探索上海的街头美食：不可错过的美味

Shanghai, China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, is a paradise for food lovers, offering a vibrant street food scene that reflects its rich culinary heritage and diverse influences. From steaming dumplings to sweet candied fruits, the city’s bustling markets, narrow alleys, and roadside stalls serve up an array of flavors that are as dynamic as Shanghai itself. Beyond the high-end restaurants and international cuisine, street food offers an authentic, affordable, and unforgettable way to experience local culture. As someone who has savored the city’s roadside delights, I’ve crafted this detailed guide to help tourists navigate Shanghai’s street food landscape. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the must-try eats and hidden foodie spots that will leave you craving more!

Why Shanghai’s Street Food is a Must-Try

Shanghai’s street food scene is a melting pot of flavors, shaped by its history as a trading port and its proximity to regions like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, known for their delicate and slightly sweet cuisines. Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional Shanghainese snacks, influences from other Chinese provinces, and even hints of international flair from its colonial past. Eating street food in Shanghai isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s daily life, interacting with vendors, and tasting dishes that have been perfected over generations. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a cautious traveler, these accessible and budget-friendly bites (often costing just 5-20 CNY) offer something for everyone.

1. Xiaolongbao: Shanghai’s Iconic Soup Dumplings

No exploration of Shanghai’s street food is complete without trying xiaolongbao, the city’s most famous culinary export. These delicate steamed dumplings are filled with a savory pork mixture and a burst of hot broth, making each bite a delightful (and sometimes tricky) experience.

• What to Expect: Thin, translucent wrappers encase a juicy filling, often pork with a gelatinized broth that melts into soup when steamed. Some variations include crab roe or shrimp for extra richness.
• Where to Try: Head to Yuyuan Bazaar near Yu Garden in the Old City, where vendors like Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant offer freshly made xiaolongbao (around 20-30 CNY for a steamer of 6-8). For a quick bite, look for smaller stalls in the bazaar lanes.
• How to Eat: Place the dumpling on a spoon, nibble a small hole to let steam escape (beware of hot broth!), sip the soup, then eat the rest. Pair with a dip of black vinegar and ginger slivers for balance.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: Xiaolongbao embodies Shanghai’s love for refined yet hearty flavors, and eating them fresh from a street stall adds to the authentic experience.
• 小贴士 Watch locals to learn the technique—burning your tongue is a rookie mistake! Avoid peak meal times at popular spots to skip long lines.

2. Shengjianbao: Crispy Pan-Fried Buns

If xiaolongbao is Shanghai’s delicate darling, shengjianbao is its heartier cousin. These pan-fried buns have a crispy bottom, fluffy top, and a juicy pork filling, often with a splash of broth inside.

• What to Expect: A thicker dough than xiaolongbao, with a golden, crunchy base from frying and a soft, steamed top. The filling is usually pork with subtle seasonings, sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds or scallions.
• Where to Try: Seek out Yang’s Dumpling (Xiaoyang Shengjian) stalls across the city, especially near Nanjing Road or People’s Square (around 10-15 CNY for 4 pieces). Street vendors in Tianzifang also whip up fresh batches.
• How to Eat: Like xiaolongbao, bite carefully to avoid hot juice squirting out. No dipping sauce is needed—the crispy texture and savory filling shine on their own.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s a perfect on-the-go snack that combines the best of frying and steaming, showcasing Shanghai’s knack for texture play.
• 小贴士 Eat them hot for the best crunch. Be prepared for greasy fingers—carry napkins or wet wipes.

3. Tanghulu: Candied Fruit on a Stick

For a sweet treat that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty, tanghulu is a must. This traditional northern Chinese snack, popular in Shanghai’s street markets, features skewered fruits coated in a glossy, hardened sugar syrup.

• What to Expect: Hawthorn berries are the classic choice, offering a tart contrast to the sweet candy shell, but vendors often use strawberries, grapes, or kiwi too. The result is a crunchy, sticky bite with a fruity center.
• Where to Try: Look for vendors with colorful skewers at Yuyuan Bazaar or Qibao Ancient Town’s old streets (5-10 CNY per stick). They’re often near other snack stalls, making them easy to spot.
• How to Eat: Bite into the hard sugar shell carefully—it can be sharp. Enjoy it as a quick dessert while wandering.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: Tanghulu is a fun, kid-friendly snack that adds a sweet balance to savory street eats, plus it’s a great photo op with its shiny, jewel-like appearance.
• 小贴士 Eat immediately after buying—the sugar can melt in humid weather. Avoid if you have sensitive teeth, as the candy is quite hard.

4. Cong You Bing: Scallion Oil Pancakes

Cong you bing, or scallion oil pancakes, are a staple of Shanghai street food, offering a flaky, savory flatbread that’s both filling and addictive. These pancakes are a popular breakfast or snack option.

