Shanghai

Comprehensive Guide to Street Food in Shanghai, China

Shanghai is a paradise for street food lovers, offering a vibrant mix of traditional Chinese flavors and modern culinary twists. The city’s street food scene is deeply rooted in its history and culture, with dishes that reflect the local Shanghainese palate—characterized by a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Shanghai’s street food offerings.

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Popular Street Food Items in Shanghai

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

• Ingredients: Thin dough wrappers filled with minced pork (or crab), gelatinized broth (which melts into soup when steamed), and sometimes a hint of ginger or green onion.
• Typical Cost: ¥10–¥25 for a basket of 6–8 dumplings.
• Where to Find:
  • Yuyuan Garden Bazaar: A tourist hotspot with famous vendors like Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
  • Local street markets in neighborhoods like Huangpu or Jing’an.
• Preparation: Dumplings are steamed in bamboo baskets, and the broth inside is created by adding gelatinized stock to the filling, which liquefies during steaming.
• Tips:
  • Use a spoon to catch the soup when you bite into the dumpling.
  • Let it cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth.
  • Dip in black vinegar with ginger for the authentic flavor.

2. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

• Ingredients: Doughy buns filled with pork and broth, pan-fried to create a crispy bottom while keeping the top soft.
• Typical Cost: ¥5–¥15 for 4 buns.
• Where to Find:
  • Da Hu Chun (a historic Shengjianbao shop).
  • Street vendors in areas like Wujiang Road Food Street.
• Preparation: The buns are fried in shallow oil in large pans, creating a golden, crispy base.
• Tips:
  • Be cautious of the hot soup inside.
  • Eat them fresh for the best texture.

3. Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes)

• Ingredients: Dough mixed with chopped scallions, salt, and sometimes sesame seeds, fried until crispy.
• Typical Cost: ¥3–¥8 per pancake.
• Where to Find:
  • Street stalls in residential neighborhoods.
  • Popular areas like Tianzifang or Qibao Old Town.
• Preparation: The dough is rolled out, layered with scallions, folded, and fried on a griddle.
• Tips:
  • Ask for a freshly fried one for maximum crispiness.
  • Some vendors offer spicy or egg-filled variations—try them if available.

4. Chou Doufu (Stinky Tofu)

• Ingredients: Fermented tofu, deep-fried and served with chili sauce, garlic, or pickled vegetables.
• Typical Cost: ¥5–¥15 per portion.
• Where to Find:
  • Night markets like Shouning Road or Fangbang Road.
  • Vendors near tourist attractions like the Bund.
• Preparation: The tofu is fermented for days or weeks, then deep-fried to create a crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Tips:
  • The smell is strong, but the taste is milder and savory.
  • Look for long lines—locals know the best vendors.

5. Jianbing (Chinese Crepes)

• Ingredients: A thin batter made from wheat and mung bean flour, spread on a griddle and filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, chili paste, and a crispy fried cracker.
• Typical Cost: ¥6–¥12 per crepe.
• Where to Find:
  • Morning markets and breakfast stalls across the city.
  • Near metro stations during rush hours.
• Preparation: The batter is spread thinly on a hot griddle, cooked with an egg, and layered with fillings before being folded.
• Tips:
  • Best enjoyed fresh and hot.
  • Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.

6. Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorn Skewers)

• Ingredients: Hawthorn berries (or other fruits like strawberries or grapes) coated in hardened sugar syrup.
• Typical Cost: ¥5–¥10 per skewer.
• Where to Find:
  • Vendors near parks, schools, or tourist areas like Nanjing Road.
• Preparation: Fruits are skewered and dipped in boiling sugar syrup, which hardens into a glossy coating.
• Tips:
  • Eat them quickly before the sugar melts in humid weather.
  • Be cautious of the hard sugar coating—it can be tough on teeth.

7. Malatang (Spicy Skewers)

• Ingredients: A variety of skewered meats, vegetables, tofu, and seafood cooked in a spicy, numbing Sichuan-style broth.
• Typical Cost: ¥1–¥5 per skewer, depending on the ingredient.
• Where to Find:
  • Night markets and food streets like Shouning Road.
• Preparation: Skewers are boiled in a communal pot of spicy broth and served with dipping sauces.
• Tips:
  • Choose your spice level carefully—Shanghai’s version is milder than Sichuan’s but still packs heat.
  • Use the provided tongs to pick your skewers hygienically.

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Practical Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Shanghai

1. Hygiene Considerations:

   • Look for vendors with high turnover—fresh ingredients are key.
   • Avoid stalls with food sitting out for long periods, especially in hot weather.
   • Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes, as napkins may not always be provided.

2. Peak Times to Visit:

   • Breakfast (6:30 AM–9:00 AM): Jianbing and soy milk with youtiao (fried dough sticks) are popular morning options.
   • Lunch (11:30 AM–1:30 PM): Many office workers grab quick bites like Shengjianbao.
   • Evening (6:00 PM–10:00 PM): Night markets come alive with options like Malatang and Chou Doufu.

3. How to Interact with Vendors:

   • Use basic Mandarin phrases like "Zhe ge duo shao qian?" (How much is this?) or simply point to what you want.
   • Be polite and patient, as some vendors may not speak English.
   • Carry small bills or coins, as many vendors do not accept large denominations.

4. Payment Methods:

   • Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are increasingly common. If you have access to these apps, they can make transactions smoother.

5. Cultural Etiquette:

   • Eating while walking is generally acceptable, but if there’s a seating area, it’s polite to sit and eat.
   • Avoid wasting food—order only what you can finish.

6. Local Considerations:

   • Shanghai’s street food scene is regulated, but hygiene standards can vary. Stick to busy stalls with lots of locals.
   • Some areas, like the Bund, have fewer street food options due to stricter regulations. Explore side streets and local neighborhoods for authentic experiences.

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Top Street Food Areas in Shanghai

1. Wujiang Road Food Street:

   • A mix of traditional and modern street food options.
   • Easily accessible from West Nanjing Road Metro Station.

2. Shouning Road Night Market:

   • Famous for seafood skewers, crayfish, and Chou Doufu.
   • Best visited in the evening.

3. Tianzifang:

   • A trendy area with a mix of street food and boutique shops.
   • Great for exploring while snacking.

4. Qibao Old Town:

   • A historic water town with traditional snacks like rice cakes and Tanghulu.
   • Perfect for a half-day trip.

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Shanghai’s street food scene is a must-experience for any visitor. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to savor the city’s culinary delights while navigating its vibrant streets like a local. Bon appétit—or as they say in Mandarin, "Man man chi" (慢慢吃)—enjoy your meal!