Embarking on a gastronomical journey in Shanghai will unveil a delectable array of street food that will captivate the taste buds of avid foodies. If it’s going to be your first culinary adventure in the city, here are some of the most popular dishes to try.

Ci Fan Tuan

Start your day with a typical breakfast favourite – Ci Fan Tuan. These sticky rice balls, though unassuming in appearance, offer much more than meets the eye. A fragrant layer of sticky rice serves as the canvas for a delightful blend of textures and flavours within; ingredients like breadsticks, duck egg, pork floss, pork sauce and chopped pickles combine to create a harmonious taste sensation. Look to stay at properties like Citadines West Yan’an Road Shanghai to easily enjoy such street food in the city.

Eel Noodles

Savour the city’s seafood-infused cuisine with eel noodles, a tantalising blend of fine wheat noodles and thinly sliced eel served at eateries and restaurants within easy reach of Shanghai apartments. Served cold with a splash of light brown vinegar and topped with sesame sauce, the noodles form a delicate base. In contrast, the eels, bathed in a sweet, gingery, soy braising liquid, arrive hot. The combination of not only textures but temperatures as well make this dish a must-try for culinary adventures.

Xiao Long Bao 

No exploration of street food in Shanghai is complete without savouring the iconic Xiao Long Bao. These soup dumplings boast an extra-thin dough, with a delectable filling of ground pork as well as flavourful seasoning; some variations feature shrimp, crab, or vegetables. The magic unfolds when the dumplings are steamed, and the pork stock inside melts into a savoury soup. Served piping hot, Xiao Long Bao demands cautious indulgence, inviting foodies to experience the nuanced perfection of these beloved soup dumplings.

Darrylsnow, Xiaolongbao-breakfast, CC BY-SA 4.0

Zongzi

During the Dragon Boat Festival particularly, the streets come alive with the aroma of Zongzi, a traditional rice dish wrapped in bamboo leaves and then steamed. The Shanghai twist comes in the form of a braised pork filling seasoned with a blend of dark and light soy sauce that enhances the flavour. This aromatic parcel of glutinous rice, with its tender pork centre, highlights the culinary prowess of the city and beckons foodies to come enjoy a rich culinary heritage as well.