Top 7 Famous Signature Dishes of Shanghai You Must Try
Shanghai: The Shining Pearl of China and Global Food Capital
Shanghai, one of China’s four municipalities, is a global financial hub in the Yangtze River Delta. Known worldwide as a food capital, its culinary traditions stretch back millennia, making it one of China’s four major gastronomic cities, alongside Beijing, Tianjin, and Suzhou.
Shanghai’s cuisine stands out with its bold flavors, rich sauces, seafood focus, and balanced taste. Here are seven of Shanghai’s most iconic dishes:
1. Nanxiang Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
Nanxiang Soup Dumplings are a historic staple of Shanghai’s food scene. Known for their paper-thin skin, juicy meat, and rich flavor, these delicate dumplings have been crafted in the town of Nanxiang, Jiading District, since 1871. Their century-old recipe and preparation techniques have been passed down through six generations of chefs, making them a symbol of Shanghai’s culinary heritage.
Songjiang Sea Bass is one of Shanghai’s culinary jewels and a source of pride in Chinese cuisine. Its delicate flavor and tender texture have made it a prized dish for centuries. After Emperor Qianlong of the Qing dynasty praised it as the “First Fish of Jiangnan,” Songjiang Sea Bass became a favorite among royalty and continues to shine in modern-day dining.
3. Shanghai Pan-Fried Dumplings (Shengjianbao)
A beloved local snack, Shanghai Pan-Fried Dumplings boast a perfect balance between crispy golden bottoms and juicy, flavorful fillings. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions, they offer a delightful burst of flavors and textures, making them a must-try in Shanghai’s vibrant street food scene.
Eight-Treasure Duck, a masterpiece of Shanghai and Suzhou culinary fusion, is a luxurious dish stuffed with various ingredients. This complex preparation delivers a rich, savory taste that fills the room with mouthwatering aromas. Steamed to perfection, this iconic dish has long been associated with traditional banquet dining in Shanghai.
5. Shanghai Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou)
Braised Pork in Shanghai style is the epitome of Shanghai’s “red cooking” technique, using soy sauce, wine, and sugar to create a richly flavored and visually striking dish. Its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with a perfect balance of sweet and savory, makes it one of the city’s most beloved comfort foods.
7. Shanghai White-Cut Chicken (Bai Zhan Ji)
White-Cut Chicken is another Shanghai classic, known for its simplicity and rich, authentic taste. Best exemplified by the renowned Xiao Shaoxing restaurant, which uses the highest-quality Sanhuang Chicken from Pudong, this dish is tender, flavorful, and a true representation of Shanghai’s culinary finesse.
Crystal Shrimp is considered “Shanghai’s First Dish,” famous for its translucent appearance and delicate flavor. This light yet flavorful dish uses only shrimp and eggs, with no extra embellishments, to highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Originating from chefs at the Jinjiang Hotel in the 1940s, Crystal Shrimp remains a standout in Shanghai’s high-end cuisine scene.
Shanghai’s culinary heritage, with its unique flavors and time-honored traditions, is a testament to the city’s status as one of the world’s leading food destinations.