Question 1

What are the must-try and iconic snacks in Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

Shanghai boasts a rich and diverse street food culture. Among the most celebrated are the aromatic 'Sheng Jian Bao' (pan-fried buns) with their crispy bottoms and savory fillings, and the 'Xiao Long Bao' (soup dumplings) with their thin wrappers, generous filling, and abundant broth. The 'Scallion Oil Noodles' offer a simple yet unforgettable savory flavor, while 'Pork Chop with Rice Cakes' is a unique Shanghai classic, featuring crispy yet tender pork chops and chewy rice cakes. Don't forget to sample 'Blood Soup' and crispy 'Xie Ke Huang' (crab shell pastries) – essential for experiencing authentic Shanghai flavors.

Question 2

What are some recommended characteristic restaurants for tourists in Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

For tourists, Shanghai offers many characteristic restaurants to deeply experience the local culinary culture. It's recommended to seek out time-honored eateries serving authentic 'Ben Bang Cai' (Shanghai cuisine), savoring the classic Shanghai flavors that are rich in soy sauce, slightly sweet, and balanced, such as braised pork belly and 'Yan Du Xian' (a savory soup). Additionally, restaurants with scenic views in the Bund area offer new-wave Shanghai cuisine or international dishes, providing a visual and culinary delight with the charming night scenery. In some distinctive neighborhoods, you can also find restaurants that blend traditional flavors with modern creativity, offering diverse dining experiences.

Question 3

What are the main differences in taste and cuisine between Shanghai and Beijing food?

Accepted Answer

Shanghai cuisine (Ben Bang Cai) and Beijing cuisine (Jing Cai) present significant differences in taste. Shanghai cuisine is characterized by 'rich oil and dark soy sauce' ('nong you chi jiang'), with a tendency towards sweetness and skillful use of soy sauce for seasoning, emphasizing the original flavors of ingredients and the application of seafood. Classic dishes include braised pork belly and steamed hairy crab (in autumn). Beijing cuisine, on the other hand, is characterized by savory and rich soy sauce flavors, with a heavier taste, often employing stir-frying, roasting, and hot pot cooking methods. Representative dishes include the world-renowned Peking Duck and hot pot lamb. Both reflect the different dietary habits and geographical produce characteristics of the north and south.

Question 4

What are the unmissable ways to enjoy hairy crabs in Shanghai during autumn?

Accepted Answer

Autumn is the prime season for savoring hairy crabs in Shanghai, offering exquisite flavors. The most classic preparation is 'steamed hairy crab,' which maximally preserves the crab's natural sweetness and the richness of its roe and tomalley. Additionally, 'Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao' made with extracted crab meat and roe, delivers an intense crab aroma in every bite. Other signature dishes include 'Crab Roe Tofu,' 'Crab Roe Noodles,' and the specially marinated 'Drunken Crab.' Each preparation showcases the diverse applications and high status of hairy crabs in Shanghai's culinary culture. Missing out in autumn means waiting for the next year.

Question 5

What is the general dining consumption level like for experiencing different types of cuisine in Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

The dining consumption level in Shanghai varies by type, offering a wide range of choices. Street food and local specialty noodle shops are generally more affordable, allowing you to taste authentic flavors at a lower cost. Mid-range restaurants offer a wider variety of dishes and a more comfortable dining environment, with relatively higher prices. For high-end fine dining or Michelin-recommended restaurants, the cost increases significantly, usually featuring more exquisite dishes, excellent service, and unique dining atmospheres. Overall, Shanghai can satisfy food lovers with different budgets and needs.

Question 6

How can I taste the most authentic Shanghai cuisine and traditional snacks?

Accepted Answer

To taste the most authentic Shanghai cuisine, it's recommended to visit old town areas or the alleyways frequently visited by locals. Besides well-known Ben Bang Cai restaurants, you can also explore traditional dim sum shops or noodle houses that have stood the test of time. For instance, around the City God Temple, the Yu Garden area, or near local markets, you can often find long-standing establishments offering authentic snacks like Sheng Jian Bao, Xiao Long Bao, and Scallion Oil Noodles. Guided local tours or asking locals for recommendations are also effective ways to discover hidden gems and delve deeper into Shanghai's food culture.

