What Food To Try in Shanghai and Food Prices

生煎包 - Pan-fried Pork Buns (crispy on the outside) - These buns are filled with juicy pork and gelatin that turns into rich broth when cooked. Locals often enjoy them for breakfast, perfectly paired with some vinegar for dipping.

小龙虾 - Spicy Crayfish (a lively seafood dish) - Stir-fried with bold spices and a hearty amount of garlic, these crayfish are a summer favorite. You’ll find locals enjoying them in outdoor stalls as a late-night snack, gathered around tables with cold beer.

红烧肉 - Red Braised Pork (rich and tender) - This dish features pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and spices until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Often served during dinner with steamed rice, it’s popular during family gatherings and celebrations.

油条 - Fried Dough Sticks (crunchy and chewy) - These long, crispy sticks are perfect for dipping in soy milk or accompanying rice porridge. A common breakfast companion, they add a delightful crunch, but avoid ordering them with a heavy meal or you might feel too full!

毛豆 - Salted Edamame (a satisfying snack) - Served warm and lightly salted, these edamame pods are bursting with flavor. Often shared among friends over drinks at night markets, they're a great way to enjoy casual conversations.

蟹粉狮子头 - Crab Meat Tender Meatballs (savory and tender) - Made with premium crab meat combined with pork, these delicate meatballs are simmered in broth. Locals savor them in the winter, often enjoyed in cozy restaurants to warm up during chilly evenings.

香葱鸡蛋饼 - Scallion Egg Pancake (savory flatbread) - This thin pancake stuffed with fresh scallions and egg is deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's a popular street breakfast option, usually enjoyed early in the morning from busy street vendors.

粽子 - Sticky Rice Dumplings (wrapped with leaves) - These dumplings, filled with glutinous rice and often meat or beans, are traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. Locals usually enjoy them for lunch, reminiscing over festive gatherings with family.

Longjing Tea - 龙井茶 (Dragon Well Tea) - This is a fragrant green tea handpicked from the West Lake region, noted for its flat leaves and delicate flavor. It's usually served hot in small teacups, with locals sipping it throughout the day and appreciating its calming qualities.

Tiger Beer - 老虎啤酒 (local lager) - A crisp and refreshing beer brewed primarily in Singapore but immensely popular in Shanghai, often enjoyed during gatherings or casual meals. Locals often toast with it over meals at outdoor stalls, making it a go-to for a hot afternoon.

Sweet Bean Soup - 红豆汤 (red bean dessert) - A warm, thick soup made from azuki beans and sugar, served with a sprinkle of coconut milk on top for a unique taste. This comforting dessert is commonly consumed during winter months and is often seen as a nourishing option after a long day.

Qingtuan - 青团 (green rice dumplings) - These sticky rice cakes, colored with mugwort, are sweetened and filled with red bean paste, symbolizing renewal during the Qingming Festival. Best enjoyed immediately after they're made, they're freshly steamed and offer a chewy texture that's perfect for spring outings.

Mango Pillow Ice - 芒果冰 (frozen dessert) - A delightful combination of shaved ice topped with fresh mango slices and condensed milk, this refreshing treat is perfect in the sweltering summer heat. You'll find locals lining up at famous vendors during the summer, making sure to get the best, fresh mango varieties.

By the way, don't be surprised if you see people sharing desserts among friends—it's all about the communal experience!