Huaihai Middle Road (淮海中路) is one of Shanghai’s most famous streets, not only for its shopping but also for its array of old and cherished eateries that continue to serve mouthwatering dishes. From savory to sweet, this area is filled with culinary treasures that showcase the city’s deep-rooted food culture. Here are some of the best old-school restaurants and foods that you simply must try when visiting this iconic Shanghai street.
1. Guangming Cun Grand Restaurant (光明邨大酒家)
A classic eatery on Huaihai Middle Road, Guangming Cun is a go-to for those craving traditional Shanghainese flavors. The restaurant is often busy, but the food is well worth the wait.
- Fresh Pork Mooncakes (鲜肉月饼) – 6 RMB each: The mooncake crust here is slightly sweet, and the filling is fresh and flavorful. While I personally prefer the flaky crust from Lao Dafu (老大房), this is still a good choice.
- Crab Roe Noodles (蟹粉拌面) – 36 RMB: Highly recommended! These noodles are packed with fresh crab roe and boast a rich, delicious flavor. Even though I’m not usually a fan of noodles, I ended up finishing the entire plate.
- Eel String Noodles (鳝丝面) – 36 RMB: A comforting noodle dish with a light, brothy flavor. The eel topping is generous, but the taste is a little on the milder side.
- Chicken Wonton (鸡丝馄饨) – 12 RMB: These wontons are large with thick wrappers. They’re tasty but fairly standard. For something more unique, I prefer the Fujian-style Qianlixiang wontons.
- Soy Sauce Duck (酱鸭) – 25 RMB: A signature cold dish with a sweet soy sauce glaze. The duck is tender and flavorful without being greasy.
- Dry Pot Pork Intestines (干锅肥肠煲) – 43 RMB: A flavorful dish, but it was served too late—after we had finished most of our meal. Still, the taste was excellent, and the pork intestines were cooked well.
Expect a long wait, as the place is quite popular. I queued from around 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM before being seated.
2. Harbin Food Factory (哈尔滨食品厂)
Known for its delicious snack treats, this place is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Almond Pastry (杏仁排), Cashew Pastry (腰果排), and Matcha Pastry (抹茶排): All of these pastries are worth trying, especially the almond one, which is incredibly aromatic and flavorful. The matcha flavor is unique and subtle, adding an interesting twist to the traditional pastry.
- Western Style Biscuits (西番尼): Unfortunately, I found these way too sweet for my liking.
- Hard Dough Biscuits (哈斗): These were a disappointment. Despite my love for sweets, the plain flavor of these biscuits didn’t appeal to me.
3. Changchun Food Store (长春食品商店)
If you’re a fan of nut-based pastries, Changchun Food Store is the place to be. They offer a variety of nut-based treats that are hearty and flavorful.
- Almond Pastry (杏仁排), Cashew Pastry (腰果排), Coconut Pastry (椰丝排), Black Sesame Pastry (黑芝麻排): These pastries are larger and more substantial compared to those from Harbin Food Factory. The layers of nuts and dough create a satisfying texture, and the black sesame pastry is especially recommended for sesame lovers.
- The Coconut Pastry is less recommended, as it has a subtle coconut flavor and a dry texture.
It’s worth noting that the pastries here are quite large and heavy, so I suggest buying fewer items unless you’re planning to share.
4. Lao Dachang (老大昌)
Known for its delicious and classic snacks, Lao Dachang serves some of Shanghai’s most beloved treats.
- Butterfly Pastry (小蝴蝶酥): No wonder it’s famous online – this pastry is flaky, buttery, and perfectly sweet. It’s a great choice for those with a sweet tooth.
- Original Flavored Ice Cream (原味雪糕) with walnut pieces: This ice cream has a creamy texture that’s more like butter than traditional ice cream. It’s a beloved taste among locals and is a great treat for anyone visiting Shanghai.