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Shanghai Special Snacks

Discover the delicious street snacks and traditional delicacies of Shanghai

小笼包 (Xiaolongbao / Soup Dumplings)

Description

Made famous by Nanxiang buns, Shanghai xiaolongbao are small steamed buns filled with savory pork and rich broth. The thin, translucent wrapper holds a burst of hot soup and tender meat inside. The key is to "suck the soup first, then eat the bun" to fully enjoy the experience.

How to Eat

1. Use chopsticks to carefully pick up the xiaolongbao
2. Make a small hole in the thin skin with the tip of your chopsticks
3. Gently suck out the hot soup first
4. Then dip the bun in vinegar and ginger sauce before eating

Recommended Shops

1.南翔馒头店 Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop

2.绿波廊 Lvbolang Restaurant

生煎包 (Shengjianbao / Pan-Fried Buns)

Description

Shanghai's beloved pan-fried buns feature a crispy bottom from frying and a soft, fluffy top from steaming. Each bun is filled with juicy pork and soup, which bursts out when you bite into it. Two iconic shops represent different styles: Da Hu Chun for the traditional "dry" style, and Xiao Yang Shengjian for the popular "juicy" style.

How to Eat

1. Wait for the shengjianbao to cool slightly after serving
2. Make a small opening on the top with chopsticks to release steam
3. Suck out the soup slowly to avoid burning your mouth
4. Dip in vinegar and enjoy, making sure to get the crispy bottom in each bite

Recommended Shops

1.大壶春 Da Hu Chun

2.小杨生煎 Xiao Yang Shengjian

排骨年糕 (Ribs with Rice Cake)

Description

A classic Shanghai street food combination of deep-fried pork ribs and fried rice cake. The ribs are crispy on the outside and tender inside, while the rice cake provides a chewy texture. Both are smothered in a delicious sweet-savory sauce that ties everything together.

How to Eat

1. Start with the crispy fried pork ribs, savoring the golden crust
2. Dip the ribs into the sweet-savory sauce for extra flavor
3. Pair with the soft, chewy rice cake pieces
4. Mix the sauce with the rice cake for a delicious combination

Recommended Shops

1.鲜得来 Xiande Lai

2.长发餐饮 Changfa Restaurant

葱油拌面 (Scallion Oil Noodles)

Description

A simple yet delicious Shanghai noodle dish featuring thick wheat noodles tossed with fragrant scallion oil. The scallions are slowly fried in oil until crispy and golden, infusing the oil with their rich aroma. The dish is often topped with additional fried scallions and sometimes a drizzle of soy sauce for extra flavor.

How to Eat

1. Immediately mix the hot noodles with the scallion oil and soy sauce
2. Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated evenly
3. Add a fried egg or sliced pork if desired
4. Enjoy the rich scallion aroma with every bite

Recommended Shops

1.老上海葱油面馆 Old Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodle Shop

2.味香斋 Weixiang Zhai

鲜肉月饼 (Fresh Meat Mooncake)

Description

A beloved Shanghai specialty, fresh meat mooncake features a flaky, buttery crust filled with savory ground pork. Unlike traditional sweet mooncakes, this Shanghai delicacy is savory and best enjoyed hot from the oven. The crispy crust gives way to tender, juicy meat filling infused with soy sauce and Chinese spices. It's especially popular during Mid-Autumn Festival but available year-round.

How to Eat

1. Best eaten fresh and hot from the oven
2. Allow it to cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth
3. Peel off the outer crust layer by layer to enjoy the flakiness
4. Savor the juicy pork filling with each bite
5. Pair with a cup of green tea to balance the richness

Recommended Shops

1.光明邨大酒家 Guangmingcun Restaurant

2.老大昌 Laodachang

3.沈大成 Shendacheng

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