Shanghai Food
Shanghai cuisine takes its inspiration from a number of regions and cultures, meaning visitors can expect a fine array of options when eating out. The neighbouring provinces of Hangzhou, Hunan, Zhenjiang, Shaoxing, provide a variety of influences, with fish, selections of warmed rice and noodles combined with an incredible number of meats and sauces providing hungry travellers with a bewildering number of options to choose from.
Particular to Shanghai are a large variety of fish dishes, with shrimps, prawns, carp, roe and eel commonly appearing on the menu. The popularity of multi-dish courses in China means that visitors should be able to experience a wide variety of dishes at each sitting. Look out for the Zongzi Tangyuan, a dumpling made with sticky rice, which is delicious and very popular with the locals.
Those after a local beverage should try the fermented wines, which are usually served slightly warmed for an improved flavour. The unique Du Kang liquor must also be tried, if only the once, while beer drinkers can enjoy a number of local lagers, including the popular Tsing Tao.
Hungry travellers will not have to wander far for a good feed. For those in a hurry of an evening, there are numerous stalls that appear offering a good range of takeaway dishes while during the day, many small restaurants line the streets for a quick in and out meal. Those looking for specialist eateries may wish to visit some of the following establishments.
At Di Shui Dong you will find one of Shanghai's most popular Hunanese restaurants, which is one for the chilli lovers. The waitresses are dressed in traditional Hunanese blue cloth and the food is tasty too. Any one of the many clay pot dishes will leave you gasping for air after a chilli bonanza, while the lazi jiding, which comprises fried chicken and chilli is another warm favourite at this mid-price eatery.
Meanwhile, the reasonably priced Xian Yue Hien, based at Ding Xiang garden, serves up some top dim sum, overlooking the lawn on mornings and afternoons. Expect to be seated opposite retired members of the Communist Party: they're everywhere.
For Sichuanese cooking, head to Pinchuan on the Taojiang Road. The wonderful combination of chillies and peppercorns is a mind blowing and mouth numbing experience. Booking ahead is recommended here.
A taste of old Shanghai cooking can be enjoyed at Yin on the South Maoming Road. Surrounded by 1930s colonial décor, visitors can enjoy dishes made using older techniques and many popular regional dishes are created here, with 'squid lost in a sandstorm' and cuttlefish with bamboo shoots, black beans and snap peas among the standout offerings.
Visitors after a hearty western-style meal can head to the Brasil Steak House on the West Nanjing Road or opposite the Shanghai Library without feeling they have let the side down too much. Enormous (and superb) steaks are the order of the day here and both restaurants are extremely popular with locals.
Finally, for some of the best views in Shanghai, book a table at M on the Bund. This split restaurant and bar overlooks the harbour and offers good salmon and lamb dishes alongside fine cocktails.
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Eating & Drinking