• What to Expect: Layers of dough are rolled with chopped scallions and oil, then pan-fried to a crispy, golden finish. Some vendors add egg or a smear of hoisin sauce for extra flavor.
• Where to Try: Check out morning markets near residential areas like those around Jing’an Temple or street stalls in the French Concession (5-10 CNY each). Look for vendors with a hot griddle and a crowd of locals.
• How to Eat: Tear off pieces by hand or bite straight in—it’s casual street fare. Some stalls offer a small bag to catch crumbs.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s a cheap, satisfying bite that highlights simple ingredients elevated by technique, reflecting Shanghai’s everyday food culture.
• 小贴士 Order one fresh off the griddle for maximum crispiness. Be mindful of hot oil drips when eating on the go.

5. Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu): A Bold Flavor Adventure

Stinky tofu is a polarizing street food with a pungent aroma that can be off-putting at first, but its rich, fermented taste wins over many adventurous eaters. It’s a beloved snack in Shanghai, often sold by roadside vendors.

• What to Expect: Tofu is fermented in a brine of vegetables and spices, then deep-fried until crispy outside and soft inside. It’s usually served with a spicy or sweet sauce to balance the funk.
• Where to Try: Find it at night markets like those near Nanjing East Road or in Qibao Ancient Town (around 10-15 CNY for a small portion). Follow your nose (or the crowd) to locate a stall.
• How to Eat: Use a skewer or chopsticks to dip into the sauce and take small bites. Hold your breath if the smell bothers you—the taste is milder than the scent.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s a quintessential Chinese street food that tests your culinary courage and offers a unique umami experience.
• 小贴士 Try it once, even if you’re hesitant—pair it with a milder snack to cleanse your palate. Avoid eating near upscale areas as the smell lingers.

6. Jianbing: Chinese Breakfast Crepes

Jianbing is a beloved breakfast street food across China, and Shanghai’s version is a quick, customizable wrap that’s perfect for a morning on the go. It’s often called a “Chinese crepe” for its thin, crispy base.

• What to Expect: A thin batter is spread on a hot griddle, topped with egg, scallions, cilantro, a crispy wonton sheet (or youtiao, a fried dough stick), and sauces like hoisin or chili. It’s folded into a portable parcel.
• Where to Try: Look for jianbing carts near metro stations like People’s Square or East Nanjing Road during morning rush hours (5-10 CNY each). Vendors often have a small crowd waiting.
• How to Eat: Eat it straight from the paper wrapper while it’s hot. Be quick—it can get soggy if left too long.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s a cheap, filling breakfast that lets you customize flavors, giving a glimpse into Shanghai’s fast-paced morning culture.
• 小贴士 Specify if you don’t want spice (say “bù yào là” for “no spicy”). Watch the vendor make it—it’s a mesmerizing process!

7. Rou Jia Mo: Chinese “Hamburger”

Often dubbed the “Chinese hamburger,” rou jia mo is a street food originating from Shaanxi province but widely enjoyed in Shanghai. It’s a hearty sandwich of slow-cooked meat stuffed into a flatbread bun.

• What to Expect: Shredded pork (or sometimes beef) is stewed with spices like star anise and soy, then crammed into a dense, chewy bun called mo. Some vendors add chili or cilantro for kick.
• Where to Try: Find stalls in food markets like those near the Bund or in Tianzifang’s alleys (10-15 CNY each). Look for signs advertising “Shaanxi snacks.”
• How to Eat: Bite into it like a sandwich—it’s messy but worth it. Pair with a cold drink to cut through the richness.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s a satisfying, protein-packed snack that contrasts with lighter Shanghai fare, showing the city’s regional diversity.
• 小贴士 Opt for pork if available—it’s the traditional choice. Eat soon after buying to enjoy the warm, juicy filling.

8. Mala Tang: Customizable Spicy Soup Skewers

Mala tang, meaning “numbing and spicy soup,” is a street food where you pick skewered ingredients to be cooked in a fiery, aromatic broth. It’s a fun, interactive way to eat in Shanghai.

• What to Expect: Choose from tofu, vegetables, meatballs, noodles, and more, priced per skewer. They’re boiled in a broth with Sichuan peppercorns (for numbing heat) and chili oil, then served with a ladle of soup.
• Where to Try: Night markets near Nanjing Road or residential areas in Pudong have mala tang stalls (1-3 CNY per skewer, averaging 15-25 CNY per person). Look for steaming pots and customizable trays.
• How to Eat: Use chopsticks to eat off the skewers, sipping the broth if you dare. Have tissues handy—spicy broth can drip!
• Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s a personalized meal that lets you control spice and variety, plus it’s a social experience watching your picks cook.
• 小贴士 Start with mild if you’re spice-averse (say “shǎo là” for “less spicy”). Avoid over-ordering—skewers add up quickly.

9. Zongzi: Sticky Rice Dumplings

Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with sweet or savory ingredients. While traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, they’re a year-round street snack in Shanghai.

