Best Places to Eat in Shanghai

Best Foods to Try in Shanghai (China)

Searching online for Chinese food near me in Shanghai? Here is a list of food options with descriptions, ingredients, dietary options, and price ranges:

• Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

  A Shanghai staple, Xiaolongbao are delicate dumplings filled with hot broth, pork, seafood, or vegetables. The dumplings burst with flavour in every bite. Be cautious—they're served piping hot! Enjoy them with a dash of soy sauce and vinegar before indulging.

  • Type: Both Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 237

• Steamed Crab

  Shanghai's famed steamed crab, or Da Zha Xie, is a seasonal delicacy typically enjoyed in autumn and winter. Steamed with minimal ingredients, the steamed crab highlights the natural flavour of the river crab, served best with vinegar.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 3548 - 4730

• Smoked Fish Slices

  This dish features deep-fried fish slices marinated to resemble smoked fish. Known for its crispy exterior and tender inside, it's a savoury treat perfect for those who love spiced food.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 3548

• Peking Duck

  Though traditionally from Beijing, Peking Duck is also a Shanghai favourite. The duck's crispy skin and tender meat, served with scallions and pancakes, make it an irresistible dish.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 3548

• Beggar's Chicken

  A traditional dish with a story as rich as its flavours, Beggar's Chicken involves marinating a whole chicken in spices, wrapping it in lotus leaves, and baking it in clay or mud. The cooking process locks in the juices, resulting in tender, aromatic meat that falls off the bone. This slow-cooked delight is an unforgettable experience for any foodie.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 2957- 4140
    
    

• Huang Yu Mian (Yellow Croaker Noodle Soup)

  A Shanghai speciality, Huang Yu Mian is a creamy, comforting fish noodle soup. With yellow croaker fish and noodles swimming in a rich broth, this dish is loved for its simplicity and depth of flavour.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 592

• Steamed Egg White and Fresh Milk Pudding

  Warm and silky, this pudding is a traditional Chinese dessert made from fresh milk and egg whites. Its soft texture and subtle sweetness make it a must-try for dessert lovers.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 142

• Sweet Soup

  A heartwarming delight that perfectly captures the essence of comfort, Chinese sweet soups come in various flavours, each offering a unique experience. From green beans to black sesame, these soups provide a smooth, flavorful escape in every spoonful. Whether enjoyed with toppings like rice balls or tofu, they reflect the richness of Chinese culinary tradition.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 178 - 201

*Disclaimer: All costs are approximate and are subject to change at the time of travel.

China Food Guide: Best Restaurants and Street Food Stalls in Shanghai

Shanghai boasts a vibrant food scene with diverse options. Whether you're seeking Chinese food near you, craving Indian cuisine, or exploring pure vegetarian restaurants, there's something for every palate. This guide highlights the best places to eat in Shanghai, ensuring you experience everything from Michelin-starred dining to casual eateries, all offering delicious options that capture the essence of Shanghai's unique flavours.

• Xiao Ping Restaurant

  A charming local eatery in Huangpu District, Xiao Ping Restaurant is beloved for its authentic Shanghai flavours and carefully crafted dishes. It is popular among locals and serves fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, ensuring each bite bursts with rich, satisfying flavours.

  • Location: Nanjing East Rd. #636, Huangpu District
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 9 PM
    
    

• Ren He Guan

  Transport yourself to 19th-century Shanghai at Ren He Guan, a Michelin-starred gem featuring vintage décor and a menu steeped in culinary heritage. Highlights include the signature Drunken Crab and Sweet and Sour Smoked Fish, showcasing the delicate balance of flavours that define Shanghai's cuisine.

  • Location: Zhaojiabang Road #407, Xuhui District
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 9:30 PM

• Lao Fan Dian

  With a history dating back to 1875, Lao Fan Dian offers a glimpse into Shanghai's culinary past. The restaurant is famous for its Eight Treasure Duck and delicate Kousansi, expertly prepared to highlight traditional flavours. Dining here is a step back in time.

  • Location: No. 242 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 8:30 PM

• Xing Hua Lou

  Established in 1851, Xing Hua Lou is the oldest Cantonese restaurant in Shanghai. It is celebrated for its pastries and signature dishes, which include Scallop Oil Chicken and BBQ Pork with Honey Sauce. These must-tries are crafted with time-honoured techniques that keep locals returning for more.

  • Location: No. 343 Fuzhou Rd., Huangpu District
  • Opening hours: 8 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 9 PM

• Fu 1015

  Fu 1015 presents an elegant dining experience, seamlessly blending Chinese and Western cuisines. Standout dishes include the Steamed Pot Rice with Abalone and Pork Belly, where flavours meld beautifully. The restaurant's spacious garden and private dining rooms enhance the sophisticated atmosphere.

  • Location: No. 1015 Yuyuan Rd., Changning District
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 2 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Vegetarian Restaurants in Shanghai

Shanghai has some of the best non-vegetarian cuisine options in the region. Still, for those travellers who follow a purely vegetarian diet, Shanghai has no shortage of vegetarian options. Here are some of the best places to eat in Shanghai for vegetarians. However, you should always check with the restaurant regarding their veg-only options.

• Fu He Hui

  Fu He Hui is a distinguished vegetarian restaurant in Shanghai known for its exquisite plant-based dishes and exceptional dining experience. Among its many honours are the three-diamond award and two years in a row of Michelin stars. This restaurant will top the search result if you search online for pure veg restaurants near me or healthy food options near me in Shanghai.

  • Location: No. 1037 Yuyuan Road (near Jiangsu Road)
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM – 1 PM, 5:30 PM – 9 PM

• Zao Zi Shu (Jujube Tree)

  Zao Zi Shu serves "smoke-free, alcohol-free, egg-free, and meat-free" meals with premium, organic ingredients. The menu offers well-known animal substitutes and traditional vegetarian dishes, guaranteeing a great meal.

