Must-Try Foods In Shanghai Museum (Shanghai) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum itself is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation of Chinese art and history. While the museum does not have a history of food within its walls, it does reflect the rich culture of Shanghai, which includes a diverse culinary tradition. Historically, Shanghai's position as a port city has made it a melting pot of different cultures, influencing its local cuisine known as Benbang cuisine, characterized by the flavorful and heavy use of soy sauce and sugar. Additionally, Shanghai's food scene has been shaped through the years by regional influences from neighboring Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, collectively known as Jiangnan cuisine, which is famous for its delicate flavors and emphasis on fresh ingredients.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes at Shanghai Museum

While the Shanghai Transrapid may not provide food, exploring the surrounding areas of the museum will give visitors a taste of Shanghai's diverse and delicious cuisine. Here are the top 10 must-try dishes:

1. Shanghai Xiaolongbao (Non-Veg) - Steamed soup dumplings filled with pork and savory broth.
2. Cong You Bing (Veg) - Scallion pancakes, a crispy and flaky flatbread with fragrant green onions.
3. Shengjian Bao (Non-Veg) - Pan-fried pork buns with a juicy filling, a crispy bottom, and soft, fluffy dough.
4. Vegetarian Mock Duck (Veg) - Gluten or tofu is used to simulate the texture and flavor of duck.
5. Shanghai Stir-fried Noodles (Veg/Non-Veg) - Thick noodles stir-fried with vegetables and optional pork or shrimp.
6. Chilled Noodles (Veg) - Cold noodles tossed in a tangy sauce, sometimes served with julienne vegetables.
7. Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs (Non-Veg) - Pork ribs cooked in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce.
8. Shanghai-style Spring Rolls (Veg/Non-Veg) - These can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables or meat.
9. Sheng Jian Mantou (Veg) - Similar to shengjian bao but larger and with a single focus on the fluffy, leavened bread.
10. Xi Gua Lao (Veg) - A jelly dessert made from watermelon rind and typically served chilled, ideal for warmer months.

Top Famous Restaurants in Shanghai Museum Vicinity

1. Lǔ Bó Láng

   Address: 115 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

   Famous Food: Steamed Crab (Non-Veg)

2. Din Tai Fung

   Address: Various locations including Xintiandi

   Famous Food: Xiaolongbao (Non-Veg), Vegetarian Dumplings (Veg)

3. Vegetarian Lifestyle

   Address: 258 Fengxian Road, Jin’an District, Shanghai

   Famous Food: Mock Meats (Veg), Mushroom Salads (Veg)

4. Jia Jia Tang Bao

   Address: 90 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

   Famous Food: Pork Xiaolongbao (Non-Veg)

5. Yongfoo Elite

   Address: 200 Yongfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

   Famous Food: Shanghainese Cuisine (Mix of Veg & Non-Veg foods)

6. Fuchun Xiaolong

   Address: 650 Yuyuan Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai

   Famous Food: Xiaolongbao (Non-Veg)

7. Wujie on the Bund

   Address: 22 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

   Famous Food: Creative Vegetarian Cuisine (Veg)

Note: Before visiting any of the above-mentioned restaurants, it is advisable to check their operating hours and whether reservations are required. Additionally, Beijing Duck is typically a non-vegetarian dish usually featuring duck meat. Since this request is to exclude cow non-veg food, dishes mentioned here include other types of non-vegetarian options that do not feature beef.