• What to Expect: Glutinous rice is stuffed with fillings like pork and salted egg yolk (savory) or red bean paste (sweet), then steamed. The leaves impart a subtle, earthy aroma.
• Where to Try: Find them at Yuyuan Bazaar or morning markets near residential areas (5-10 CNY each). Vendors often sell them from carts or small shops.
• How to Eat: Unwrap the leaves (don’t eat them!) and dig in with chopsticks or hands. Savory ones might come with soy sauce on the side.
• Why It’s a Must-Try: Zongzi offer a taste of traditional Chinese comfort food, with a texture and preparation unique to the region.
• 小贴士 Ask for help unwrapping if it’s your first time—they can be sticky. Try both sweet and savory for variety.

10. Bubble Tea (Nai Cha): A Modern Street Drink

While not traditional, bubble tea (or milk tea with tapioca pearls) has become a ubiquitous street drink in Shanghai, loved by locals and tourists alike for its refreshing sweetness.

• What to Expect: A base of black or green tea mixed with milk or fruit flavors, often with chewy tapioca pearls (boba) at the bottom. Sweetness and ice levels are customizable at most stalls.
• Where to Try: Chains like HeyTea or Coco are everywhere, especially near Nanjing Road or Xintiandi (15-25 CNY per cup). Street vendors also sell simpler versions at markets.
• How to Eat: Sip through a wide straw to enjoy the pearls, shaking the cup to mix flavors. Chew the boba carefully—they’re slippery!
• Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s a modern Shanghai staple that complements heavier street foods, offering a trendy way to cool down.
• 小贴士 Request “less sugar” (shǎo táng) if it’s too sweet. Avoid late-day purchases if you’re caffeine-sensitive.

Best Places to Explore Shanghai’s Street Food Scene

• Yuyuan Bazaar (Old City): Near Yu Garden, this tourist-friendly spot is packed with stalls selling xiaolongbao, tanghulu, zongzi, and more. It’s crowded but vibrant, ideal for sampling multiple snacks. (Metro Line 10, Yuyuan Garden Station)
• Nanjing East Road Night Market: Close to the Bund, this area comes alive at night with vendors offering jianbing, stinky tofu, and mala tang. Perfect for evening strolls. (Metro Line 2, East Nanjing Road Station)
• Qibao Ancient Town: A quieter water town with old streets lined with tanghulu, shengjianbao, and local sweets. Great for a day trip with food as the highlight. (Metro Line 9, Qibao Station)
• Tianzifang (French Concession): This artsy maze of alleys has trendy and traditional eats like rou jia mo and bubble tea alongside cafes. It’s less hectic than bigger markets. (Metro Line 9, Dapuqiao Station)
• Morning Markets (Various Locations): For authentic, cheap bites like cong you bing and jianbing, visit local markets near Jing’an Temple or residential areas early in the day. Ask your hotel for the nearest one.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Shanghai

• 时间安排： Street food is freshest in the morning (breakfast items like jianbing) or at night (markets like Nanjing Road). Midday can be quieter for vendors, but some close during off-hours.
• Hygiene: Stick to busy stalls with high turnover—freshly cooked food is safer. Look for vendors using gloves or clean utensils. Carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes, as washing facilities may be scarce.
• Payment: Most vendors accept only cash (Chinese Yuan, CNY) in small denominations (1-20 CNY bills). Some use WeChat Pay or Alipay, but these are tricky for tourists without local bank accounts. Always carry cash.
• 语言 English isn’t common among vendors, so point at what you want or use a translation app (Google Translate, Pleco). Learn basics like “Zhège duōshǎo qián?” (How much is this?) or “Bù yào là” (No spicy).
• Portions: Street food is often sold in small servings, perfect for sampling. Share with travel companions to try more without overeating.
• Spice and Allergies: Shanghai food isn’t overly spicy compared to Sichuan, but ask for “no spicy” if needed. Be cautious with allergies—language barriers make it hard to confirm ingredients. Stick to recognizable items if unsure.
• Safety: Shanghai’s street food is generally safe, but avoid raw or undercooked items unless from a trusted spot. Drink bottled water or sealed beverages to stay hydrated.
• Etiquette: Don’t haggle aggressively—prices are usually fixed and low. Dispose of wrappers in bins (or carry until you find one) to respect the city’s cleanliness. Smile and say “Xièxiè” (Thank you) to vendors.

Final Thoughts on Shanghai’s Street Food Adventure

Shanghai’s street food scene is a delicious gateway to understanding the city’s soul—its blend of tradition, innovation, and community shines through every bite. From the steamy burst of xiaolongbao to the sugary crunch of tanghulu, these eats are more than just food; they’re stories of culture and history served on a stick, in a bun, or straight from a griddle. Whether you’re wandering the lantern-lit lanes of Yuyuan Bazaar or grabbing a quick jianbing near a metro stop, you’re tasting the real Shanghai—one that locals cherish every day.

Have you tried any of these street foods, or are you planning to dive into Shanghai’s culinary streets soon? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experiences or help with personalized foodie tips for your trip!

Happy eating, and enjoy the flavors of Shanghai!