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Renheguan（人和馆）
Renheguan (人和馆) is a historic and renowned restaurant, known for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine. Established over a century ago, Renheguan has maintained a reputation for serving traditional dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the city. The restaurant combines old-world charm with classic flavors, making it a must-visit for those looking to experience the essence of Shanghai’s food culture. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Crab Roe Fried Rice (蟹粉捞饭)
The dish features fluffy, perfectly cooked rice generously topped with rich, creamy crab roe. The roe adds a delicate sweetness and a touch of umami, making the rice an indulgent experience. The simplicity of the dish allows the natural flavors of the crab roe to shine, offering a taste of Shanghai’s coastal culinary heritage.
Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉)
A signature dish of Shanghainese cuisine, Renheguan’s braised pork belly is slow-cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and spices until it becomes tender and flavorful. The pork is rich and succulent, with a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly balances the dish.
Steamed Crab with Rice Wine (熟蒸蟹)
Fresh crabs are steamed with Shaoxing rice wine, allowing the natural sweetness of crab meat to be enhanced by aromatic wine. The dish is light yet flavorful, showcasing the quality of the seafood.
Shanghai Smoked Fish (上海熏鱼)
Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices, the fish is then deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. The dish is served cold, making it a refreshing and flavorful appetizer.
Drunken Chicken (醉鸡)
This classic dish features chicken marinated in Shaoxing wine, giving it a fragrant aroma and a slightly sweet, wine-infused flavor. The chicken is served cold, often with the skin on, and is incredibly tender.
Chansanchi Xiefen Xiaolong （馋三尺蟹粉小笼）
It's a popular restaurant in Shanghai known for its specialty in xiao long bao, particularly those filled with crab roe. The name itself highlights the star dish—xiao long bao with crab roe, which draws both locals and visitors eager to experience the delicate flavors and craftsmanship of this classic Shanghai delicacy. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao (蟹粉小笼包)
These delicate soup dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of pork and crab roe, creating a rich, umami-filled broth inside the thin, tender dough. The crab roe adds a luxurious touch, enhancing the overall flavor with its briny sweetness.
Classic Pork Xiaolongbao (鲜肉小笼包)
For a more traditional option, the classic pork xiaolongbao is a must-try. Filled with seasoned minced pork and rich broth, these dumplings are a staple of Shanghainese cuisine.
Crab Meat Noodles (蟹肉面)
Fresh crab meat is served atop a bed of hand-pulled noodles, usually accompanied by a light broth or sauce. The dish is both hearty and flavorful, with the sweetness of the crab complementing the chewy texture of the noodles.
Lailai Xiaolong· Qiao Ai（莱莱小笼·乔艾）
It's a popular restaurant known for its expertly crafted xiao long bao, or soup dumplings. This restaurant has gained a reputation for serving high-quality, flavorful dumplings that attract both locals and tourists eager to taste authentic Shanghai cuisine. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
The star of the menu, theseare filled with a savory mixture of pork and broth encased in a thin, delicate dough. Each bite releases a burst of flavorful soup, making these a must-try.
Pan-Fried Pork Buns (生煎包)
These buns are a popular street food in Shanghai, featuring a juicy pork filling encased in dough that is pan-fried to achieve a crispy bottom while remaining soft on top. The combination of textures makes them incredibly satisfying.
Crab Roe Wontons (蟹粉小馄饨)
These small wontons are filled with a savory mixture of finely minced pork and fresh crab roe, wrapped in delicate, thin skins. When boiled, the wontons become tender, with the crab roe adding a rich, briny sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Xing Xing · Hai Pai Ben Bang Cai（兴兴·海派本帮菜）
Xing Xing · Hai Pai Ben Bang Cai (兴兴·海派本帮菜) is a well-regarded restaurant in Shanghai that specializes in "Ben Bang Cai," which refers to traditional Shanghainese cuisine. "Hai Pai" refers to the unique blend of Chinese and Western influences that characterize Shanghai's culinary style, making this restaurant a great place to experience the city's rich food culture. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Braised Pork Belly With Abalone(鲍鱼红烧肉)
A quintessential Shanghainese dish, the braised pork belly with abalone at Xing Xing is cooked slowly in soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine until it becomes tender and flavorful. The dish is rich and slightly sweet, with melt-in-your-mouth pork.
Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish (松鼠桂鱼)
A whole fish is deep-fried and then coated in a sweet and sour sauce, often garnished with pine nuts and vegetables. The fish is crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Shanghai Smoked Fish (上海熏鱼)
Marinated in soy sauce, sugar, and spices, the fish is then deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. The dish is served cold, making it a refreshing appetizer.
Huxi Laolongtang Noodle House（沪西老弄堂面馆）
It's a well-loved spot in Shanghai that specializes in traditional Shanghainese noodles and local street food. "Laolongtang" refers to the old alleys of Shanghai, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the rich cultural heritage of the city's old neighborhoods. This restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and casual, no-frills atmosphere. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面)
A simple yet flavorful dish, scallion oil noodles are made by tossing wheat noodles in a fragrant scallion-infused oil and soy sauce. The noodles are then garnished with fresh scallions, giving them a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Pork Chop Noodles (大排面)
It's a popular food in Shanghai, featuring a hearty combination of tender, pan-fried pork chop served atop a bowl of steaming noodles. The pork chop is marinated to perfection, giving it a savory, slightly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.
