DINING ON A BUDGET IN SHANGHAI

Local Street Food:

Overview: Explore Shanghai’s bustling streets and alleys to discover a wealth of local street food vendors offering delicious snacks and meals at budget-friendly prices. From steaming bowls of noodles to savory dumplings and grilled skewers, street food is a convenient and affordable option for dining on the go.

Average Cost per Meal: 10-30 CNY per dish.

How to Find: Wander through popular food streets like Yunnan Road (云南路) and Wujiang Road (吴江路), or visit local markets such as Yu Garden Bazaar (豫园市场) and Tianzifang (田子坊) for a taste of authentic Shanghai street food.

  1. Yang’s Fried Dumplings (小杨生煎)
    • Overview: Yang’s Fried Dumplings offers crispy pan-fried dumplings filled with savory pork and vegetables, a must-try snack found at various street food vendors.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 10-30 CNY per serving.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.
  2. Shengjian Bao (生煎包)
    • Overview: Shengjian Bao, Shanghai’s famous pan-fried pork buns, are available at local street vendors and breakfast shops throughout the city, offering a satisfying snack.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 10-30 CNY per serving.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.
  3. Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)
    • Overview: Scallion pancakes, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, are a popular street food snack in Shanghai, perfect for munching on the go.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 5-15 CNY per serving.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.

Hole-in-the-Wall Eateries:

Overview: Shanghai is dotted with small, family-run eateries known as “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants, where you can enjoy homely dishes at wallet-friendly prices. These establishments often specialize in regional Chinese cuisines, offering hearty meals that won’t break the bank.

Average Cost per Meal: 20-50 CNY per dish.

How to Find: Explore residential neighborhoods and side streets away from tourist areas, keeping an eye out for crowded local eateries with simple decor and handwritten menus.

  1. Xiaoyang Shengjian (小杨生煎)
    • Overview: Xiaoyang Shengjian is a local favorite known for its pan-fried pork dumplings and other Shanghai specialties served in a no-frills setting.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-40 CNY per serving.
    • Address: 97 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.
  2. Lao Zheng Xing (老正兴)
    • Overview: Lao Zheng Xing serves authentic Shanghainese dishes, including classics like lion’s head meatballs and braised pork belly, in a hole-in-the-wall setting.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-40 CNY per serving.
    • Address: 115-117 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.
  3. Xian Lao Man (鲜捞满)
    • Overview: Xian Lao Man offers a variety of noodle and rice dishes known for their flavorful broths and generous portions, all at wallet-friendly prices.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-40 CNY per serving.
    • Address: 47 Yongkang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China.

Noodle Shops:

Overview: Noodle shops are ubiquitous in Shanghai, serving up a variety of noodle dishes ranging from steaming bowls of soup noodles to stir-fried specialties. Whether you prefer hand-pulled noodles, wonton noodles, or spicy dan dan noodles, you’ll find satisfying options at affordable prices.

Average Cost per Meal: 15-40 CNY per bowl.

How to Find: Look for small noodle shops with open kitchens and simple seating arrangements in busy commercial areas and food districts like Changning Road (长宁路) and Fengyang Road (凤阳路).


Xiao Long Xiaolong Tangbao (小笼小笼汤包)

  • Overview: Xiao Long Xiaolong Tangbao specializes in soup dumplings and noodle soups, offering comforting noodle dishes at affordable prices.
  • Average Cost per Meal: 15-40 CNY per bowl.
  • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.

Hai Di Lao (海底捞)

  • Overview: Hai Di Lao serves hand-pulled noodles and other noodle dishes in addition to its renowned hot pot offerings, providing delicious and budget-friendly options.
  • Average Cost per Meal: 30-60 CNY per person.
  • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.

Nanjing Impressions (南京大牌档)

  • Overview: Nanjing Impressions offers a variety of noodle dishes as part of its Nanjing-inspired menu, providing flavorful options at reasonable prices.
  • Average Cost per Meal: 30-60 CNY per person.
  • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.

Vegetarian Buffet Restaurants:

Overview: Vegetarian buffet restaurants offer all-you-can-eat dining experiences with a wide selection of meat-free dishes, salads, soups, and desserts. These establishments cater to vegetarians and vegans on a budget, providing healthy and affordable options for diners looking to fill up without breaking the bank.

Average Cost per Meal: 50-80 CNY per person.

