From shengjianbao in the French Concession to scallion pancakes near the Bund, these are the street food stalls that define Shanghai.
Shanghai’s street food scene is legendary, and 2026 is no exception. From dawn until late night, the city hums with the sizzle of woks and the aroma of freshly steamed buns.
The Best Shengjianbao
The French Concession remains the epicenter, with shengjianbao drawing crowds to Yang’s Fried Dumpling at all hours. These pan-fried pork buns are crispy on the bottom and juicy inside — a must-try for any visitor.
Where to Find the Best
Beyond Yang’s, the old town alleys hide family-run stalls that have been perfecting their recipe for generations.
Iconic Street Staples
Near the old town, the aroma of cong you bing (scallion pancakes) wafts through the narrow streets. The beauty of Shanghai street food is its accessibility: most dishes cost between RMB 15 and 40.
What to Order
Start with shengjianbao, follow with a scallion pancake, and finish with sweet douhua for the full Shanghai street food experience.