Shanghai Wontons (上海小馄饨)
A classic Shanghainese snack, these small wontons are filled with minced pork and served in a light, clear broth. They are delicate and flavorful, making them a great appetizer or light meal.
Fuhe Noodle Restaurant · Fu He You（福和面馆·福和友）
Fuhe Noodle Restaurant · Fu He You (福和面馆·福和友) is a popular noodle house in Shanghai known for its traditional, hearty Shanghainese noodles. The restaurant has a strong reputation for serving authentic flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike who seek a true taste of Shanghai’s culinary traditions. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Shrimp and Shredded Eel Noodles (虾仁鳝丝拌面)
The dish features tender shrimp and finely shredded eel, both stir-fried to perfection with a savory sauce. The shrimp offers a sweet, succulent contrast to the eel's slightly chewy texture and deep, umami flavor.
Shanghai Fried Pork Chop (上海炸猪排)
This is a beloved classic in Shanghainese cuisine, known for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat. This dish features a pork chop that is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and spices to infuse it with rich flavors. After marinating, the pork chop is coated in a light batter or breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Salt and Pepper Pork Strips (椒盐排条)
It features strips of pork that are marinated in a blend of spices, including salt, pepper, and often a touch of garlic or ginger. The pork strips are then lightly battered or coated in flour and deep-fried until crispy.
Longhua Vegetarian Restaurant（龙华素斋）
It's one of Shanghai’s most famous vegetarian restaurants, known for its traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Located near Longhua Temple, the restaurant offers a serene dining experience that aligns with the principles of vegetarianism practiced in Buddhism. The dishes are carefully prepared to be both flavorful and nutritious, appealing to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Vegetarian "Duck" (素鸭)
Made from layers of tofu skin, this dish replicates the texture and flavor of duck meat. It is typically braised in a savory sauce, giving it a rich and satisfying taste.
Buddha's Noodles (罗汉面)
A traditional Chinese vegetarian dish. It's a stir-fry of mixed vegetables, tofu, and sometimes mock meats, all cooked in a light soy-based sauce. The dish is flavorful and packed with nutrients.
Eight Treasures Rice (八宝饭)
A classic dessert, Eight Treasures Rice is a sticky rice dish filled with various sweet ingredients like red bean paste, lotus seeds, and dried fruits, then steamed and often served with syrup.
Wanshouzhai（万寿斋）
Wanshouzhai (万寿斋) is a renowned traditional snack shop in Shanghai, known for its authentic Shanghainese flavors and long history. Established in 1922, this time-honored establishment has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike who seek to experience the taste of old Shanghai through its classic snacks. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Shanghai Wontons (上海小馄饨)
A classic Shanghainese snack, these small wontons are filled with minced pork and served in a light, clear broth. They are delicate and flavorful, making them a great appetizer or light meal.
Xiao Long Bao (小笼包)
The star of the menu, these soup dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of pork and broth encased in a thin, delicate dough. Each bite releases a burst of flavorful soup, making these dumplings a must-try.
Sesame Sauce Noodles (麻酱拌面)
The sauce is made from ground sesame seeds, often mixed with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sometimes a touch of chili oil, creating a perfect balance of nutty, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
Xinhe Restaurant（沪上馨和小馆）
This restaurant is a charming eatery that specializes in traditional Shanghainese cuisine with a modern twist. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors who appreciate the blend of authentic flavors and contemporary presentation. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉)
A signature dish in Shanghainese cuisine, the braised pork belly at Xinhe is slow-cooked to perfection. The pork is tender and juicy, coated in a rich, caramelized sauce that is sweet, savory, and full of umami.
Drunken Chicken (醉鸡)
This dish features chicken that has been marinated in Shaoxing wine, giving it a delicate flavor and tender texture. It’s served cold, making it a refreshing starter or a light main course.
Drunken Crab with Roe (熟醉膏蟹)
It's a luxurious Shanghainese delicacy where fresh crabs, typically hairy crabs during their peak season, are marinated in a mixture of Shaoxing rice wine and aromatic spices. The crabs are allowed to soak in this marinade until the flavors penetrate deeply into the meat, giving the dish a rich, wine-infused taste.
Chunweiban Fish Restaurant（纯味斑鱼府）
Chunweiban Fish Restaurant (纯味斑鱼府) is a popular dining spot that specializes in fish dishes, particularly known for its fresh and flavorful preparations. The restaurant emphasizes high-quality ingredients, particularly fresh fish, and offers a variety of dishes that highlight the delicate flavors of fish. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
Signature Spotted Fish (招牌斑鱼)
The fish is lightly poached, often with ginger, scallions, and a splash of soy sauce to enhance its subtle sweetness. This method preserves the fish’s tender and moist texture while infusing it with aromatic flavors.
Mushroom Platter (菌菇拼盘)
This is a popular choice for those who enjoy a vegetarian option or a side dish that complements heavier mains. The variety of mushrooms not only provides a rich, meaty texture but also offers a nutritional boost, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.
Hand-Pulled Noodles (手擀面)
This traditional Chinese noodle is made by hand, known for their chewy texture and rich flavor. The dough is kneaded, rolled out, and then pulled into long, even strands before being boiled to perfection.
