Best Shanghai restaurants for indulging in local flavours

Rub shoulders with restaurant royalty or dig in over paper plates with the best Shanghai restaurants for every traveller budget.

Crab roe rice bowls. Beef pancakes. Crispy pork buns. Shanghai’s food scene is iconic, luring my family and I over recently to make the most of it. A melting pot (speaking of which, thick-brothy hot pots are a must) of flavour and flair, China’s most fascinating city takes food seriously. Sure, a high concentration of Michelin star ratings shouldn’t be ignored, but you can be pleasantly surprised by the most modest of Shanghai restaurants. Here, I chart the highlights, including where to go for world-famous Shanghai soup dumplings.

The shortlist

Best for Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Great for special occasions: Xuyan
Casual eats: Wei Xiang Zhai
Best views: Meet the Bund
Budget-friendly: Long Time Ago Mutton Skewers

1. Nanxiang Mantou Dian

Sip on steamed Chinese dumplings at Nanxiang Mantou Dian. (Credit: Getty/P_Wei)

I won’t pretend I’ve tried every soup dumpling in Shanghai (there are countless eateries nailing the national delicacy) but I’ve certainly seared the roof of my mouth at some of the greatest. I love Nanxiang Mantou Dian, located in Yu Garden, one of the best things to do in Shanghai, for its over-the-top deliciousness. Dishing up giant dumplings with straws so you can sip on its broth before devouring the dough, this Shanghai restaurant is an institution. You can take yours to go via a paper plate or dine in as a full menu of local classics rolls out with haste to thick crowds. You’ll find this Shanghai soup dumpling superstar in the bazaar area, right near the Jiuqu bridge.

Cuisine: Shanghainese
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Touristy
Location: No. 85 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District

2. Wu You Xian

Xiao Long Bao at Wu You Xian — Wu You Xian is the only Michelin-starred Shanghai soup dumplings spot in Shanghai. (Credit: Unsplash/Wengang Zhai)

Committed to your soup dumpling craving? Add Wu You Xian to the list as it currently stands as the only Michelin-starred Shanghai soup dumplings spot in the city. Don’t let an unflashy fit out fool you as this Shanghai restaurant presents an entire crab dumpling menu alone that I struggled to choose between (pure crab roe, pure crab meat, pure crab roe and claw, or truffle crab?). Even more spectacular, there’s a range of vinegar dipping sauces to drench every bite.

Cuisine: Shanghainese, zeroing in on soup dumplings
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Homely
Location: Room 1-103, No. 7 South Maoming Road, Huangpu District

3. Meet the Bund

While we’re talking Michelin magnificence, the one-starred Meet the Bund’s Skyline branch is a very special splash-out thanks to its incredible sky-high vantage point. Located on the 56th floor of the Bund Finance Centre, floor-to-ceiling windows flash panoramic views over the skyline including the dazzling Oriental Pearl Tower. Order this Shanghai restaurant’s most-loved dish — a melt-in-your mouth whole duck steamed in wine brine — but be prepared to coo over anything you order as waitstaff deliver plates with theatre-flair and sculptural bowls that feel more like gifts than dinner. There are two additional Meet the Bund locations in the city but I recommend the Skyline for something memorable.

Cuisine: Fujianese
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Elegant
Location: 56th Floor, West Tower, Raffles City, North Bund, Gongping Road, Hongkou District

4. Xuyan

Xuyan will often top a first-time Shanghai visitor’s to-do list given its immersive dining experience that throws in traditional Tang attire — you get to choose your own costume from a giant wardrobe. A Shanghai restaurant like no other, it rolls out a banquet of cold and hot dishes to mirror an authentic imperial feast. Think glazed foie gras, flaming seafood, soups and perfectly braised fish. Simultaneously, there’s live performances and music unfolding to transport you back in time. You can choose a base meal or scale up with extras spanning makeup and photography packages. There are two Shanghai locations, but I’d go for the flagship on Wenshui Road – jump off the metro at Wenshui Road Station.

Cuisine: Traditional Chinese
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Dream-like
Location: No. 40 Wenshui Road, Jing’an District

5. Matcha Wang

Matcha Wang, Shanghai — The vanilla bean sheep matcha latte at Matcha Wang is worth the hype. (Credit: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism)

If you’re a sucker for viral food fads, Matcha Wang will literally fill your cup. A grab-and-go hot spot where nitrogen-infused matcha drinks demand all the Instagram angles, this Shanghai restaurant puts metal stanchions up to manage daily crowds. I recommend going for one of the original icons, like the vanilla bean sheep matcha latte, as opposed to the flashier freeze offerings but the matcha soft serve is always tempting. You’ll find Matcha Wang right at the entrance of HAI550, a very chic shopping mall.

