Featured Local Favorites in Shanghai: Soup Dumplings, Vegetable Rice, Pan-Fried Buns

Text & Photos /TRAVELBAG

I believe many friends, just like me, enjoy observing local life while traveling—following the locals to find great food or experiencing life as the residents do. For Shanghainese, soup dumplings are a staple. In Shanghai, even just eating can take up a lot of your time. This time, Travel BAG is taking you to explore some snacks first. Remember: a long queue is a good sign of delicious food!

c? Location: Huangpu District /

Not eating soup dumplings in Shanghai is like not having Peking duck in Beijing—such a pity!
“Soup dumplings” are called “小笼汤包 (xiǎolóng tāngbāo)” in Shanghai, and the name “汤包 (tāngbāo)” which means “soup bun,” is more accurate than “小笼包 (xiǎolóng bāo),” as it emphasizes the key feature: the broth. There’s a popular spot for Shanghai-style soup dumplings on Huanghe Road.

Jiajia Soup Dumplings may not have an extravagant storefront—its white exterior lets you watch the chefs make the dumplings fresh to order. The soup inside is perfectly tailored to local tastes, the prices are reasonable, and if you see a long line on Huanghe Road, that’s Jiajia Soup Dumplings.

They offer regular soup dumplings and crab roe soup dumplings.

Serve with black vinegar for the best flavor.

Address: No. 90, Huanghe Road, Huangpu District
Transportation: Exit 8 at People’s Square Station

Another highlight on Huanghe Road is across from Jiajia Soup Dumplings—Xiao Yang Pan-Fried Buns. It’s a perennially popular queue-worthy spot. A friend from Shanghai shared with me that he’s been eating here since the buns cost just 0.5 RMB each, and now they’re 3 RMB—but he’s still a loyal customer. Xiao Yang has maintained its high standards over the years, proving pan-fried buns are just as iconic as soup dumplings.

The pan-fried buns at Xiao Yang are surprisingly delightful. Most people imagine pan-fried buns as simply meat-filled buns with a crispy crust. But Xiao Yang’s buns will amaze you—they actually have soup inside. That’s the magic of Xiao Yang: the texture of bread paired with rich, savory juice.

The little pool of juice on the plate? It comes from the bun itself.

Address: No. 97, Huanghe Road, Huangpu District
Transportation: Exit 8 at People’s Square Station

Onward to the Bund. After enjoying soup dumplings and pan-fried buns, you’re probably halfway to satisfying your Shanghai street food craving. On your way to the Bund for sightseeing, there's another must-try delicacy.

Another casual queue-worthy spot: Shanghai-style vegetable rice. Shanghai’s “vegetable rice” isn’t just veggies—it also includes bits of cured meat. At Shu Cai Ji, the portions are generous: a big plate of vegetable rice might come with one or two side dishes of stir-fried noodles. There’s also soybean soup available for self-service.

Shu Cai Ji’s pan-fried buns are also quite famous.

Vegetable rice and stir-fried noodles piled up in a big pot right at the shop entrance.

It’s no surprise if your vegetable rice comes with a side of stir-fried noodles.

Address: No. 142-146, Yunnan Middle Road, Huangpu District
Transportation: Exit 15 at People’s Square Station, or you can start from Huanghe Road and walk toward the Bund along Yunnan Middle Road.

Beyond Food with Travel BAG...
Along the way to the Shanghai Bund, besides various eateries, there are also many historic buildings. The Bund itself is home to the Shanghai headquarters of major banks, as well as heritage structures, each with its own distinctive façade. While foodies are chowing down, they can also admire these architectural gems.

Even a simple gate displays beautiful architectural design.

Walking toward the Bund, you’ll see the headquarters of various banks.

I even think the buildings here are more stunning than the Pearl Tower across the river. On hazy or overcast days when the tower isn’t clearly visible, why not take a stroll along the Bund and admire the architecture instead?

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