This famous dumpling joint is known for its juicy, steamed buns filled with rich pork broth. It's the perfect spot for experiencing authentic xiaolongbao without breaking the bank. The challenge of finding genuine local flavors in a tourist-heavy city is solved here.

Yang's offers a variation on dumplings—crispy on the bottom and filled with hot broth and pork. It's an iconic Shanghai breakfast staple that's both affordable and filling. It addresses the challenge of starting your day with a local breakfast favorite.

Known as the "king of crabs," hairy crabs are a seasonal delicacy in Shanghai. Wang Bao He is the go-to restaurant for this dish, offering expertly cooked crabs during the autumn months. This spot solves the challenge of enjoying seasonal local specialties.

A modern twist on the traditional hot pot, Haidilao is renowned for its exceptional service and wide range of delicious broths. It's perfect for group dining and experimenting with various ingredient combinations. This solves the challenge of dining with friends or family while enjoying interactive food experiences.

Jesse serves a classic Shanghainese dish with tender pork belly braised in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It's a cozy spot ideal for those seeking rustic, home-style cooking. This addresses the challenge of finding comforting, traditional local fare.

A Niang Mian offers simple and satisfying scallion oil noodles, featuring springy noodles tossed in fragrant scallion oil. This dish highlights simplicity with bold flavor, perfect for a quick lunch. It solves the problem of finding fuss-free yet delicious eats.

Cifangao, or sticky rice cakes, are pan-fried until crispy at the edges at Old Jesse. The restaurant provides a nostalgic taste of old Shanghai and is celebrated for its authentic flavor offerings. This helps solve the challenge of experiencing traditional rice-based dishes.

Fangbang Zhan specializes in Lion's Head Meatballs, featuring large, tender pork meatballs in a savory broth. It's a dish that balances richness with the comfort of a well-cooked stew. The challenge of finding homely meals with a cultural twist is solved here.

This unique local dish involves chicken stuffed with spices and herbs, wrapped in clay, and baked. Inside the Garden presents this theatrical cooking method to diners, offering a dish rich in history and flavor. Solves the challenge of enjoying a historical culinary tradition.

Using a method that smokes fish for a bold, distinct flavor, A Da serves this appetizer perfect for seafood lovers. The crisp exterior and juicy inside make it a standout. It addresses the challenge of experiencing local seafood.

The signature dish here involves tender fish and a broth that is clear yet rich in flavor. It's a straightforward meal with the feel of homemade comfort. It solves the issue of finding a warm, seafood-based noodle dish.

Known as 'bakkwa', this barbecued meat has a sweet and smoky flavor, served at Bee Cheng Hiang. It makes for a great snack or gift item with a quintessentially local twist. This solves the gifting dilemma for visitors wanting something authentically Shanghai.

A Shanghai favorite for its Yunnan origins, this restaurant offers mixian—rice noodles with a spicy, tangy broth. It's perfect for those looking for a diverse flavor profile. This helps solve the issue of finding regional variations of local noodles.

Combining pork with the sweet pastry of a mooncake, this unique dish blurs the line between savory and sweet. Sunya offers this during Mid-Autumn Festival, providing a limited-edition local specialty. This addresses the need to find festival-specific treats.

Known for tender, flavorful eel served in various ways, Bao Luo is a staple for seafood enthusiasts. The restaurant offers the flexibility of varying spice levels, making it accessible to all palates. This helps solve the challenge of exploring local seafood specialties.

These glutinous rice balls sweetened with osmanthus and filled with red bean paste offer a floral yet sweet taste. Teahouse Fang is a calm retreat for those interested in traditional afternoon tea affairs. It addresses the challenge of partaking in a cultural tea experience.

A variation on the classic jianbing, this version adds fried egg for extra heartiness. Known for blending different textures, this dish provides a robust breakfast or snack option. It solves the breakfast dilemma with something local yet filling.

Combining the delicate taste of crab with noodles, Jasmine's offering delivers a fresh and aromatic meal. It's a clear example of how seafood plays a role in the city's cuisine. This presents a solution for seafood noodle enthusiasts looking for a local flair.

Offering tender, subtly seasoned chicken, Xiao Shaoxing has mastered the art of simplicity in flavor, which turns chicken into something memorable. This restaurant highlights minimalist cooking that doesn't compromise on taste. It addresses the challenge of experiencing classic dishes with restraint.

Street vendor stalls offer baos, or steamed buns, stuffed with everything from local meats to vegetarian options. This area provides a true glimpse into everyday eating habits of Shanghai residents. It helps solve the problem of finding casual, cheap eats in a tourist area.