Cuisine: Matcha drinks and sweets
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Trending
Location: Ground floor, HAI550, No. 50 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu District

6. Long Time Ago Mutton Skewers

Long Time Ago Mutton Skewers, Shanghai — Enjoy grilled favourites at Long Time Ago Mutton Skewers. (Credit: Unsplash/Xingchen Yan)

While we’re talking viral sensations — and while we’re in the foodie haven of bustling Huangpu — savoury fans should save stomach space for Long Time Ago Mutton Skewers. The chain store is a nirvana for skewer fans (who isn’t one?) and while the juiciest of lamb steals the show, I also love the grilled mushrooms and pork belly varieties with a side of baked potato chips. Like any great chain, consistently delicious dishes are delivered across its many stores.

Cuisine: Skewers
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Buzzing
Location: There are several locations across Shanghai, but its busiest is arguably at 1st Floor, Sun Moon Light Center, 618 Xujiahui Road, Huangpu District

7. Wei Xiang Zhai

Savour stir-fried Asian noodles at Wei Xiang Zhai. (Credit: Pexels/Nadin Sh)

Wei Xiang Zhai is the ultimate low-cost noodle spot, even luring Zendaya and Tom Holland to one of its Shanghai locations in July 2026. The oldest outlet is rather inconspicuous from the outset but inside, cold sesame paste noodles slathered with a peanut butter-thick sauce are outstanding. It’s no frills, reliably mouth-watering, and bustling from the moment doors open at around 6:30am daily.

Cuisine: Noodles
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casual
Location: There are several locations across Shanghai, but the longest standing is at 14 Yandang Road, Huangpu District

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8. Fu He Hui

Vegetarians should be all over Fu He Hui, one of the most dazzling vegetarian restaurants on the planet, but carnivores should also consider booking a table at the two Michelin-starred Shanghai showstopper. With every tasting menu dish arriving as a delicate work of art, it’s beyond photo worthy. The menu evolves with the seasons, but past knock-out dishes include pomegranate dumplings and pillowy perfect Chinese Puning tofu, while the Bamboo Shoot with mushrooms and truffle is just one of a handful of reoccurring winners. Book ahead as this Shanghai restaurant is a global bucket list destination.

Cuisine: Vegetarian
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Refined
Location: 1037 Yuyuan Road, Changning District

9. Ren He Guan

Chow down on Chinese-style steamed fish at Ren He Guan. (Credit: Unsplash/Jason Sung)

If you’re in Shanghai for crab roe, you can’t miss the Michelin-starred Ren He Guan who nail their take with the creamiest of crab roe sauces poured generously over rice. The Shanghai restaurant also wins points in my book for its retro art deco fit out complete with vintage furnishings and stained-glass light fittings — but the food, we’re here to be fed. If you’ve overkilled crab meat and roe during your Shanghai restaurant adventure, try the freshwater eel done in a garlic sauce instead. It’s so tender and completely surprised me.

Cuisine: Shanghainese
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Cosy
Location: 407 Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui District

10. Lai Lai Xiao Long

Lai Lai Xiao Long, Shanghai — Feast on authentic Shanghai cuisine at Lai Lai Xiao Long. (Credit: Omar Taraki Niode Foundation)

Another standout Shanghai soup dumpling eatery, Lai Lai Xiao Long is famous for its crazy-juicy crab and pork filling in super thin bao pastry that dissolves on the tongue. The pure pork variety is equally impressive, finished with plenty of seasoning, but really, it’s the pastry that seals the deal no matter which filling you go for.

Cuisine: Soup dumplings
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Laidback
Location: 506 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District

11. Dingxing Road Egg Pancake

Shanghai egg pancake — Traditional egg pancake is a must-try in Shanghai. (Credit: Pixabay/kalhh)

If you’ve got an hour or so up your sleeve to wait for something exceptional, lock in a visit to the Dingxing Road Egg Pancake stall. A hole-in-the-wall vendor that only dishes up made-to-order egg pancakes, this Shanghai eatery is so wonderful and unmissable — a total local’s secret that encompasses the city’s distinct foodie obsession. Don’t forget to order the homemade chili oil because it’s one of the best I’ve ever tasted. An always fluffy flour crepe, filled with pickled vegetables and wrapped with a crunchy fried exterior, for about $5 a pop.

Cuisine: Traditional egg pancake
Average price: $
Atmosphere: No frills
Location: No. 6 Dingxing Road, Huangpu District

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

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In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

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2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

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4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

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5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

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11 Shanghai restaurants for soup dumplings, egg pancakes and more