Shanghai Food

Chinese Food

What to eat at Shanghai’s food street - Huanghe road

On my way back from New Zealand, I had a layover in Shanghai and decided to make the most of it. Starving after a long flight, I hit the streets of this massive city, ready to hunt down some authentic local food. With so much to see and taste, it was the perfect excuse to dive into the chaos of Shanghai and fuel up for the adventure.

It was a real letdown to find out that a lot of the famous food streets in Shanghai had been shut down because the government started requiring food vendors to have official certificates. Sure, it’s probably a good move for food safety and hygiene, but for tourists like me hunting for a quick and authentic bite, it was a pain. To make things even worse, Google didn’t work at all in China, and GPS maps were completely useless. Even in apps where maps supposedly worked, the location was totally off, showing me somewhere I wasn’t even close to.

Luckily, as I wandered around early in the quiet morning with my backpack, I stumbled upon a street packed with food right next to People’s Square—a small gem called Huanghe Road.

Huanghe Road might not be as lively as food streets in some other countries, but it’s a solid spot to sample some of Shanghai’s must-try dishes. It’s far from a hidden gem, though, as it’s home to two of the city’s most famous eats: Xiao Long Bao from Jia Jia Tang Bao and Sheng Jian Bao from Yang’s Dumpling.

Alright, let’s dive in—here’s what I discovered on Huanghe Road:

Jia Jia Tang Bao:

Jia Jia Tang Bao is hands down a must-visit spot in Shanghai and the entire reason I found myself on this street in the first place. Their Xiao Long Bao—steamed soup dumplings and arguably Shanghai’s most iconic dish, lovingly nicknamed “XLB”—are nothing short of perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an experience no foodie should miss.

How to Order at Jia Jia Tang Bao

First, join the line outside the shop. If you arrive after 9 a.m., it’ll be easy to spot along Huanghe Road since there’s usually a long queue by then. However, if you come early, you might walk right past it—Jia Jia Tang Bao is small and unassuming, blending in with the surrounding shops. I got there around 8 a.m. and almost missed it entirely.

To find it, look for a simple white storefront with red Chinese lettering. Beside the door, you’ll see the restaurant’s menu, also written in red. Keep an eye out, and you’ll find it!

But here’s the catch—the menu isn’t in English. So, if you’re like me and don’t speak Mandarin or read Chinese, don’t worry! Here’s a translated version of the menu to help you navigate your order.

Jia Jia tang bao’s English Menu Translation

纯鮮肉汤包 – Pure Pork Soup Dumpling – 15 Yuan
虾仁鲜肉汤包 – Shrimp soup dumpling – 20 Yuan
鸡丁鲜肉汤包 – Chicken Soup Dumpling – 20 Yuan
蛋黄鲜肉汤包 – Pork Egg Yolk Soup Dumpling – 23 Yuan
蟹粉鲜肉汤包 – Crab Meat Soup Dumpling – 30 Yuan
纯虾仁汤 – Pure Shrimp Soup – 25 Yuan
纯蟹粉汤 – Pure Crab Soup – 99 Yuan
鸡鸭血汤 – Duck Blood Soup – 5 Yuan
紫菜蛋皮汤 – Seaweed Soup – 5 Yuan
生姜丝 – Ginger – 2 Yuan

Storefront of Jia Jia Tang Bao

Jia Jia Tang Bao

On the top row of the menu, you’ll find the different varieties of Xiao Long Bao (XLB), while the bottom row lists soups, sauces, and drinks.

If you’re a foodie like me, don’t miss the Pork Egg Yolk Dumpling (蛋黄鲜肉汤包)—it’s absolutely worth it! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. For an even better experience, add a side of fresh ginger (生姜丝) for just 2 yuan. The ginger perfectly enhances the flavor of the XLBs, taking them to the next level.

Once you’ve placed your order, grab a seat—or if it’s busy, the staff might help you find one. Be prepared to share your table with strangers, as communal dining is pretty common in Asia. Since everything is made fresh to order, your dumplings will be brought to your table in about 10-15 minutes. Don’t worry—they’ll track you down!

Chefs preparing traditional Chinese dishes

Once the XLBs were served, it was finally time to dig in! They don’t provide spoons here, so I had to figure out the proper way to eat them solo. Here’s the method: pick one up gently with chopsticks, dip it in vinegar or chili (or both), add a few slices of ginger on top, then bite a small hole in the dumpling to suck out the soup. Pro tip—don’t even think about putting the whole dumpling in your mouth at once! These things are served piping hot. I learned that the hard way when I burned my tongue and immediately understood what Anthony Bourdain meant about “unforgettable maxillofacial damage.”

On my food adventure, I also accidentally ordered a bowl of duck blood soup while trying to get seaweed soup—the Chinese characters threw me off. Surprisingly, it wasn’t bad! The broth was light and flavorful, but the gelatinous blood squares were definitely an acquired taste. Not something I’d crave again, but an experience nonetheless.

My Thoughts on Jia Jia Tang Bao

Jia Jia Tang Bao is an absolute must-visit for any food lover in Shanghai. Their Xiao Long Bao (XLB) stands out as some of the best I’ve ever had. What really sets them apart is the broth—it’s not overly oily like many other XLBs I’ve tried. Instead, it’s light and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.If you’re in Shanghai and want to experience authentic local flavors, this is the place to start!

