Known as ‘Hu’ cuisine, the delicacies of Shanghai have all the rich flavour tones of Eastern China’s ‘red braising’ technique, which employs lashings of soy sauce, five-spice powder, sugar, rice vinegar, as well as variations of freshly caught seafood and succulent meat. Here are some unique Shanghai meals you don’t want to miss!

Baozi Chengdu
Popo le Chien, Baozi Chengdu, CC0 1.0

Soupy Dumplings

These wonderfully fragile steamed buns bursting with the flavour of piquant broth are certainly worth the hype, decked with meat, vegetables, or seafood as you wish and displayed with Pinterest-worthy effect in bamboo baskets to be doused in soy sauce and vinegar before a taste test (you won’t be disappointed).

Peking Duck

A melt-in-the-mouth Shanghainese staple, this saucy, slow-cooked duck will give you a chef’s-kiss moment, unbelievably succulent with its delicately roasted golden skin, tenderly juicy flesh, and luscious fermented bean sauce. If you’re looking for top-notch shared apartments in Shanghai proffering premier access to its foremost gastronomic enclaves, venture no further than the likes of lyf Hongqiao Shanghai.

Baozi

If you’re in the mood for a wholesome Chinese-style bagel before starting a thrilling day of exploring exuberant Shanghai, the iconic steamed baozi bun, stuffed generously with juicily marinated meat and light veggies, will hit the spot just right!

Jianbing

One of Shanghai’s exclusive street food specialities, this paper-thin crepe, with its numerous crispy golden layers, is the ideal on-the-go snack, generously slathered with hoisin sauce and bean paste and sprinkled with scallions, pickled radish, and your topping of choice.