Shanghai, often called the “Magic City,” is not just a bustling metropolis with a rich history but also a culinary haven where tradition and modernity meet. If you’re a food lover looking to experience the authentic flavors of this vibrant city, visiting century-old eateries is a must. These time-honored restaurants, some over a century old, offer a taste of Shanghai’s rich gastronomic heritage. Here are the top 10 iconic century-old “lao zi hao” (老字号, time-honored brands) in Shanghai that locals swear by, serving dishes that have stood the test of time.
1. Wang Bao He Restaurant (王宝和酒家)
- Established: 1744
- Address: 603 Fuzhou Road (福州路603号)
- Overview: Known for its old-world charm, Wang Bao He is a beloved restaurant specializing in Shanghai’s famous crab dishes. Its atmosphere remains traditional, reflecting Shanghai’s cultural heritage. It is often referred to as “The King of Crabs” (蟹大王) and “The Ancestor of Wine” (酒祖宗) in the city.
- Signature Dishes:
- Steamed Xiaolongbao with Crab Roe (蟹粉蒸小笼, ¥48)
- Freshly Steamed Hairy Crab (清蒸大闸蟹, ¥460 per pound, available during crab season)
- Crab Roe Tofu (蟹粉烩豆腐, ¥68)
2. De Xing Guan (德兴馆)
- Established: 1878
- Address: 471 Guangdong Road (广东路471号)
- Overview: A Michelin-starred restaurant, De Xing Guan is the birthplace of Shanghai-style cuisine. It is renowned for its exceptional quality and high value for money.
- Signature Dishes:
- Fresh Pork Mooncakes (鲜肉月饼, ¥5.5)
- Pork Xiaolongbao (鲜肉小笼, ¥16)
- Braised Pork with Pickled Mustard and Noodles (焖蹄雪菜大面, ¥25)
3. Xing Hua Lou (杏花楼)
- Established: 1851
- Address: 343 Fuzhou Road (福州路343号)
- Overview: A staple in Shanghai for over 150 years, Xing Hua Lou is a fantastic Cantonese restaurant serving authentic, traditional dishes.
- Signature Dishes:
- Honey-glazed Char Siu (蜜汁叉烧, ¥198)
- Shrimp Dumplings (杏花楼虾饺皇, ¥42)
- Mooncake in a Tin Box (月饼铁盒, ¥188)
4. Da Fu Gui (大富贵)
- Established: 1881
- Address: 1st Floor, Jin Nan Plaza (锦南商厦1楼)
- Overview: Famous for both its dining hall and snack shop, Da Fu Gui is a go-to spot for locals, especially older generations, for casual dining.
- Signature Dishes:
- Three-Flavor Wontons (三鲜小馄饨, ¥8)
- Fresh Pork Xiaolongbao (鲜肉小笼, ¥11)
- Pork Ribs with Noodles (排骨年糕, ¥18)
5. Lao Zheng Xing Cai Guan (老正兴菜馆)
- Established: 1862
- Address: 556 Fuzhou Road (福州路556号)
- Overview: This Michelin-starred gem has been serving Shanghai-style dishes for decades. It’s a rare find for a restaurant specializing in traditional local flavors to earn such a prestigious award.
- Signature Dishes:
- Stir-fried Eel with Soy Sauce (响油鳝糊, ¥116)
- Stir-fried Intstine (草头圈子, ¥188)
- Shanghai Smoked Fish (上海熏鱼, ¥52)
6. Shen Da Cheng (沈大成)
- Established: 1875
- Address: 636 East Nanjing Road (南京东路636号)
- Overview: A must-visit for anyone looking to taste the ultimate representation of Shanghai’s signature flavors. Shen Da Cheng is known for its cakes and sweet delicacies.
- Signature Dishes:
- Double-stuffed Sweet Rice Cake (双酿团, ¥4.5)
- Tiaotou Cake (条头糕, ¥4)
- Red Bean Green Dumpling (豆沙青团, ¥5)
7. Shanghai Old Restaurant (上海老饭店)
- Established: 1875
- Address: 242 Fuyou Road (福佑路242号)
- Overview: Famous for preserving traditional Shanghai cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit for those interested in tasting Shanghai’s intangible heritage dishes.
- Signature Dishes:
- Eight-Treasure Duck (八宝鸭, ¥198)
- Spicy Eight-Treasure Sauce (八宝辣酱, ¥108)
- Old Shanghai Oil-sautéed Shrimp (老上海油爆虾, ¥236)
8. Da Hu Chun Sheng Jian (大壶春·生煎)
- Established: 1932
- Address: 136 Sichuan Middle Road (四川中路136号)
- Overview: No trip to Shanghai is complete without trying Shengjian, and Da Hu Chun serves some of the best in town. This Michelin-recognized eatery is known for its crispy-bottomed dumplings and friendly vibe.
- Signature Dishes:
- Fresh Meat Shengjian (鲜肉生煎, ¥11)
- Shrimp Shengjian (虾肉生煎, ¥15)
- Shrimp Wontons (鲜虾小馄饨, ¥12)
9. Ren He Guan (人和馆)
- Established: 1800
- Address: 407 Zhaojiabang Road (肇嘉浜路407号)
- Overview: This restaurant is an iconic spot for Shanghai locals, especially the older generation, to indulge in traditional Shanghai dishes. It holds a special place in the hearts of many.
- Signature Dishes:
- Crab Roe Rice (蟹粉捞饭, ¥397)
- Braised Pork (红烧肉, ¥27 per piece)
- Shanghai Smoked Fish (本帮熏鱼, ¥49)
10. Hu Xi Lao Nong Tang Noodle House (沪西老弄堂面馆)
- Established: 1981
- Address: 685 Dingxi Road (定西路685号)
- Overview: This charming little noodle shop in a narrow alleyway serves authentic Shanghai-style noodles. Known for its consistent quality, it’s a popular spot where locals frequently queue for a taste.
- Signature Dishes:
- Clam and Pork Liver Noodles (蛤蜊猪肝面, ¥32)
- Fried Pork Chop (炸猪排, ¥17)
- Large Intestine Noodles (大肠面, ¥34)