k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Hunan Cuisine
(Bold, savory and spicy Chinese food) - Recommended
- Stir-fried Pork with Chili Peppers
费大厨辣椒炒肉 - Address
-
4F, Xintiandi Plaza, 333 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
上海市黄浦区淮海中路333号新天地广场4楼
Description
Fei Da Chu is a popular Hunan restaurant best known for its signature stir-fried pork with chili peppers. It’s a savory, spicy dish made fresh to order with thin slices of pork and plenty of green chili, served with rice at the table. The menu has plenty of other spicy Chinese dishes too, making it a good option for groups who want to try Hunan food.
Grandma’s Home
外婆家
>32k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Home-style Chinese / Hangzhou-style
- Recommended
- Grandma’s Tea Chicken
外婆茶香鸡 - Address
-
7F, South Building, Shanghai Joy City, 166 Xizang North Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
上海市静安区西藏北路166号上海大悦城南座7楼
Description
Grandma’s Home is a popular Chinese restaurant chain known for affordable, home-style dishes from the Shanghai and Hangzhou area. The menu is designed for sharing, with favorites like its signature Tea Chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, braised pork, fish, vegetables and other familiar Chinese comfort food.
Xie San Bao
蟹叁宝
>9k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Crab Specialties
- Recommended
- Golden Crab Roe Rice
黄金蟹拌饭 - Address
-
74 Nanhui Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
上海市静安区南汇路74号
Description
Xie San Bao specializes in rich crab dishes, with its signature rice topped with a generous mix of crab roe, crab meat and creamy crab paste. Mix everything into the rice for a rich, savory crab flavor without having to crack open a whole crab yourself. You can also get the same crab topping with noodles, alongside dishes like crab xiaolongbao and crab spring rolls.
Da Hu Chun
大壶春
Michelin Bib Gourmand >20k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Shengjian / Pan-fried Pork Buns
- Recommended
- Traditional Pork Shengjian
生煎包 - Address
-
136 Sichuan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
上海市黄浦区四川中路136号
Michelin Description
Queues for the array of pan-fried buns boasting a crisp base and juicy filling stretch down the street. In addition to the typical pork variety, try the version with shrimp, or crabmeat and roe. Their mini wontons and meat-filled Shaobing are popular, too. The original shop, now with several branches across the Magic City, opened here in 1932; it moved and subsequently returned to the same street. You can also buy uncooked dim sum to take home.
Cookie of Shiku
石库制饼
>1k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Cookies
- Recommended
- Toasted Marshmallow & Dark Chocolate Lava Cookie
烤棉花糖黑巧流心软曲奇 - Address
-
DEBI Bund WE, 501 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
上海市黄浦区九江路501号德必外滩WE内
Description
Shiku Cookie is a modern Shanghai bakery making thick, American-style soft cookies with flavors inspired by the city. Alongside more familiar chocolate cookies, you’ll find Shanghai-inspired flavors using ingredients like Locavo malted chocolate, fermented rice, osmanthus and other local favorites.
Charlie Town Tea
红茶公司
>7k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Milk Tea
- Recommended
- Ceylon Milk Tea
手煮·云顶锡兰轻乳茶 - Address
-
B2, South Mall, Jing’an Kerry Centre, 1605 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
上海市静安区南京西路1605号静安嘉里中心南区商场B2层
Description
People are calling this the Hermes of Milk Tea. CHARLIETOWN is a popular Shanghai-born tea chain that puts more focus on the tea itself than a typical bubble tea shop. Its signature drinks use different types of black tea mixed with fresh milk, with the Ceylon Milk Tea being one of the easiest places to start. You can also choose stronger or more aromatic teas like Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong, plus sweeter options with taro, mochi and other toppings.
Harbin Food Factory
上海哈尔滨食品厂
>8k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Old-school Shanghai Bakery
- Recommended
- Almond Crisp
杏仁排 - Address
-
601-603 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
上海市黄浦区淮海中路601-603号
Description
Despite the name, Harbin Food Factory is actually a historic Shanghai bakery that has been around since 1936. It started with Russian and European-style baking and gradually developed into the old-school Shanghai pastries locals grew up with. Its Almond Crisp has a buttery pastry base covered with crunchy caramelized almonds, while other popular picks include small butterfly pastries, cookies and cakes. It’s also a good place to pick up some classic Shanghai snacks to take home.
Kaisiling
凯司令
>9k reviews Multiple branches
- Category
- Old-school Shanghai Bakery
- Recommended
- Chestnut Cake
栗子蛋糕 - Address
-
1001 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
上海市静安区南京西路1001号
Description
Kaisiling is one of Shanghai’s most famous old-school bakeries, dating back to 1928. It specializes in the Western-style cakes and pastries that became part of Shanghai food culture over the last century. Its signature Chestnut Cake combines smooth chestnut purée with cream and soft cake for a simple, rich dessert that generations of locals have grown up eating. The Nanjing West Road flagship is also a good place to experience a bit of old Shanghai café culture.
Player & Talent Picks
These are places VCT players, casters, and hosts personally recommended to us. Some are local favorites, some are comfort food, and some are just spots they really like going back to.
