Shanghainese Cuisine 沪菜: Eastern China's Delicate Food Tradition | Best Chinese Dumplings
Discover Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao soup dumplings, fresh seafood dishes, and the distinctive sweet flavors that define authentic eastern Chinese cooking.
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. While less spicy than western Chinese food styles, Shanghai’s culinary tradition is renowned worldwide for its delicate balance of flavors and its iconic soup dumplings that represent the pinnacle of Chinese cooking craftsmanship.
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!