Shanghai Cuisine which is also well known as Hu cuisine is one of the most popular styles of Chinese food that is famous for using the most fresh, seasonal ingredients which make delicate flavors that will satisfy any tastebud. Shanghai Cuisine is influenced by regional cooking styles such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang which are known for their lighter and more delicate flavor, and even Western culinary traditions that can be seen from the ingredients used such as cream and butter that is mixed evenly into some Shanghainese dishes which results in a unique and flavorful delicacy that will not leave your mind once you get a taste of those foods.

The most iconic dish from Shanghai which also become one of the must-try meals if you ever come to China, especially the Shanghai area is Xiao Long Bao which is a soup dumpling filled with flavorful warm broth and savory pork fillings.

The perfect kind of Xiao Long Bao has incredibly thin and translucent dough which later would allow you to see through the filling inside and to make sure that the broth would bustling out once you take a bite of them. As for the broth itself, it is usually made from pork broth which is simmered for hours resulting in rich and flavorful as well as delicate flavors. But some variations of xiao long bao might add another meat including crabs or shrimp broth.

A delightful pan-fried bun which can be said of the siblings from Xiao Long Bao from Shanghai is served in golden brown buns that offer delightful textural contrast and a bust of savory delicacy.

The uniqueness that makes this dish Sheng Jian Bao, is the unique cooking method, where the bunds would be pan-fried to create the beautiful and crisped bottom that is cooked along with the flavors of oil and caramelized juice. Online on the bottom of the bun, The top part of Sheng Jian Bao remains soft and fluffy, providing an extra texture combined with the crispy base.

A classic and the most beloved dish in Chinese cuisine is the Red Braised Pork Belly which is braised in a savory and sweet sauce that will tenderly melt inside your mouth. Usually, the pork belly is often cut into cubes or squares and then browned inside the flavorful broth made with soy sauce, along with Shaoxing wine, and authentic Chinese spices.

This long-infused broth that is braised along with the meat gives the pork belly a deeper flavor and creates a rich and glossy sauce that coats the meat beautifully.

A delicious and comforting dish is another popular food in China especially around the eastern area. The dish is usually serves white yellow croaker fish that is cooked inside a flavorful broth along with noodles.

The Yellow Croaker fish is a delicacy with a delicate texture, which can be cooked whole or cut into pieces. The broth is usually simmered along with authentic Chinese aromatic ingredients such as ginger, and scallions, and then seasoned again with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, Salt, and white pepper while the noodle is cooked separately. It is a great way to get a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Stir-fried noodles might be a common meal in China, but being made in Shanghainese style makes this dish more special than usual. Shanghai Style Stir Fried Noodle is a savory and satisfying noodle dish that is known for its jiggly wheat noodle and flavorful stir-fried vegetables, and rich sauce.

In general, fresh Shanghai noodles are ideal, but dried noodles like Hakka noodles or chow mein noodles can be a substitute. As for the vegetables, people usually use cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, and scallion. For protein, while it is always not included, some recipes might use pork, chicken, or shrimp.

Tangyuan, which is also known as Yuanxia is a delightful Chinese sweet rice ball that is traditionally enjoyed during the Lantern Festival which usually falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The meal is usually served in the shape of plump dumplings that are filled with sweet and savory ingredients offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

The outer part of Tangyuan is chewy and made from glutinous rice flour, giving Tangyuan a mochi-like texture. They are typically boiled and served in warm and sweet soup, such as ginger syrup or a thin black sesame soup.

Cong You Bing which is also known as Scallion Pancake is a popular savory flatbread that is known for its crispy, flaky layers and it’s alluring smell of scallion flavor.

The dough of the flatbread itself is very simple, made with just flour, hot water, and a pinch of salt with the last being bruised with sesame oil that is layered with scallion before frying which makes it more flaky and crispy on the outside.

A Chinese mitten crab is also a medium-sized burrowing crab that native to the rivers in Eastern China. As the name says, the crab has a hair on its claws which resemble mittens. The hairy crab is believed to be the traditional medicine in Chinese medicine which has a cooling ‘yin’ effect on the body.

While the hairy crab meat is also enjoyable, the other thing that makes this delicacy shine more is the roe which is known for its rich, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor.

Here are recommended delicious, as well as savory Shanghai foods that you need to try during your visit to the city. Starting from the iconic Xiao Long Bao to the unique dishes such as Shanghai Hairy Crab, you can get a taste of authentic Shanghai Cuisine only in Shanghai City. If you plan to visit Shanghai soon, Traveloka is more than happy to help you book hotel accommodations, flight tickets, and tourist attractions. Besides giving out the best price, Traveloka also often gives out promotions, combos, and discounts! So, what are you waiting for, come and get yours now only in Traveloka!