If you’ve ticked off most of the touristy spots in Shanghai, there’s only one thing left to do: find some delicious dumplings. These frills-free specialists are three of our favorites.
Fuchun Xiaolongbao
The xiaolongbao at Fuchun are cheap, freshly handmade, slightly sweet, and come in a couple of variations—spring for a six-dumpling basket of the crab roe (RMB16 ($20)).
Fair warning: the place is always packed and it’s difficult to order if you don’t speak any Putonghua, so come prepared.
Get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon: otherwise prepare for a soul-crushing line.
650 Yuyuan Lu, Jingan, (+86) 21-6252-5117.
Yang’s Fry
Across the street from Jia Jia is another excellent spot: Yang’s Fry, which has multiple locations throughout the city.
This shop is modern and efficient, with a very obvious menu to help you along.
The doughy pan-fried buns are made in an open-air kitchen so you can watch, and the smell is amazing.
You can get a shrimp and pork combo, or just go pure pork—all are worth a return visit.
97 Huanghe Lu, Huangpu, (+86) 21-5375-1793.
Jia Jia Tang Bao
You’ll have to suffer through a queue at Jia Jia Tang Bao, but at least you get to watch dumplings being made in the meantime
Go for the classic pure pork, as well as the crab-and-pork dumplings—both are plump, juicy, and extremely addictive.
Believe it or not, these xiaolongbao might be better than Din Tai Fung’s… although you’d have to visit a few more times to be sure.
If you go, be sure to order fresh ginger for RMB1 ($1.26)—otherwise, it’s not included.
Huanghe Lu (near Nanjing Xi Lu), Huangpu, (+86) 21-6327-6878.