Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, People’s Square is not just a cultural and historical landmark but also a food lover’s paradise. With a diverse array of eateries surrounding the square, visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious local snacks and dishes. This comprehensive guide highlights 12 must-try food spots near People’s Square, each offering unique flavors and culinary experiences that reflect the rich food culture of Shanghai. From traditional dumplings to innovative desserts, prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure!
Shu Cai Ji (舒蔡记)
- Signature Dish: Shanghai Rice (上海菜饭) and Pan-Fried Dumplings (上海生煎锅贴)
- Features: Established for over 30 years, Shu Cai Ji is known for its incredible value. The owner is generous with ingredients, allowing unlimited refills of the rice dish, which is cooked in a large iron pot for that perfect wok flavor. Pair your meal with a bowl of curry soup and yellow soybean pig’s trotter soup. The dumplings are small but bursting with flavor; be sure to enjoy them hot!
Xian De Lai (鲜得来)
- Signature Dish: Pork Rib Rice Cake (排骨年糕)
- Features: Recently gaining popularity, this eatery often has guests standing outside to eat. The phrase “Rice cake is rice cake, and pork ribs are pork ribs” has become famous here. The pork ribs are pre-fried, then served fresh with a rich sweet soy sauce that enhances their flavor.
Lai Lai Xiao Long (莱莱小笼)
- Signature Dish: Soup Dumplings (小笼包)
- Features: With a variety of fillings including crab meat, matsutake mushrooms, shrimp, and black truffle, this spot is a must-visit for tourists. If you’re waiting in line, it’s well worth it for the delicious dumplings!
Wang Ji Cong You Bing (王记葱油饼)
- Signature Dish: Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)
- Features: Now a chain, Wang Ji still maintains its flavor integrity. After being cooked, the pancakes are steamed again to reduce excess oil, making them crispy and delicious.
Zhuang Shi Long Xing (庄式隆兴)
- Signature Dish: Crab Roe Golden Noodles (蟹粉黄金捞面) and Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (蟹粉小笼)
- Features: With a steady stream of customers daily, the restaurant ensures high-quality ingredients. The crab roe is freshly prepared each day, and the generous portions have no fishy taste.
Dong Tai Xiang (东泰祥)
- Signature Dish: Pan-Fried Dumplings (生煎) and Shrimp Wontons (虾仁小馄饨)
- Features: Following traditional recipes, these dumplings are crisp on the bottom and tender on top, filled with juicy meat that seeps into the skin. Locals often refer to these as steamed buns due to their texture.
Hu Xi Lao Nong Tang Noodle Shop (沪西老弄堂面馆)
- Signature Dishes: Clam and Pork Liver Noodles (蛤蜊猪肝面), Fried Pork Chop (炸猪排), Intestine Noodles (大肠面)
- Features: Everything is freshly prepared. The pork liver and intestines are tender and fresh, while the clams are clean. Don’t forget to pair your meal with spicy chili oil!
Hong Chang Xing (洪长兴)
- Signature Dish: Beef Pan-Fried Buns (牛肉煎包)
- Features: A nostalgic favorite, be sure to visit the original store on YunNan Road. Enjoy these buns fresh out of the fryer for the best experience; the aroma of the juicy filling is irresistible.
Xing Hua Lou (杏花楼)
- Signature Dishes: Green Rice Balls (青团) and Mooncakes (月饼)
- Features: Traditional red bean paste mooncakes are a must-try. They make for great souvenirs, as they are easier to preserve than many other Shanghai snacks.
Shen Da Cheng (沈大成)
- Signature Dishes: Various Pastries (各类糕点)
- Features: All pastries are handmade daily. Favorites include their fluffy “Ci Mao Tuan,” “Tiao Tou Gao,” and “Shuang Niang Tuan,” which are soft and chewy, filled with traditional red bean paste. Eat them early as they harden by the next day.
Ha Ling Niu Wa Mian (哈灵牛蛙面)
- Signature Dish: Bullfrog Noodles (牛蛙面)
- Features: With generous portions and fresh ingredients, the sour soup base is appetizing. The noodle serving is substantial enough for two to share comfortably, and there are several branches near People’s Square.
International Hotel Dessert House (国际饭店甜品屋)
- Signature Dish: Butterfly Pastries (蝴蝶酥)
- Features: Expect long lines, often stretching over 100 meters. The pastries, made with imported butter, are perfect for pairing with afternoon tea or coffee.