Shanghai 7-Day Foodie Itinerary
A full week allows serious foodies to truly master Shanghai's extraordinary culinary landscape. From predawn wet market tours to midnight dumpling runs, from century-old teahouses to cutting-edge molecular gastronomy, this itinerary covers it all. You'll compare xiaolongbao at seven legendary spots, explore regional Chinese cuisines, take cooking classes, and venture to food destinations beyond the city. Come hungry.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Century-Old Breakfast Institution
Start your culinary week at this century-old breakfast institution. Join the morning rush for fresh soy milk, crispy youtiao, and their legendary cifantuan — sticky rice rolls with pickles, pork floss, and cruller inside.
Shanghai's Old City Market Adventure
Dive into this bustling market near the Old City. Watch vendors prepare fresh tofu, observe the river shrimp selection, sample seasonal fruits. This is where real Shanghai chefs shop.
Xiaolongbao Tasting at a Local Favorite
Your first xiaolongbao comparison stop. This no-frills local favorite has thin skins, rich soup, and perfectly balanced filling. Try both pork and crab roe to establish your baseline.
Fine Dining in a 1930s Shanghai Villa
Experience refined Shanghainese cuisine in a stunning 1930s villa. The hong shao rou melts instantly, the drunken chicken is silky, the smoked fish perfectly balanced. Book ahead for lunch.
Stroll and Savor in the French Concession
Walk off lunch through tree-lined streets. Stop at artisan bakeries, try a scallion pancake from a street cart, sample craft coffee. The French Concession is a food destination itself.
Shanghai's Legendary Late-Night Food Street
End day one at Shanghai's legendary late-night food street. Plastic tables, cold beer, mountains of garlic or spicy crayfish. Loud, messy, absolutely authentic. The foodie's baptism.