Shanghai is a culinary paradise where century-old dumpling houses stand next to Michelin-starred restaurants. This three-day foodie itinerary takes you from dawn dim sum to late-night street snacks, covering the city's legendary xiaolongbao, authentic Shanghainese 'benbang' cuisine, bustling wet markets, and hidden gem noodle shops that only locals know.
Start your culinary journey at this no-frills local favorite. Their pork xiaolongbao have thin, delicate skins and rich, gelatinous soup inside. Order the crab roe version for the ultimate breakfast splurge.
Dive into this bustling market near the Old City Temple. Watch vendors prepare fresh tofu, sample seasonal fruits, and observe local aunties haggling for the freshest river shrimp. This is where real Shanghainese shop.
Try Shanghai's other dumpling legend — shengjian. These pan-fried buns have a crispy golden bottom and burst with scalding soup. The Fangbang Road location is less touristy than downtown branches.
Experience refined Shanghainese cuisine at this elegant heritage house. The hongshaorou (red-braised pork belly) melts on your tongue, and the drunken chicken is impossibly silky. Book ahead.
Stroll through the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, stopping at artisan bakeries, craft coffee shops, and local snack vendors. Try scallion pancakes from a street cart and fresh milk from a heritage dairy.
End day one at Shanghai's legendary crayfish street. Sit at a plastic table, order a pile of garlic or mala crayfish, cold beer, and edamame. The atmosphere is loud, messy, and absolutely authentic.