Shanghai isn’t just a city of skyscrapers and shopping—it’s a living banquet, where centuries-old culinary traditions simmer alongside bold new flavors. For guests staying at Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road, Shanghai on the Bund—located at No.105-1 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200002—you’re not just minutes from The Bund and Nanjing Road; you’re at the epicenter of one of China’s most celebrated food scenes. From legendary xiaolongbao and hongshao rou to sizzling shengjian mantou and delicate crab roe tofu, authentic Shanghainese cuisine is waiting just around the corner.
This comprehensive, SEO-friendly guide is crafted specifically for Atour Hotel guests who want to eat like locals—not tourists. Discover where to find the city’s best dishes, how to navigate iconic food streets like Yunnan Road and Shanghai Old Street, and uncover hidden gems that even seasoned travelers miss—all within a 15-minute walk or short metro ride from your door.
Why Shanghainese Cuisine Is a Must-Taste
Unlike the fiery spices of Sichuan or the bold umami of Cantonese cooking, Shanghainese food is defined by its sweet-savory balance, slow braises, fresh river seafood, and meticulous technique. Influenced by Jiangnan (Lower Yangtze) culinary traditions, it emphasizes:
- Rich, glossy sauces (often soy-based with rock sugar)
- Seasonal ingredients (especially freshwater crab in autumn)
- Textural contrasts—crispy bottoms, tender fillings, silky tofu
For food-loving travelers, sampling these dishes isn’t just dining—it’s cultural immersion.
Must-Try Shanghainese Dishes & Where to Find Them
1. Hongshao Rou (Red-Braised Pork Belly)
Tender cubes of pork belly slow-cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and wine until meltingly soft and glazed in a deep amber sauce.
📍 Best near Atour: Lao Zheng Xing (老正兴) on Fuzhou Road—just 2 minutes from your hotel—a 150-year-old institution famed for its authentic braised dishes.
2. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Steamed buns filled with pork and hot, flavorful broth. The trick? Bite a small hole, sip the soup, then devour the rest.
📍 Top spot: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yu Garden (take Metro Line 10, 2 stops). For a quieter alternative, try Jia Jia Tang Bao near People’s Square.
3. Shengjian Mantou (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
Crispy-bottomed, fluffy buns stuffed with juicy pork—often sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions. Best eaten fresh off the griddle.
📍 Local favorite: Yang’s Fry Dumplings on Wujiang Road (10-min walk from hotel) or Xiao Yang Sheng Jian on Nanjing Road East.
4. Crab Roe Tofu (Xie Fen Dou Fu)
Silken tofu simmered in a luxurious sauce made from freshwater crab roe—creamy, briny, and utterly comforting (seasonal: Sept–Nov).
📍 Try at: Fu 1088 (upscale, reservation needed) or Din Tai Fung (reliable quality) near Xintiandi.
5. Scallion Oil Noodles (Cong You Ban Mian)
Simple yet soulful: thick noodles tossed in fragrant scallion-infused oil, soy, and a touch of sugar. A humble Shanghainese staple.
📍 Hidden gem: Auntie’s Noodle Shop in a Fuzhou Road alley—ask hotel staff for directions!
Top Food Streets Within Walking Distance or Short Metro Ride
🍜 Yunnan Road Food Street (5-minute walk)
Just south of your hotel, this historic culinary corridor is a paradise for street food lovers. Open from late afternoon until midnight, it features:
- De Xing Guan: Famous for century egg congee and sticky rice rolls
- Lao Shanghai Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles with braised beef
- Grilled squid, stinky tofu, and sweet osmanthus cakes from street vendors
Tip: Go hungry—dishes are small and meant for sharing.
🏮 Shanghai Old Street (Chenghuang Temple Bazaar – 15 mins via Metro Line 10)
Adjacent to Yu Garden, this restored Ming-era street blends souvenir shops with heritage eateries:
- Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (for xiaolongbao)
- Green Wave Pavilion: Try eight-treasure duck or sweet red bean soup
- Street snacks: Glutinous rice balls (tangyuan), candied hawthorn (tanghulu)
🥢 Fuzhou Road “Culture Street” – Right Outside Your Hotel!
While known for bookstores and calligraphy shops, Fuzhou Road also hides local canteens and noodle joints favored by office workers. Don’t miss:
- Lao Zheng Xing (est. 1862) – for hongshao rou and drunken chicken
- Xin Ya Restaurant – classic Shanghainese banquet dishes
Dining Etiquette & Practical Tips for Tourists
✅ Use chopsticks properly: Don’t stick them upright in rice (resembles funeral rites).
✅ Share dishes family-style: Order 1–2 dishes per person plus rice.
✅ Try “dry” vs. “soup” xiaolongbao: Dry versions are less messy for beginners.
✅ Ask for “bù là” (not spicy)—Shanghainese food is mild, but some dishes may have chili oil.
✅ Cash or mobile pay? Most places accept Alipay/WeChat, but carry ¥100–200 cash for street vendors.
Seasonal Specialties to Time Your Visit
- September–November: Hairy crab (da zha xie) season—steamed whole with ginger vinegar.
- Lunar New Year: Nian gao (sticky rice cake) and eight-treasure rice pudding.
- Summer: Cold drunken chicken and drunken shrimp (marinated in Shaoxing wine).
Why Atour Hotel Is Your Perfect Culinary Basecamp
After a night of feasting on Yunnan Road or sipping yellow wine with crab roe tofu, return to the calm of Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road. Our front desk team—many of whom are Shanghai natives—can:
- Recommend tonight’s best street food stall
- Help you pronounce dish names in Mandarin
- Book tables at hard-to-reserve restaurants
- Suggest vegetarian or allergy-friendly options
Plus, our own in-house restaurant offers refined Shanghainese dishes for those who prefer to dine in comfort after a long day of exploration.
Final Thought: Taste Shanghai, One Bite at a Time
Food in Shanghai isn’t just sustenance—it’s history, art, and hospitality served on a plate. And with Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road as your home, you’re not just visiting the city’s culinary heart… you’re living right beside it.
So step out your door, follow the sizzle of woks and the scent of caramelized soy, and let your taste buds lead you through the real flavors of Shanghai—where every alley holds a secret, and every meal tells a story. 🥢✨