Yang´s Dumplings:

Yang’s Dumpling is a must-visit spot in Shanghai, famous for its Sheng Jian Bao, a lesser-known but equally spectacular version of the city’s iconic soup dumpling. Similar in concept to Xiao Long Bao (XLB), Sheng Jian Bao features a dumpling filled with flavorful soup and tender pork, but with a twist—the skin is thicker and pan-fried to golden perfection instead of steamed.

With numerous outlets scattered across Shanghai, Yang’s Dumpling is easy to find. For those exploring the Huanghe Road area, there’s a convenient bonus—a Yang’s outlet located just across the street from Jia Jia Tang Bao, making it the perfect one-two punch for dumpling enthusiasts!

How to Order at Yang’s Dumpling

Ordering at Yang’s Dumpling is refreshingly simple, especially for travelers, as their menu includes English translations.

Here’s how it works:

Place Your Order at the Cashier
Head to the counter and choose your meal. If you order non-dumpling items like noodles or soup, you’ll receive a pink plastic plaque with a number on it and be directed to sit down. Your food will be delivered to your table.
Ordering Bao Items
If you’re ordering Sheng Jian Bao or other dumplings, you’ll need to take your receipt and line up at the designated window outside. At the window, you can either have your dumplings served on a plate for dining in or request “ta pao” (takeaway), and they’ll pack them in a plastic container for you.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to branch out beyond dumplings, try the Pork Wonton Soup or the Hot and Sour Soup—both are fantastic options that pair perfectly with the signature Sheng Jian Bao.

And if you’re planning to hop over to Jia Jia Tang Bao, you can grab your dumplings to go and enjoy them while waiting in line there. Bon appétit!

12 Affordable Restaurants in Shanghai

1. Jia Jia Tang Bao

Famous for their Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). The flavors are authentic, and prices are budget-friendly.

2. Yang’s Dumplings

Known for their Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried soup dumplings). Multiple outlets across the city make it easy to find.

3. Chen’s Noodles (陈家面馆)

Offers hearty bowls of Shanghai-style noodles at very reasonable prices.

4. A Da Cong You Bing

A street stall famous for its crispy scallion pancakes (葱油饼). Perfect for a quick snack.

5. Xiao Yang BBQ (小杨生煎烧烤)

A great spot for cheap and flavorful street-style BBQ skewers.

6. Xian De Lai (鲜得来排骨年糕)

Must-try dish: Pork Chop with Rice Cake. A traditional local meal that’s affordable and filling.

7. Cang Lang Ting Dumplings (沧浪亭馄饨)

Specializes in wontons with a variety of fillings and light, flavorful soups.

8. Hai Di Lao Express

A more budget-friendly version of the popular hot pot chain. Perfect for solo travelers or a quick bite.

9. A Niang Mian Guan (阿娘面馆)

Famous for yellow croaker noodles (黄鱼面). A flavorful bowl of soup noodles that’s uniquely Shanghai.

10. Qibao Old Street Snack Vendors

Located in the Qibao Ancient Town, this area has numerous affordable snack vendors selling stinky tofu, sweet rice cakes, and more.

11. Dong Tai Xiang Snacks (东泰祥小吃)

A variety of local snacks, from fried buns to sweet sesame pastries, all under one roof.

12. Wu Fang Zhai (五芳斋)

Specializes in zongzi (rice dumplings) and other traditional Shanghai snacks at pocket-friendly prices.

12 Iconic Foods You Must Taste in Shanghai

1. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

These delicate steamed dumplings are filled with juicy pork and hot broth. A true Shanghai classic, found at spots like Jia Jia Tang Bao.

2. Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings)

A heartier cousin of Xiao Long Bao, with a crispy bottom and juicy filling. Yang’s Dumplings is the go-to spot.

3. Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)

Flaky, savory, and crispy pancakes loaded with scallions. Try it from a local street vendor like A Da Cong You Bing.

4. Red-Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou)

Tender pork belly braised in a sweet and savory sauce. Look for local eateries serving this iconic dish.

5. Crab Shell Pastry (Xie Ke Huang)

A flaky pastry filled with savory or sweet fillings like red bean paste or minced meat. Found at traditional bakeries.

6. Shanghai Fried Noodles (Chao Mian)

Chewy noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, vegetables, and meat. It’s a comforting and affordable dish at local noodle joints.

7. Sticky Rice Dumplings (Cifan Tuan)

A breakfast favorite made of sticky rice wrapped around various fillings like pickles, pork floss, and fried dough sticks.

8. Stinky Tofu (Chou Dou Fu)

Deep-fried fermented tofu with a pungent aroma but a surprisingly mild and delicious taste. Perfect from a street vendor.

9. Hairy Crab (Da Zha Xie)

Seasonal and a must-try during autumn, these crabs are prized for their rich roe. Best enjoyed at local seafood restaurants.

10. Sweet Fermented Rice Balls (Jiu Niang Tang Yuan)

A dessert soup made with fermented rice and glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame paste.

11. Yellow Croaker Noodles (Huang Yu Mian)

A Shanghai specialty of noodles served in a rich, savory soup with yellow croaker fish. Try it at A Niang Mian Guan.

12. Eight Treasures Rice (Ba Bao Fan)

A sweet dessert made of sticky rice, red bean paste, and candied fruits. Often enjoyed during festive occasions.

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