Shanghainese Cuisine 沪菜: Sweet, Oily, and Oh So Delicious
Fresh seafood, and iconic dishes like xiaolongbao.
The Essence of Eastern Flavors
Shanghainese cuisine, part of the larger Jiangsu-Zhejiang cooking tradition, is characterized by its light, fresh flavors, emphasis on seafood, and the distinctive sweet and sour taste.
Explore Shanghai with:
Signature Dishes
Xiaolongbao (小笼包 Soup Dumplings) Delicate steamed dumplings filled with meat and flavorful soup.
Xiao Long Bao. Shengjianbao (生煎包) Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy bottom and juicy filling.
Sheng Jian Bao. Hairy Crab (毛蟹) A seasonal delicacy, prized for its roe and delicate meat.
Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉 Red Braised Pork) Pork belly braised in a sweet and savory sauce.
Hong Shao Rou.
Flavor Profile
- Sweet and light flavors
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Emphasis on seafood and freshwater fish
- Colorful presentation
Where to Eat
While Shanghai is the obvious choice, here are some other cities in the region known for excellent Shanghainese cuisine:
- Suzhou: Known for its refined take on Shanghainese dishes.
- Hangzhou : Offers a mix of Shanghainese and Zhejiang cuisines.
- Wuxi: Famous for its sweet and savory flavors, similar to Shanghai.
💡 First-Timer Tip: Learn the proper technique for eating xiaolongbao to avoid burning your mouth on the hot soup inside!