Shanghai, the bustling metropolis in eastern China, is a city with a long history of mouth-watering delicacies. From the savory snacks to the hearty street food to the Michelin-starred gourmet dishes, Shanghai has something to satisfy every palette. If you are a foodie planning to visit Shanghai, you cannot afford to miss these 10 must-try delicacies.

Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)

Shanghai-style soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are the quintessential Shanghai delicacy that has gained global fame. These steamed buns with juicy pork filling are served piping hot and best eaten with a light dip of vinegar-soy sauce. The thin yet sturdy dough wrapping the succulent meatball and the flavor-packed broth inside are a match made in heaven.

Fried Shrimp and Egg Tarts (Shrimp Roe Pastry)

Shrimp roe pastry, or fried shrimp and egg tarts, offer a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with creamy egg custard, topped with succulent shrimp, and sprinkled with orange shrimp roe for a touch of umami. Pair them with a cup of hot soy milk for a satisfying breakfast.

Stir-Fried Rice Cake (Chao Shou)

Chao shou, or stir-fried rice cake, is a simple yet hearty Shanghai specialty made from sliced rice cakes stir-fried with pork, vegetables, and a touch of soy sauce. This comforting and filling dish, sometimes served with a poached egg on top, is perfect for a casual meal any time of the day.

Braised Pork Shoulder in Soy Sauce (Hong Shao Rou)

Hong shao rou, or braised pork shoulder in soy sauce, is a classic Shanghai dish that requires patience and attention to detail. The pork shoulder is simmered for hours in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and other spices until it becomes irresistibly tender and infused with the rich umami flavor of the sauce. The dish is often served with steamed buns to soak up the sauce.

Scallion Oil Noodles (Cong You Ban Mian)

Cong you ban mian, or scallion oil noodles, is a simple and satisfying Shanghai street food that has gained a cult following. The dish consists of thin wheat noodles coated with fragrant scallion oil, topped with savory soy sauce, chopped scallions, and sometimes other garnishes like meat, egg, or pickled vegetables. A steaming bowl of congyoubanmian is comfort food at its finest.

Shanghai-Style Stir-Fried Shrimp

Shanghai-style stir-fried shrimp is a must-try seafood dish in Shanghai. The fresh, succulent shrimp are flash-fried in high heat with garlic, ginger, scallions, and chili flakes for a fragrant and spicy kick. The dish is often finished with a drizzle of Shaoxing wine to add complexity and depth to the flavors.

Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao)

Sheng jian bao, or pan-fried buns, are another variety of Shanghai's famous baozi. These delicious buns are filled with juicy pork and savory soup, pan-fried until crispy on the bottom and steaming hot on top. They are often served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Yangchun Noodle Soup (Yangchun Mian)

Yangchun mian, or Yangchun noodle soup, is a beloved local specialty that features a hearty beef broth, silky soft noodles, and an array of toppings like sliced beef, meatballs, mushrooms, and pickled vegetables. A steaming bowl of Yangchun mian is a comforting and nourishing meal during cold winter days.

Stir-Fried Crab with Sticky Rice Cake (Xie Fen Chao Nian Gao)

Xie fen chao nian gao, or stir-fried crab with sticky rice cake, is a seasonal delicacy in Shanghai that offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The dish features fresh hairy crabs stir-fried with sliced rice cakes, scallions, and other aromatics until the flavors meld together into a savory and sweet umami bomb.

Soup Noodles (Tang Mian)

Tang mian, or soup noodles, are a staple of Shanghai's late-night street food scene. The noodles are boiled to perfection, then served in a steaming hot broth, often topped with meat, vegetables, or other goodies. Whether you crave spicy Sichuan-style beef noodles or mellow seafood and egg noodles, Tang mian has something for everyone.

In conclusion, Shanghai is a city with an abundance of food choices that can satisfy everyone's taste buds. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, spicy or mild, meat or seafood, Shanghai has something for you to explore. Make sure to add these 10 must-try delicacies to your foodie checklist when you visit Shanghai.