Xujiahui, one of Shanghai’s most vibrant districts, is not only a shopping and cultural hub but also a foodie’s paradise. With bustling streets and an array of eateries offering everything from savory rice bowls to sweet pastries, Tianyaoqiao Road (天钥桥路) is a must-visit for food lovers. This guide takes you on a walking food tour through the best eateries along the road, showcasing mouth-watering dishes and local favorites that will satisfy every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for tender roasted meat or indulgent desserts, there’s something delicious waiting at every stop.
1. Da Fu: Charcoal-Grilled Beef Rice Bowl (大馥·烧肉丼饭)
Located inside Metro City Mall (美罗城), Da Fu (大馥) is a popular spot for delicious chargrilled beef rice bowls. What makes this dish stand out is the perfectly cooked beef covered with a layer of egg, served with savory roasted meat sauce that wraps every bite in a comforting burst of flavor. It’s the perfect combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce that hits all the right notes.
2. Chen Re He (趁热集合)
As you step into Metro City, make your way to Chen Re He (趁热集合) on the first floor entrance. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods. Their Iranian pistachio macarons are an absolute must-try, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a satisfying crunch from the nuts. You won’t be able to resist licking your fingers after eating them! The egg tarts here are also highly recommended for their extra rich egg custard and perfectly flaky crust, while their other baked goods never disappoint.
3. International Hotel Butterfly Pastry (国际饭店蝴蝶酥)
For those with a love for buttery pastries, head to the Sanyang Food counter (三阳食品专柜) at Hui Lian Mall (汇联商厦), where you’ll find butterfly pastries delivered fresh daily from the International Hotel (国际饭店). These delicate pastries are rich with a buttery fragrance, and the golden, crispy layers melt in your mouth, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ask the staff, and they’ll help you find today’s batch.
4. Shen Da Cheng (沈大成)
Hui Lian Mall (汇联商厦) is also home to Shen Da Cheng (沈大成), a renowned Shanghai establishment perfect for picking up packaged traditional cakes. Their gift boxes are beautifully packaged and can last a while, making them a great choice for souvenir shopping. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to grab their “Tiao Tou Gao” (条头糕, sliced cake), a favorite among locals and a treat I often buy for my family.
5. Bai Yu Lan Foods (白玉兰食品)
Located near Hui Lian Mall (汇联商厦), Bai Yu Lan Foods (白玉兰食品) is always busy with a line of eager customers. If you’ve never had their fresh pork dumplings (鲜肉笋丁烧麦) and big meat buns, you’re missing out. The filling is generous, and the buns are so large that just one is enough to fill you up. Their savory and juicy pork and bamboo shoots-filled shao mai (烧麦, steamed dumplings) are also worth trying.
6. Hongkou Cake and Dumpling Shop (虹口糕团)
For a quick bite on the go, Hongkou Cake and Dumpling Shop has locations throughout Shanghai, including at Hui Lian Mall (汇联商厦). The family-style rice cakes, or “nian gao,” are a favorite treat. The warm, chewy rice cakes are filled with snow vegetables (雪菜), fried dough sticks (油条), and black sesame sugar (黑芝麻糖), offering a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite. It’s a perfect snack for a chilly day.
7. Song Ji Bakery (宋记饼家)
Along Tianyaoqiao Road (天钥桥路), Song Ji Bakery is a local gem that serves up crispy and flavorful pastries. The freshest option is the savory pork and salt-crust pastries (鲜肉椒盐饼), best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they are piping hot. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, these treats are an essential stop for anyone strolling through Xujiahui.
8. Jun Dong Ji (君东记)
Finally, wrap up your food tour with a taste of classic Shanghainese comfort food at Jun Dong Ji on Tianyaoqiao Road (天钥桥路). Their specialty is the “Scallion Oil Shredded Pork Noodles” (葱油肉丝拌面) paired with “Scallion Roasted Pork Chop” (葱烤大排). The noodles have a satisfying crunch and are perfectly complemented by the savory, slightly sweet pork chop sauce, making for a delicious and distinctly local experience.