• Description: Crispy-bottomed buns filled with pork and hot broth.
  • Best Spot: Dahu Chun (authentic thick-skinned style).
  • Price: ¥15-25⁄4 pieces.

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)** 🥢

  • Description: Steamed dumplings with pork/crab filling and rich broth.
  • Fun Fact: The poetic English name “Delicate Wheat Wrap Embracing Juicy Ribeye” went viral.
  • Price: ¥30-50⁄6 pieces.

Hongshao Rou (Braised Pork)** 🍖

  • Description: Slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce with melt-in-mouth texture.
  • Cultural Icon: Served at family gatherings as a symbol of hospitality.
  • Price: ¥60-100/portion.

Congyou Bing (Scallion Oil Pancake)** 🥮

  • Description: Crispy layered pancake with scallions and pork fat.
  • Street Food Tip: Best from A Da Congyou Bing near Yuyuan Garden.
  • Price: ¥5-10/piece.

Shanghai Lengmian (Cold Noodles)** 🍜

  • Description: Peanut-sesame sauce noodles with a refreshing taste.
  • Summer Favorite: Often paired with Cold Wonton.
  • Price: ¥15-20/bowl.

Baizhan Ji (White-Cut Chicken)** 🐔

  • Description: Poached chicken served cold with ginger-scallion dip.
  • Key Feature: Skin is gelatinous, meat is tender.
  • Price: ¥40-80/half chicken.

Tangcu Pai Gu (Sweet & Sour Ribs)** 🍯

  • Description: Crispy ribs glazed in sticky sweet-sour sauce.
  • Local Twist: Uses Zhenjiang vinegar for depth.
  • Price: ¥45-70/plate.

Xianrou Yuebing (Savory Mooncake)** 🥮

  • Description: Flaky pastry stuffed with minced pork.
  • Seasonal Hit: Especially popular during Mid-Autumn Festival.
  • Price: ¥8-15/piece.

Jiang Ya (Shanghai Soy Sauce Duck)** 🦆

  • Description: Duck braised in soy sauce with star anise.
  • Appearance: Glossy mahogany-colored skin.
  • Price: ¥60-120/half duck.

Crab Roe Noodles** 🦀🍜

  • Description: Noodles topped with golden crab roe sauce.
  • Luxury Pick: Uses hairy crab roe in autumn.
  • Price: ¥80-150/bowl.

Comparison Chart**

Food Type Best Time to Eat Spice Level Vegetarian Option
Shengjian Bao Street Snack Breakfast Mild No
Xiaolongbao Dim Sum Lunch Mild No
Hongshao Rou Main Dish Dinner Mild No
Congyou Bing Street Snack Anytime None Yes (no pork)
Crab Roe Noodles Luxury Dish Autumn None No

Key Notes:

  • Must-try combo: Shengjian Bao + Shanghai Lengmian for breakfast.
  • Best for spice-haters: Baizhan Ji and Jiang Ya.
  • Instagram star: Xiaolongbao’s “soup explosion” moment.