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

Food History of Yu Garden, Shanghai, China

Yu Garden, known as Yuyuan in Mandarin, is not just a pivotal historical site in Shanghai but also a culinary epicenter for traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this bustling area has been a hub for locals and tourists alike. Over the centuries, the zone around the garden developed into a thriving marketplace featuring numerous eateries that showcase the richness of Eastern cuisine, particularly emphasizing fresh ingredients, local spices, and unique cooking techniques.

The area near Yu Garden is especially famous for traditional street food and classic Shanghainese snacks. These reflect a fusion of varied cooking styles from the diverse population that has populated Shanghai over the years. With the rise of international trade in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the confluence of different culinary traditions further enriched Shanghai's food scene.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Yu Garden, Shanghai, China

1. Shengjianbao (Pan-fried Pork Buns) - Non-Veg: A popular Shanghai street food, these buns are juicy and filled with pork, gelatin that melts into soup when cooked, and encased in a crispy, pan-fried bottom.
2. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) - Non-Veg: These delicate steamed buns filled with broth and pork are a culinary icon of Shanghai.
3. Shanghai Hairy Crab - Non-Veg: A seasonal delicacy usually enjoyed in the autumn months, known for its sweet meat and rich roe.
4. Vegetarian Mock Duck - Veg: Gluten-based and seasoned to mimic the flavor and texture of duck, this is an exquisite choice for vegetarians.
5. Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes) - Veg: Savory, flaky, and crispy pancakes filled with green onions.
6. Stinky Tofu - Veg: Fermented tofu known for its strong odor, often deep-fried and served with chili sauce.
7. Vegetable Spring Rolls - Veg: Crispy fried rolls packed with a mixture of vegetables and sometimes glass noodles.
8. Tangbao (Giant Soup Dumplings) - Non-Veg: Larger than xiaolongbao and usually consumed with a straw to enjoy the savory broth inside.
9. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake) - Veg: Sweet or savory, these chewy rice cakes are a traditional comfort food.
10. Qiezi He (Eggplant with Minced Stuffing) - Non-Veg: Eggplants filled with minced meat and spices, though vegetarian versions are also common.

Top Famous Restaurants in Yu Garden, Shanghai, China with Famous Food

• Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
  Address: 85 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  Famous Food: Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) - Non-Veg
• Lu Bo Lang
  Address: 115 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  Famous Food: Shanghai Hairy Crab - Non-Veg
• Shanghai Classical House
  Address: 242 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  Famous Food: Shengjianbao (Pan-fried Pork Buns) - Non-Veg
• Godly (Su Zhai)
  Address: 445 Jiangning Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Mock Duck - Veg
• Old Zhengxing Restaurant
  Address: 556 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  Famous Food: Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes) - Veg