Shanghai Street Food Tour

Fried Fertilized Eggs: This curiously named delicacy is actually quite common on the streets of Shanghai. It does not involve frying eggs with hairs, as the name might mislead, but rather refers to partially incubated eggs (usually around 12 days old) that are specially prepared, coated in batter, and fried until golden and crispy. The unique appeal of fried fertilized eggs lies in their rich texture, where the semi-formed embryo intertwines with the yolk, offering a tender egg flavor with an indescribably unique taste.

In Shanghai, fried fertilized eggs are often enjoyed as a late-night snack or street food, paired with a beer or soy milk, making them a favorite among many foodies. Although their appearance may initially put off some first-timers, once tasted, their crispy exterior and tender interior, along with their savory aroma, will captivate even the most hesitant palate. The preparation process, while seemingly straightforward, requires precise control over heat and timing to ensure each fried fertilized egg reaches its optimal eating condition.

If fried fertilized eggs represent the unique flavors of Shanghai's streets, then dumplings symbolize the warmth and affection of Shanghai's homes. In Shanghai, dumplings are not just a culinary delight but also a cultural icon, carrying the memories and emotions of countless families. Whether during traditional festivals like the Spring Festival or Winter Solstice, or during family dinners in everyday life, dumplings are always an indispensable mainstay.

Shanghai boasts a wide variety of dumplings, ranging from classic fillings like pork and Chinese chives, pork and cabbage, to innovative options like shrimp and three-delicacy fillings, each offering a flavor that stays with you long after you've eaten. The thickness of the dumpling skin, the preparation of the filling, and the cooking time are all crucial details. When steaming plates of dumplings are served to the table, it's not just a treat for the taste buds but also a taste of home, bringing warmth to one's heart.

Pig's trotters, as a dazzling gem of Shanghai cuisine, have conquered the hearts of countless diners with their glossy and smooth skin and their melt-in-the-mouth texture. Shanghai's love for pig's trotters is not only reflected in the traditional braised trotters but also in the numerous delicious variations that have emerged through continuous innovation. Superior pig's hind trotters are carefully selected and processed to ensure each trotter is meaty, with thick and elastic skin.

In the sweltering summer heat of Shanghai, a bowl of refreshing and appetizing Liangpi is undoubtedly the best choice. Originally a snack from northwestern China, Liangpi have found a place for themselves in Shanghai and gradually incorporated local characteristics. The production process of Liangpi is meticulous, with every step from raw material selection to steaming the noodles and to seasoning being crucial.

In the alleys and streets of Shanghai, roadside fried skewers are undoubtedly a delicious memory for many. The variety of fried skewers is vast, ranging from classic chicken and pork skewers to innovative vegetable and seafood skewers.

Roasted duck intestines, as a street food that has quickly gained popularity in Shanghai in recent years, have attracted countless diners with their unique texture and rich flavor. Fresh duck intestines are used as ingredients, and each skewer is thoroughly cleaned to ensure there are no odors and they retain their toughness. During the grilling process, sauce is continually brushed on, and after well-organized grilling and seasoning, the freshly roasted duck intestines still have a slight sizzling sound and steam hotly.

In the alleys and streets of Shanghai, various fruit vendors serve as oases in the city, bringing a touch of coolness and sweetness to passersby. From tropical mangoes and pineapples to temperate apples and oranges, every type of fruit is presented in its freshest state. Especially during summer, watermelons, cantaloupes, and other refreshing fruits become popular choices throughout the city's streets and alleys.

When mentioning summer, how could one not mention ice cream? On the streets of Shanghai, whether it's traditional artisanal ice cream shops or modern chain brands, delicious treats that make your mouth water can be found everywhere. From classic vanilla and chocolate flavors to innovative matcha and durian tastes, each type of ice cream offers a unique texture and flavor, making it an indispensable cool companion in summer. 

If fruits and ice cream represent the street desserts of Shanghai, then Yunnan baojiang beans are a delightful surprise from afar. This specialty snack originating from Yunnan has quietly become popular on the streets and alleys of Shanghai due to its unique production process and rich flavor. The baojiang beans have a crispy outer layer and a soft, sticky interior, with each bean wrapped in a rich sauce. They offer both the authentic taste of beans and the spicy, rich flavor of the sauce.