Explore Shanghai's sweet treasures - from traditional rice cakes to Western-influenced pastries
Soft, chewy, and delightfully sweet - Shanghai's traditional rice cakes are a must-try for dessert lovers
A spring seasonal specialty made from glutinous rice mixed with wormwood juice, giving it a distinctive green color and herbal aroma. Traditionally filled with red bean paste, modern versions also feature popular fillings like salted egg yolk and pork floss.
Qingtuan is traditionally eaten during Qingming Festival (around early April). According to ancient customs, people would offer qingtuan to ancestors as offerings before sweeping their tombs. The green color symbolizes new life and spring, while the wormwood used in the dough is believed to ward off evil spirits. Today, it has become a beloved spring treat enjoyed by all.
1.沈大成 Shendacheng
2.王家沙 Wangjiasha
A long, cylindrical glutinous rice cake filled with smooth red bean paste. The outer layer is soft and chewy, while the filling is sweet but not cloying. It's a classic Shanghai street snack that's both satisfying and comforting.
Tiaotougao is a year-round snack that can be enjoyed at any time. It's particularly popular as a breakfast or afternoon tea treat. The long shape is said to symbolize "longevity" and "continuity," making it a favorite gift during festivals and special occasions.
1.沈大成 Shendacheng
2.杏花楼 Xinghualou
A delightful rice cake with two layers of filling. The glutinous rice skin wraps around red bean paste and black sesame paste, creating a perfect harmony of sweet flavors. The exterior is often rolled in shredded coconut for an extra layer of texture.
Shuangniang Tuan is enjoyed all year round, but it's especially popular during Mid-Autumn Festival. The "double filling" concept carries a beautiful meaning - the red bean paste represents warmth and sweetness, while the black sesame symbolizes good health and prosperity. It's a perfect snack for sharing with family and friends.
1.沈大成 Shendacheng
2.王家沙 Wangjiasha
A traditional steamed rice cake with a rhombus shape, symbolizing victory and good fortune. Made from fine rice flour and filled with red bean paste or rose paste, it has a soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness.
Dingsheng Cake is most commonly eaten during exam seasons and weddings. The name "Dingsheng" means "definitely victorious," and the diamond shape represents success. It's a tradition for parents to give this cake to children before important exams, symbolizing wishes for good luck and success. It's also popular during Chinese New Year for its auspicious meaning.
1.乔家栅 Qiaojiashan
2.沈大成 Shendacheng
A famous pastry from Shanghai's Gaoqiao Town, known for its hundreds of thin layers of flaky pastry. The buttery crust is filled with either red bean paste or jujube paste, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Gaoqiao Pine Cake is a year-round delicacy that makes a perfect afternoon tea treat. Originating from Gaoqiao Town in Pudong, this pastry has a history of over 100 years. It's especially popular during the Spring Festival as a gift, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity with its layered structure representing "many levels of success."
1.高桥食品一厂 Gaoqiao Food Factory
2.老大昌 Laodachang
A traditional intangible cultural heritage product of Shanghai. Made by boiling pear juice with fritillaria and other herbs, it has a sweet and soothing taste. The candy is believed to help soothe sore throats and is a popular souvenir.
Li Gao Tang is particularly popular during autumn and winter when the weather is dry. The pear juice and herbal ingredients help soothe sore throats and moisturize the throat. Historically, it was used as a medicinal candy to treat coughs. Today, it's enjoyed year-round as a sweet, soothing treat and makes an excellent souvenir from Shanghai.
1.上海老城隍庙 Shanghai Old City God Temple
2.豫园商城 Yu Garden Mall
A unique blend of French techniques and Chinese flavors - Shanghai's iconic Western-influenced pastries
The iconic French-style puff pastry that has become a symbol of Shanghai's pastry culture. Made famous by Park Hotel's Pastry Shop, these delicate pastries feature hundreds of flaky layers with a rich buttery flavor. When baked, they curl into a butterfly shape, hence the name.
Butterfly Pastry is a year-round favorite that pairs perfectly with Chinese tea or coffee. Made famous by Park Hotel's Pastry Shop in the 1930s, it has become the most iconic Shanghai-style Western pastry. The butterfly shape symbolizes transformation and beauty. It's also a popular souvenir to bring back home.
1.国际饭店西饼屋 Park Hotel Pastry Shop
2.哈尔滨食品厂 Harbin Food Factory
A beloved Shanghai dessert made famous by Ruby Bakery. It features a soft sponge cake base covered with fresh animal cream. The cream is light and not overly sweet, making it a refreshing treat.
Fresh Milk Cake is best enjoyed on the same day it's made, as the fresh cream is most delicious when chilled. It's a popular afternoon tea treat or dessert after meals. The cake's simple, pure flavor makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors. It's especially refreshing during summer months.
1.红宝石 Ruby Bakery
A classic Shanghai cake featuring a rich layer of traditional buttercream paired with smooth chestnut puree. The combination creates a dense, creamy texture with a nutty sweetness. Popularized by Kaiseling Bakery and Hengshan Hotel.
Butter Chestnut Cake is a seasonal treat enjoyed during autumn when chestnuts are in season. It's a classic afternoon tea cake that evokes nostalgia for old Shanghai. The rich buttercream and chestnut combination represents luxury and indulgence, making it perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself.
1.凯司令 Kaiseling Bakery
2.衡山宾馆 Hengshan Hotel
A Shanghai-style chocolate eclair with a crispy puff pastry shell filled with smooth buttercream. The exterior is dipped in rich chocolate, creating a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet.
Ha Dou is best enjoyed fresh from the bakery when the puff pastry is at its crispest. It's a popular afternoon tea treat or a sweet pick-me-up anytime. The chocolate coating makes it a favorite during Christmas and New Year celebrations, symbolizing sweetness and joy.
1.凯司令 Kaiseling Bakery
2.哈尔滨食品厂 Harbin Food Factory
A national treasure and iconic Shanghai candy brand. These creamy milk candies have been loved by generations with their rich milk flavor and unique rice paper wrapper. They've become a symbol of Shanghai and a must-buy souvenir for visitors.
White Rabbit Candy is enjoyed all year round and makes a perfect sweet snack anytime. It's especially popular as a gift during festivals - Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Children's Day. Since its creation in 1943, it has become a cultural icon and shared memory for generations of Chinese people.
1.冠生园 Guanshengyuan
2.上海第一食品商店 Shanghai No.1 Food Store
Discover our comprehensive travel guides for Shanghai
Discover authentic Shanghai Benbang cuisine beyond Nanxiang soup dumplings. Explore classic cold dishes, signature hot plates, seasonal soups, and iconic street snacks.
Discover why Qipao (Cheongsam) is the timeless symbol of Shanghai women's elegance. Explore the rich history, cultural significance, and best spots for qipao photoshoots in Shanghai.
Discover Shanghai's most creative and immersive themed restaurants - from Hanfu feasts to rabbit cafes, Dunhuang murals to river view dining.
Share your Shanghai desserts experiences with others and get tips from the community.
Loading posts...
No community posts yet.
