Shanghai is one of China’s best cities for food lovers, where traditional Shanghainese flavors meet regional specialties from across the country. Joining a guided food tour is the easiest way to discover hidden eateries, busy street stalls, and time-honored restaurants while learning the stories behind iconic dishes like xiaolongbao and shengjianbao. These top 10 China food tours in Shanghai are perfect for first-time visitors, serious foodies, and anyone who wants to eat like a local in 2026.
1. Huangpi Road Culinary Walk
The Huangpi Road Culinary Walk is a classic Shanghai food tour focused on authentic, everyday flavors locals love. Over three hours, you’ll sample staples such as scallion oil noodles, steamed buns, and delicate soup dumplings dipped in black vinegar. The small-group format keeps the experience personal, while the guide explains how Shanghai’s cuisine evolved from river-town roots to modern urban dining. Along the way, you’ll walk through historic streets and gain cultural context that adds depth to every bite. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a traditional introduction to Shanghainese food without tourist traps.
2. Time-Honored Restaurants Tasting
This tour highlights Shanghai’s culinary heritage by visiting five historic, time-honored restaurants that have served locals for generations. Expect around ten dishes, including crab roe soup dumplings, crispy pork chops, savory egg pancakes, and classic desserts. The route passes famous areas like Nanjing Road and the Bund, blending food with city history. Private tour options are available for added comfort and flexibility. Portions are generous enough to replace a full meal, making it an excellent value. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors or returning travelers seeking authentic flavors in well-established settings.
3. French Concession Breakfast Tour
The French Concession Breakfast Tour combines food, culture, and charming streetscapes in one memorable morning. You’ll sample more than 15 breakfast items, including shengjianbao, fresh noodles, tea, and rich curry beef soup. Limited to about ten people, the tour feels intimate and relaxed. As you stroll through tree-lined streets and historic lanes, your guide shares insights into daily Shanghai life and colonial-era influences. This tour is perfect for early risers who want to experience local breakfast culture while exploring one of Shanghai’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.
4. Xiangyang Park Street Food Walk
Centered around Xiangyang Park, this family-friendly street food tour offers a lively glimpse into local routines. You’ll taste pulled noodles, xiaolongbao, breakfast pancakes, and other freshly prepared snacks while watching vendors cook in real time. The small group size, usually around eight people, ensures easy interaction and flexibility. A highlight is visiting wet market stalls, where ingredients and techniques come to life. The tour balances adventure with accessibility, making it suitable for families, cautious eaters, and anyone curious about everyday Shanghai street food near parks and local gathering spots.
5. 7 Famous Street Foods Hidden Lanes
This tour dives into Shanghai’s lesser-known alleyways to uncover seven iconic street foods in their most authentic settings. Tastings include pan-fried buns, shrimp rice rolls, wonton soup, Nanxiang-style steamed buns, crab pancakes, pork chop rice cakes, and sweet rice balls. The relaxed walking pace allows time to observe local life unfolding in narrow lanes. The experience usually ends with a drink, such as coffee, tea, or beer, to unwind. It’s an excellent option for street food purists who want bold flavors without rushing through crowded tourist areas.
6. Old Shanghai Breakfast and Temple Tour
Focused on tradition, this morning tour explores Old Shanghai’s longtangs while sampling ten classic breakfast foods from six different stalls. Dishes reflect local tastes and seasonal habits, offering insight into how Shanghainese families start their day. The small group size allows guides to tailor explanations and answer questions. The tour concludes with a visit to Xiahai Temple, adding a cultural and spiritual layer to the experience. Combining food, architecture, and local customs, this tour is ideal for travelers interested in Shanghai’s past as much as its flavors.
7. Qibao Ancient Town Snacks Tour
For a change of pace, this food tour heads to Qibao Ancient Town, an atmospheric area known for traditional architecture and local snacks. After a subway ride from central Shanghai, you’ll sample around eight foods, such as crab-meat dumplings and Haitang cake, while strolling along canals and stone bridges. Tea and transportation are typically included, and some tours offer an optional foot massage upgrade. The half-day format makes it a relaxing escape from the city center, perfect for travelers who want history, scenery, and regional snacks in one outing.
8. Night Eats Like a Local
This evening food tour focuses on how locals actually dine after dark, visiting hidden, family-run restaurants away from tourist zones. You’ll try dishes from Jiangnan, Sichuan, and southern Chinese cuisines, often paired with local drinks. Guides explain cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and neighborhood history as you move between stops. Small groups ensure an immersive experience and easy conversation. This tour is ideal for adventurous eaters who want authentic flavors, a social atmosphere, and a glimpse into Shanghai’s real nighttime food culture.
9. Central Shanghai Local Flavors Tour
Highly rated and budget-friendly, this central Shanghai food tour explores markets and casual eateries led by knowledgeable local guides. Over about 2.5 hours, usually starting in the evening, you’ll sample popular street foods, dumplings, and regional snacks. With strong reviews and a relaxed pace, it offers excellent value for travelers short on time. Some versions operate as free walking tours with tipping encouraged. This experience is perfect for visitors who want a quick but authentic introduction to Shanghai’s food scene without committing to a long itinerary.
10. Old Shanghai Laneway Feast
The Old Shanghai Laneway Feast takes you deep into residential backstreets near People’s Square, where traditional housing and local eateries coexist. You’ll taste shengjianbao, xiaolongbao, and dishes from minority cuisines such as Xinjiang, with adventurous options like frog available. Portions are filling, and the atmosphere feels distinctly local. Beyond food, the tour offers insight into daily life in historic lane neighborhoods. This is a top choice for travelers seeking true local immersion and flavors rarely found in mainstream restaurants.
Booking Tips
These Shanghai food tours are widely available on platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide. Always check 2026 updates, group sizes, walking distance, and dietary options before booking. Private tours offer more flexibility, while morning tours pair well with Bund or museum visits. Most tours last 3–4 hours and involve moderate walking, so comfortable shoes are essential.