Shanghai street food is more than just a quick bite—it’s a way to experience the local flavors and culture.
Shanghai is a bustling city in China known for its vibrant culture and impressive skyline, but it’s also famous for its street food. Walking through the busy streets, you’ll find a delicious array of snacks and meals being cooked right in front of you. From savory dumplings to sweet pancakes, Shanghai’s street food offers a taste of the city’s rich culinary traditions.
Vendors set up their stalls in markets and along busy streets, cooking fresh, flavorful dishes that reflect the diverse tastes of the city. Whether you’re a fan of spicy noodles or crispy spring rolls, Shanghai’s street food has something to offer everyone, making it an exciting part of any visit to this lively city.
Markets to Explore
- Wujiang Road Food Street
- Chenghuangmiao Old Street
- Changli Road Street Food Market
- South Yunnan Road
- Tai Xing Road
Popular Street Food to Try
- Cí fàntuán (Rice Balls) – 粢饭团 / 糍饭团
- Yóu dūnzi (Radish Fritters) – 油墩子
- Jiānbing (Thin Savory Pancake) – 煎饼 *Shanghai’s local variation is called Ruandanbing
- Cōng yóubǐng (Scallion Pancakes) – 葱 油 饼
- Málà tàng – 麻辣烫
- Guōtiē (Pot Stickers) – 锅贴
- Egg Tarts – 蛋挞
- Stinky Tofu – 臭豆腐
- Xiǎo lóng bāo (Soup Dumplings) – 小笼包
Tips for Dietary Restriction Options
You can find food that meets your dietary needs, but it might take more effort, especially in China. Locals there might not be familiar with specific dietary restrictions or severe allergies. So, we recommend that you are prepared to put in a bit of extra work to get what you need.
Luckily, there are many Chinese and Western restaurants, especially around school campuses, that offer a variety of foods to meet different dietary needs. For vegetarians, here’s a list of the 22 best vegetarian restaurants in Shanghai. For those who are vegan, soy-free, or gluten-free, it’s important to be clear and patient when ordering.
Falling in Love with Food in Shanghai
As one of our previous students, Natalie Chen, wrote in her blog, it’s hard not to fall in love with all the food options in Shanghai.
“Upon arriving in Shanghai, one of the first things our program leader told us was that we would fall in love with the food in China. Specifically, he said many alumni eat at least one dish that they think about for years to come, often attempting in vain to recreate the same culinary experience at home. Although I definitely agree with his conviction, I don’t know if I can identify a specific dish that I’ll miss more than others. But, I can say I’ve become accustomed to the experience of eating fantastic food at literally almost every meal, which might be even worse in terms of adjusting back to life at home.”
Interested in learning about studying abroad in Shanghai? Spend a semester living in Shanghai—known as the New York of China. CET Shanghai offers small classes, weekly one-on-one sessions, and dedicated teachers to help you improve your Chinese skills.
Planning for a trip to China and want to practice Chinese? Learning the local language of the community you visit can help you connect more with the locals and enhance your travel experience. CET offers quality Virtual Language Training for all levels. You can practice ordering street foods in Chinese—trainings are tailored to suit your needs and interests!