Best Food & Restaurants in Shanghai China: Homejourney Insider Guide

Shanghai China is one of Asia’s most exciting food cities, with everything from world‑class Michelin stars to late‑night street snacks steps from the metro. If you are searching for the Best Food and Restaurants in Shanghai China for your next trip from Singapore, this Homejourney guide brings together trusted, up‑to‑date recommendations, safety tips, and practical information so you can dine confidently and plan smarter travel and future investment journeys across Asia.[3][6]

This article is part of Homejourney’s wider Shanghai series and complements our main pillar guide: Complete Guide to Things to Do in Shanghai China | Homejourney Complete Guide to Things to Do in Shanghai China | Homejourney . Use this focused food guide for on‑the‑ground decisions, then refer back to the pillar for neighbourhood overviews, budgets and real estate context.

Why Shanghai’s Food Scene Matters for Singapore Travellers

For Singaporeans, Shanghai feels instantly familiar yet distinctly different: a dense urban skyline like Marina Bay, hawker‑style eats like Chinatown and Tiong Bahru, plus a fine‑dining scene that rivals Tokyo and Hong Kong.[3][6] From a lifestyle and property perspective, understanding where locals actually eat gives useful clues to liveable districts, expat‑friendly neighbourhoods and future investment hotspots—exactly the kind of on‑the‑ground insight Homejourney prioritises when helping users explore Singapore real estate.

Best Food and Restaurants in Shanghai China: Fast Overview

If you have limited time in Shanghai, these are the essential food experiences to prioritise:

Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) at famed spots like Jia Jia Tang Bao or Nanxiang Steamed Bun, for classic Shanghai flavours at wallet‑friendly prices.[2][3]
Old Shanghai and Huaiyang cuisine at heritage restaurants such as Lao Zheng Xing or Fu 1039, for nostalgic banquets in historic villas.[3]
Top‑tier fine dining at Michelin‑starred restaurants like Taian Table or Ultraviolet for once‑in‑a‑lifetime tasting menus.[3][6]
Modern Chinese bistros such as Yunnan Eating Society, where regional Chinese flavours meet contemporary, bar‑friendly dining.[1]
Bund‑view restaurants like Meet the Bund or Jin Xuan for skyline views comparable to Singapore’s Marina Bay, ideal for business dinners or celebration nights.[2][3][7]

Classic Shanghai Dishes You Should Not Miss

To get a true taste of Shanghai China, look out for these key dishes on menus and at street stalls:

Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) – thin‑skinned dumplings filled with pork and rich broth, best eaten piping hot. Jia Jia Tang Bao is one of the best‑known local specialists and often recommended by food writers for high quality at modest prices.[2]
Shengjian bao – pan‑fried pork buns with a crisp base and juicy centre, usually served at breakfast shops and local chains.
Hong shao rou – braised pork belly in a glossy, slightly sweet soy‑based sauce, similar in comfort factor to kong bak in Singapore.
Scallion oil noodles – simple but addictive noodles tossed with fragrant scallion oil and soy, often a staple at small noodle houses.[3]
Crab roe dishes – in season, Shanghai restaurants feature rich crab roe xiaolongbao, noodles and tofu, popular with Singapore travellers used to seafood‑centric cuisines.[2][3]

Michelin & World-Class Dining in Shanghai

Shanghai’s high‑end dining scene is one of the strongest in Asia. The 2025 Michelin Guide lists 145 restaurants in the city, with 52 earning at least one star—more than many regional capitals.[3][6] For Singaporeans used to restaurants like Odette or Les Amis, Shanghai offers a similar level of technique with often lower price points for weekday lunches.

Flagship Fine-Dining Picks

Taian Table (3 Michelin stars) – frequently named among Shanghai’s top restaurants, known for inventive tasting menus and sustainable practices.[3][6] Expect multi‑course dinners, counter seating and advance reservations via official channels. Budget roughly ¥2,000–¥3,000 per person before drinks (about S$380–S$570, depending on exchange rates).
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (3 Michelin stars) – one of the world’s most theatrical dining experiences, combining multi‑sensory projections, sound and scent with a 20‑plus‑course menu.[3][6] It is priced at the top end of Shanghai dining (often higher than S$1,000 per person) and must be booked weeks or months in advance.
Meet the Bund – ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and recognised as the best restaurant on the Chinese mainland by that list, offering refined Chinese cuisine with historic Bund views.[7]

High-End with Views

Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant – a Cantonese restaurant on the 53rd floor, praised for its skyline views and polished service, making it a popular choice for business dinners and special occasions.[2] Prices are premium but comparable to upper‑tier hotel dining in Singapore.
Mercato by Jean‑Georges and Hakkasan – established names on the Bund offering Western and modern Chinese menus respectively, with a focus on ambience and cocktails alongside food.[2]

When booking any fine‑dining venue, use official websites, reputable apps or hotel concierges to avoid fake listings. Homejourney’s ethos of verification and safety—core to our Singapore property platform—applies equally when we recommend overseas restaurants: always cross‑check names, addresses and payment policies against trusted sources like the official Michelin Guide or well‑known city guides.[3][6]

Best Mid-Range & Local Restaurants in Shanghai

You do not need a Michelin budget to eat well in Shanghai. In fact, some of the city’s most memorable meals for Singapore travellers come from casual bistros and humble dumpling shops.

Local Favourites and Heritage Spots

Jia Jia Tang Bao – consistently cited as one of Shanghai’s best places for xiaolongbao, focusing purely on quality dumplings rather than décor.[2] Expect queues, tight seating and prices often under ¥40–¥60 per basket. Go early for the full range of fillings.
Nanxiang Steamed Bun (Yuyuan Lu outlet) – a historic brand recognised in the Michelin Guide’s broader selection, known for classic soup dumplings.[3]
Fu 1015 / Fu 1039 / Fu 1088 – a trio of restaurants in old villas serving refined Shanghainese cuisine, each recognised with Michelin stars in the 2025 guide.[3] These are ideal for family trips or client dinners where you want local flavours in a comfortable setting.
Lao Zheng Xing – another long‑established restaurant highlighted in the Michelin Guide for its traditional cooking.[3]

New Wave Bistros and Casual Dining

Yunnan Eating Society – a modern Chinese bistro blending regional Yunnan flavours with a lively bar atmosphere, spotlighting rice dishes, noodles and skewers.[1] Popular with younger locals and expats, comparable to trendy Chinese spots around Tanjong Pagar in Singapore.
Bizy Boy – a daytime sandwich shop that becomes a pasta bar by night, famous for its massive pastrami sandwich and relaxed vibe.[1]
Uni Shushi – an omakase counter in Jing’an known for strong value sets (e.g., lunch from around ¥498), recognised by multiple local food writers as one of the better mid‑priced Japanese options in the city.[1][4]
The Fire – Mediterranean‑leaning comfort food and a popular free‑flow brunch spot next to Jing’an Temple, with a large terrace overlooking the landmark.[1]

Most of these venues are in central districts like Jing’an, Xuhui and Huangpu. As a rule of thumb, if you can walk to a metro station within 8–10 minutes, you are in an area that locals consider liveable—similar to checking MRT distance in Singapore property searches on Homejourney’s property search tool Property Search .

Street Food & Night Snacks: Staying Safe

Street food is part of what makes Shanghai China memorable, especially if you already enjoy late‑night suppers at Singapore hawker centres. Popular night snacks include grilled skewers, fried dumplings, scallion pancakes and stinky tofu. While hygiene standards vary, you can reduce risk by following a few simple checks—similar to how Homejourney encourages due diligence for property transactions.