Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai is not only a shopping paradise but also a fantastic destination for food lovers. If you’re looking to indulge in some of the city’s best local snacks without breaking the bank, this guide will lead you to the most popular food spots on Nanjing Road. For just under 100 RMB, you can enjoy a filling meal that perfectly captures the flavors of Shanghai. From classic snacks to nostalgic treats, here are the top eight must-try eateries that every visitor to Nanjing Road should check out.
1. Yubingjia Century-Old Pepper Pie (御饼家百年胡椒饼)
📍 Tianjin Road 159
If you’re in the mood for something savory, Yubingjia’s pepper pie is a must-try. With a history spanning over a century, this shop is famous for its rich, peppery pies filled with tender chunks of meat and plenty of green onions. The meat is flavorful and hearty, with a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy, flaky pastry. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, simply reheating it in a pan or air fryer will bring back its crispiness. Even celebrities like Wang Jiaer have visited this spot for a bite!
2. Weixiangzhai Sesame Noodles (味香斋·麻酱面)
📍 Hubei Road 151
For a taste of a 1937-established institution, Weixiangzhai’s sesame noodles are a local favorite. The dish features chewy noodles coated in a thick, savory sesame paste. To elevate the flavor, mix in a splash of vinegar. This dish is perfect for those who love a rich, satisfying noodle experience. The comforting, sticky texture and robust flavor make this one of the most popular choices for noodle lovers in Shanghai.
3. Dexing Restaurant (德兴馆)
📍 Nanjing East Road 471, Guangdong Road
Dexing is a Shanghai institution, renowned for its fresh meat dumplings, or “xiaolongbao.” The thin, delicate wrappers encase a juicy filling, brimming with flavorful broth. Though the dumplings are on the sweeter side, they are highly recommended for their deliciously tender meat and perfectly balanced taste. Each basket comes with six pieces, making it a great option for sharing. Additionally, their fresh meat mooncakes are also a hit among locals.
4. Xiande Lai Spare Ribs with Rice Cake (鲜得来排骨年糕)
📍 Yunnan South Road 36
For a true taste of classic Shanghai street food, head to Xiande Lai for its spare ribs with rice cake. The spare ribs are tender and flavorful, while the rice cakes are chewy and soft, offering the perfect balance of textures. The dish is slightly sweet, a characteristic common in many Shanghai snacks, but not as sugary as Wuxi’s offerings. It’s the perfect comfort food, and with a dash of spicy soy sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
5. Shen Dacheng (沈大成)
📍 Nanjing East Road 636
Another famous spot for traditional Shanghai pastries, Shen Dacheng is famous for its fresh meat mooncakes and glutinous rice cakes filled with mugwort. These mooncakes are best eaten hot, with the filling oozing out and combining perfectly with the crispy crust. The mugwort-filled green dumplings (Qingtuan) are especially noteworthy, with their fragrant, oily filling and chewy texture. Expect to wait in line during peak seasons like Mid-Autumn Festival and Qingming Festival, but the wait is well worth it.
6. Dahu Spring (大壶春, Zhejiang Middle Road Branch)
📍 Zhejiang Middle Road 136
Dahu Spring is a popular Shanghai eatery known for its pan-fried dumplings, or “shengjian bao.” Unlike soup dumplings, these dumplings are filled with savory pork and cooked with a thicker dough, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior. The filling is substantial, and the sweet flavor is balanced by a spicy dipping sauce. Though this place is favored by locals for its nostalgic value, many consider Dahu Spring to be the go-to spot for a delicious dumpling experience.
7. Songji Bakery (宋记饼家)
📍 Zhejiang Middle Road 142
A small, unassuming bakery, Songji offers a variety of bite-sized savory pastries, or “kou shao.” These are available in flavors like pepper salt, red bean paste, and green bean, giving you a variety of choices to indulge in. The crispy, flaky exterior and flavorful fillings are perfect for a quick snack while you’re walking around Nanjing Road. The fresh meat kou shao is especially delicious when eaten warm, with a savory filling wrapped in a perfectly crisp shell.
8. Dingxi Road Egg Pancake (定西路蛋饼)
📍 Dingxing Road 6
A favorite among locals, Dingxi Road’s egg pancake is a soft and savory dish often stuffed with crispy fried dough sticks (you tiao) or thinly sliced potatoes. The soft texture of the egg pancake pairs beautifully with the crunch of the fillings, while the sweet bean paste adds a nice contrast to the dish. If you love eggs, this pancake is a must-try. For an extra kick, you can ask for less sweet bean paste and enjoy the savory flavors even more.