How to Find: Look for vegetarian buffet restaurants in areas with a large Buddhist population, such as Jing’an Temple (静安寺) and Longhua Temple (龙华寺), or search online for budget-friendly options near your location.


Jujube Tree Vegetarian Restaurant (枣子树素食)

  • Overview: Jujube Tree Vegetarian Restaurant offers an extensive buffet spread with vegetarian and vegan options from Chinese and international cuisines.
  • Average Cost per Meal: 50-80 CNY per person.
  • Address: 402 Wanping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China.

Wu Guan Tang Vegetarian Buffet (无观堂素食自助餐厅)

  • Overview: Wu Guan Tang Vegetarian Buffet serves a wide variety of vegetarian dishes in a buffet-style setting, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
  • Average Cost per Meal: 50-80 CNY per person.
  • Address: 417 Caoyang Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China.

Vegetarian Life Style (素滋味)

  • Overview: Vegetarian Life Style offers a buffet with a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including mock meats, vegetables, and desserts.
  • Average Cost per Meal: 50-80 CNY per person.
  • Address: 191 Tianmu East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.

Food Courts in Shopping Malls:

Overview: Shopping malls in Shanghai often feature food courts offering a wide range of cuisines at competitive prices. From Chinese stir-fries to international fast food chains, food courts are a convenient option for budget-conscious diners seeking affordable meals in a comfortable setting.

Average Cost per Meal: 30-60 CNY per person.

How to Find: Visit popular shopping malls like Super Brand Mall (正大广场) in Lujiazui and Cloud Nine Shopping Mall (龙之梦购物中心) in Jing’an, and head to the lower floors or basement levels to find food courts with diverse dining options.

  1. Global Harbor Mall (环球港)
    • Overview: Global Harbor Mall features a spacious food court with diverse dining options, including Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisines.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 30-60 CNY per person.
    • Address: 3300 North Zhongshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China.
  2. Super Brand Mall (正大广场)
    • Overview: Super Brand Mall’s food court offers a mix of international fast food and local Chinese dishes, making it a popular dining destination.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 30-60 CNY per person.
    • Address: 168 West Lujiazui Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China.
  3. Raffles City Changning (来福士广场)
    • Overview: Raffles City Changning houses a food court with a variety of stalls serving Asian and Western cuisine, desserts, and snacks.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 30-60 CNY per person.
    • Address: 1196 Changning Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China.

Fast Food Chains:

Overview: International fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway have a strong presence in Shanghai, offering familiar menu items at affordable prices. These establishments provide quick and convenient dining options for budget travelers and families looking for familiar flavors.

Average Cost per Meal: 20-50 CNY per person.

How to Find: Look for fast food outlets in commercial areas, shopping malls, and transportation hubs across the city, or use mobile apps like Dianping and Meituan to locate nearby chain restaurants.

  1. McDonald’s
    • Overview: McDonald’s offers familiar favorites like burgers and fries at affordable prices with numerous locations across Shanghai.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-50 CNY per person.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.
  2. KFC
    • Overview: KFC serves crispy fried chicken, sandwiches, and sides, perfect for a quick and budget-friendly meal.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-50 CNY per person.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.
  3. Subway
    • Overview: Subway offers customizable sandwiches and salads with a variety of fresh ingredients, catering to health-conscious diners.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-50 CNY per person.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.

Dumpling Houses:

Overview: Dumplings are a beloved staple of Chinese cuisine, and Shanghai is home to countless dumpling houses serving up these savory treats at budget-friendly prices. Whether you prefer steamed, boiled, or pan-fried dumplings, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings without overspending.

Average Cost per Meal: 20-40 CNY per serving.

How to Find: Explore neighborhoods known for their culinary offerings, such as the Old Town (老城厢) area and the Former French Concession (法租界), and keep an eye out for dumpling shops with queues of hungry locals.

  1. Yang’s Dumplings (小杨生煎)
    • Overview: Yang’s Dumplings is famous for its pan-fried soup dumplings, offering a variety of dumpling options at affordable prices.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-40 CNY per serving.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Shanghai.
  2. Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包)
    • Overview: Jia Jia Tang Bao is renowned for its juicy pork soup dumplings, a favorite spot in Shanghai’s Huangpu District.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 20-40 CNY per serving.
    • Address: 90 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.
  3. Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰)
    • Overview: Din Tai Fung, originally from Taiwan, is famous for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other dumpling varieties.
    • Average Cost per Meal: 50-100 CNY per person.
    • Address: Basement 1, Shanghai Center, 1376 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China.