Question 7

What are some characteristic snacks worth trying around Shanghai's City God Temple?

Accepted Answer

The area around Shanghai's City God Temple is a paradise for seeking traditional snacks. The most famous is the classic Xiao Long Bao from 'Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant,' renowned for its thin skin, large filling, and flavorful broth. Additionally, the exquisite dim sum at 'Lu Bo Lang' is also worth trying. In the surrounding alleyways, you can find many stalls or old shops selling characteristic snacks like 'Pork Chop with Rice Cakes,' Tang Yuan (glutinous rice balls), 'Lao Po Bing' (wife cakes), and 'Wuxiang Dou' (five-spice beans). Strolling through the area, you'll encounter various traditional pastries and flavorful snacks, making it an excellent place to experience Shanghai's old-world tastes, each carrying rich history and flavor.

Question 8

What types of restaurants and their characteristics are Michelin-recommended in Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

Michelin-recommended restaurants in Shanghai encompass a rich variety of cuisines and characteristics. In addition to world-renowned fine Cantonese, French, and Italian cuisines, many restaurants offering high-end Ben Bang Cai (Shanghai cuisine) have also received recommendations, elevating traditional Shanghai flavors to the realm of fine dining. These establishments typically strive for perfection in ingredient selection, culinary techniques, plating design, and dining environment, providing an exceptional service experience. From classic heritage of time-honored brands to the creative fusion by emerging chefs, they showcase Shanghai's diverse and high-caliber culinary landscape.

Question 9

What are the famous food districts in Shanghai, and recommended transportation methods to these areas?

Accepted Answer

Shanghai boasts several famous food districts. For example, the Bund area gathers high-end restaurants and bars; most can be reached by taking the subway to Nanjing East Road Station or Yu Garden Station and then walking. Xintiandi is primarily known for its fashionable restaurants and cafes, accessible via Xintiandi Station. The City God Temple and Yu Garden vicinity is a hub for traditional snacks and time-honored restaurants, also reachable by subway to Yu Garden Station. The Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street also offers numerous dining options with convenient transportation. Most of these areas have direct subway access or are located nearby, so utilizing the efficient subway system is highly recommended.

Question 10

When traveling to Shanghai, how can I effectively book a table at popular restaurants?

Accepted Answer

To book a table at popular restaurants in Shanghai, advance planning is recommended. The most common methods include online reservations through the restaurant's official website or direct phone calls. If staying at a high-end hotel, you can also ask the hotel concierge for assistance, as they often facilitate smoother communication. For certain sought-after dining experiences or special set menus, consider booking through platforms like KKday, which offer Chinese customer service and flexible cancellation policies, effectively eliminating language barriers and making your travel arrangements more secure and convenient. Be sure to book well in advance to secure your dining.

Popular Gourmet Food in Shanghai

China | Seat reservation for Haidilao in Shanghai area. Both the lobby and private rooms can be booked | Ultimate service. Free fruit

Li Baixie Crab Roe Noodles (Riverview Restaurant, The Bund Yuyuan Branch)

China | J Hotel Shanghai Tower 101 Centouno Buffet Dinner | Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the top of Shanghai | A buffet restaurant with a wide variety of dishes

Shanghai Bund Family Banquet · Hu Mansion | Bund Yu Garden Branch (The restaurant is opposite the Bund observation deck, Shanghai 3-piece set)

China | Jinmao Grand Hyatt's ON56 Buffet Restaurant, located on the 56th floor of the Jinmao Tower, is a "Cloud Restaurant".

【China】JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square Buffet Dinner|Marriott Cafe|Free Herb Breadcrumb Grilled Australian Lamb Chops & Fresh Fish Soup Saury Wontons

China | Shangri-La Café & Seafood Buffet Restaurant, Pudong, Shanghai (near Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower)

[China] Shanghai Tower Top Floor Access + Café Shanghai Summit Afternoon Tea/Dinner

【China】The Westin Bund Center Shanghai Buffet lunch/dinner|Stage Buffet Restaurant|Near the Bund

China丨Asian-style French semi-buffet lunch at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund (near the Bund)

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