Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Shanghai locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Xiaolongbao? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Shanghai.
Breakfast: Xiaolongbao is Shanghai locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 外滩, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Xiaolongbao and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Xiaolongbao veteran near 陆家嘴, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 法租界, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 外滩 old Xiaolongbao (20-year veteran); ② 陆家嘴 trendy Xiaolongbao (good ambiance); ③ 法租界 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 外滩; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 东方明珠; ⑥ 海派文化-themed restaurant; ⑦ Local breakfast joint; ⑧ Night market BBQ; ⑨ Dessert old shop; ⑩ Souvenir shop. Budget: a full day of eating ~200-400 RMB/person.