  • Location: 1st Floor, Shanghai Palace (near Middle Huaihai Road)
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 9:30 PM

• Gong De Lin (Godly Vegetarian)

  Founded in 1922, Gong De Lin is among the best vegetarian dining restaurants in China, and it is named after Buddhist scriptures. The Nanjing West Road branch, serving as its national headquarters, offers a diverse menu that reflects its rich history and legacy in vegetarian cuisine.

  • Location: No. 441-445 West Nanjing Road
  • Opening Hours: 7 AM - 9 AM, 11 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 10 PM

• Wu Guan Tang Vegetarian

  Established in 2004, Wu Guan Tang is committed to providing a pure vegetarian experience without imitation meat or deep-fried options. The restaurant focuses on fresh seasonal vegetables, bean products, and mushrooms, employing cooking methods like cold mixing, steaming, and boiling. With its oldest branch in Shanghai, Wu Guan Tang has also expanded to locations in Suzhou and London, maintaining its dedication to healthy, unprocessed vegetarian dishes.

  • Location: No. 349 Xinhua Road
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM - 9 PM

• San Wei Shu Wu (Veggie House)

  San Wei Shu Wu is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Pudong New Area. Founded by two vegetarian enthusiasts, its name references a private school attended by literary master Lu Xun, where "shu wu" (书屋) means "study" and "shu" (蔬) stands for "vegetable." The restaurant features poetry-adorned walls, and diners can submit a book review for a 9% discount, adding a literary touch to the dining experience.

  • Location: No. 20 Nanquan Road, next to Nonggongshang Supermarket
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 10 PM

Best Vegan Cafes/Restaurants in Shanghai

Shanghai has many exceptional vegan cafes and restaurants offering creative, plant-based dishes catering to diverse tastes. From traditional Chinese flavours to Western-style meals, these spots serve everything from hearty veggie bowls to refined vegan fine dining. Here's a look at some of the best vegan places to explore in Shanghai to end your search for vegan “places to eat around me” or “healthy food near me” when you visit Shanghai.

• Yangege

  Yangege offers an all-you-can-eat hot pot experience with a fixed price per person. Diners enjoy a copper hot pot, wild Yunnan mushrooms, vegetables, tofu, and mock meats from the buffet. You can also order appetisers, noodle bowls, dumplings, and more—an excellent spot for hearty, plant-based comfort food. Foreign credit cards are accepted.

  • Location: A4-1, Shanghai, China
  • Opening Hours: 5 PM - 10 PM

• LN Fortunate Coffee

  LN Fortunate Coffee, a vegan bakery and cafe franchise from Taiwan, offers a variety of plant-based treats. A menu with coffee, vegan ice cream, cakes, and fresh bread also features Asian and Western dishes like rice bowls, burgers, and pasta. Each franchise operates independently so that offerings may vary, but the commitment to "Loving Nature" remains consistent.

  • Location: 378 Wukang Rd., 8th floor, Shanghai, China
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM

• If Vegan

  If Vegan is a well-known vegetarian spot in Shanghai, offering a diverse menu with mock meats like cumin and black pepper beef and vegetarian options such as Vietnamese spring rolls and lotus root dishes. While some dishes are noted for being oily or salty, the cakes and desserts are standout favourites. The lush, plant-filled space adds to its charm as a "green paradise."

  • Location: 408 Shanxi Rd. (N) 408, Jing'An, Shanghai, China
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

• Ziozi Shu (JiangNing)

  Ziozi Shu is a popular vegetarian restaurant group offering a wide range of modern Chinese dishes, including options with mushrooms and mock meats made from tofu, seitan, or yam. The menu is available in English with photos, and this location also features a small health food shop.

  • Location: 258 Fengxian Rd. (at Nanhui Corner), Shanghai, China
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 9:30 PM

• Ru Pure Vegan

  Ru Pure Vegan offers fusion dishes, including vegan pizza, hot baked rice, and an afternoon tea service. With a bright terrace and expansive views, it's a relaxing spot to enjoy their creative, health-focused menu.

  • Location: L4-03, Retail Area, Bohua Plaza, Building 2, No. 388 Shanhaiguan Rd., Shanghai, China
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

FAQs

• Q.1 What are the best street food options in Shanghai?

  Ans. Yes, Shanghai has street food. Places like Xiangyang Road, in the French Concession, are popular with small food vendors serving classic dishes like potstickers, Jian bing, and steamed buns.

• Q2. How to find an Indian restaurant near me in Shanghai?

  Ans. Yes, there are some famous Indian restaurants in Shanghai. If you will type Indian food near me online, you can find restaurants like Vedas Indian Restaurant. Here, Indian travellers can enjoy home-like Indian food.

• Q3. How many Michelin-starred restaurants are there in Shanghai?

  Ans. As of 2022, Shanghai had 47 Michelin Guide award-receiving restaurants. Many restaurants like Ultraviolet have received more than 1 Michelin star.

• Q4. What seasonal foods should I try in Shanghai?

  Ans. You can try the Hairy Crab, mainly served in September and October. For those with vegetarian diets, delicacies like zongzi and pea shoots are great options.

• Q5. Is Shanghai’s traditional food very spicy for Indians?

  Ans. No, the traditional Shanghai food is not spicy. On the contrary, Shanghai cuisine is known for its sweet and sour taste. However, spicy options are also available in the city.

• Q6. IWhere can I eat on a budget in Shanghai?

  Ans. You can eat at places like Yang’s Fry-Dumpling or some street food options at Xiangyang Road Food Stalls when looking for places to eat in Shanghai on a budget.