10 Must-Try Regional Chinese Restaurants in Shanghai
One of the best things about living in Shanghai? You don’t need to travel across China to taste its diverse cuisines—they’re all right here in the city. From the spicy heat of Hunan to the earthy, herbal flavors of Yunnan, Shanghai is a food lover’s dream.
Shanghai is a city where every street corner hides a culinary surprise. While it’s known for its own delicate, slightly sweet local cuisine, it’s also a melting pot of flavors from across China. Whether you’re a spice-lover, a vegetarian, or someone looking to explore lesser-known dishes from Yunnan or Suzhou, there’s a table waiting for you.
Here are 10 must-try restaurants serving authentic regional Chinese food in Shanghai—each with its own story, flavor, and loyal following.
1. Xibo – Flavors of Xinjiang
Location: 3F,No.83 Changshu road.常熟路83号神州商务大厦3楼(近巨鹿路)Cuisine: Muslim / Xinjiang
What to try: Beef, lamb, and chicken skewers. The famous Big Plate Chicken with potatoes and paprika.
Why it’s special: Grilled meats packed with flavor and culture. I’d never tasted cumin like this before! Halal-friendly and consistently excellent.
2. Yu Li Xiang – Authentic Hunan Heat
Location: No.1333 middle Huaihai road 淮海中路1333号兰帆广场1楼（近1号线常熟路站3号口,近7号线常熟路站7号口）
Cuisine: Hunan
What to try: Spicy stir-fries, tofu dishes, and seasonal vegetables.
Why it’s special: Hunan food is bold and spicy, but this spot can adjust the spice level. Vegetarian options too.
3. De Xing Guan – Old Shanghai Charm
Location: NO.471 guangdong road.南京东路街道广东路471号(近福建路)
Cuisine: Classic Shanghai
What to try: Xiaolongbao and noodles on the 1st floor, full meals upstairs.
Why it’s special: You feel the history here. It’s casual, super local, and full of regulars. Come hungry.
4. Sichuan Citizen – Spicy, Stylish, and Always Good
Location: 2F,No,378 Wukang road . 武康路378号2楼
Cuisine: Sichuan
What to try: Mapo tofu, spicy chicken, dan dan noodles… and the Basil Drop cocktail.
Why it’s special: A favorite among locals and expats for good reason. The flavors are authentic and the price is fair. Pro tip: try the Basil Drop—it’s surprisingly addictive!
5. Lotus Eatery – Yunnan Soul Food
Location:No.1112 dingxi road. 华阳路街道定西路1112号
Cuisine: Yunnan
What to try: Goat cheese dishes, mushroom hot pot, and Yunnan coffee.
Why it’s special: Earthy, herbal, fresh—and that goat cheese is unforgettable.
6. Su Xiao Liu – Delicate Suzhou Dim Sum
Location: No.618 Xujiahui road. 徐家汇路618号日月光中心广场地下二楼泰康区 ( at Tianzi fang !!!)
Cuisine: Suzhou
What to try: Colorful xiaolongbao with chicken, shrimp, and veggie fillings.
Why it’s special: It’s like a gentler cousin of Shanghainese dim sum—more refined, and a nice change of pace.
7. Yan Gege – Vegetarian Mushroom Hotpot Heaven
Location: No.800 A4-1 changde road, Jing’an.常德路800号800秀园区A4-1层（星巴克东50米）
Cuisine: Vegetarian / Hotpot
What to try: Truffle fried rice, pan-fried dumplings, endless mushrooms.
Why it’s special: I was skeptical—no meat? But this blew me away. Everything’s super fresh, and you can eat as much as you want.
8. Qing Men Pu Chun – Fine Vegetarian Dining
Location: 4F,W-L4-01,No,500 dongyu road.东育路500弄前滩太古里木区L4层W-L4-01
Cuisine: Vegetarian
What to try: Everything!!!
Why it’s special: It’s beautiful, modern, and every dish is thoughtfully prepared. Feels like a spa for your stomach.
9. Jujube Tree – Zen Vegetarian in Downtown
Location: No.258 fengxian road .奉贤路258号
Cuisine: Vegetarian
What to try: Everything!!!
Why it’s special: Tucked away but so worth it. Quiet, elegant, and a great escape from the city noise.
10. (Wei Huang Seafood Hotpot) — Seafood Hotpot
Location: No.370 South Urumqi Road. 乌鲁木齐南路370号
Cuisine: Guangzhou hotpot
What to try: Chicken and seafood hotpot (set menu, 155 RMB for 2 people on Dianping
Why it’s special: The best non-spicy hotpot option—fresh seafood with rich broth!
Pro Tips for First-Timers:
• Book in advance: Many places get busy, especially on weekends.
• Check Dianping: You can often find set menu deals (for 2–6 people) that save you money—some are weekday-only.
• Let NanNan help: Having me as a guide made a huge difference. I explain the ingredients, tell the stories behind the dishes, and order things you don’t know how to pronounce!
Want More Than Just a Meal? Take a tour with NanNan!
I am not just guide you through food—I guide you through history, culture, cooking traditions, and local life. Let’s visit markets, watch chefs in action, and even learn a few Chinese words for ingredients together!
It’s hands-down one of the best things you will do in Shanghai.
Contact me for a personalized food tour—it’s perfect whether you’re new to the city or looking for a deeper experience.
Shanghai is a food city—and with my help, you’ll taste the real China.
Come hungry, leave inspired
