Shanghai French Concession: Food Tour with Old Shanghai Dishes

Summary

Old Shanghai flavors, secret recipes and laughter in the French Concession

You’ll taste your way through Shanghai’s French Concession with a small group and a local guide who knows every backstreet dish worth trying—from soup dumplings to slow-cooked pork belly and fresh mango desserts. Expect real neighborhood kitchens, laughter over new flavors, and maybe even a cold craft beer as you watch modern Shanghai light up around you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already crowding around a tiny table when our guide Li slid over a plate of xiaolongbao. The place was packed with locals—no English menus, just that low hum of lunchtime chatter and the clatter of chopsticks. Li explained how to spot the good soup dumplings (something about the pleats and how they sag just right), but honestly, I was too busy trying not to burn my tongue. The broth inside was so hot it almost stung, but then you get that hit of ginger and pork—yeah, I get why people obsess over these. I tried saying “xiaolongbao” properly; Li laughed and said I sounded like her uncle from Anhui.

After that we wandered through leafy streets—French plane trees overhead, scooters weaving past us—and ducked into this spot where you could smell scallion oil before you even saw the noodles. There’s something hypnotic about watching those cooks slap dough around in the kitchen window. We tasted pan-fried buns that were crispy on one side, soft on the other; apparently making them is some kind of local heritage thing. Didn’t expect to love the curry so much either—Shanghai’s got all these little food surprises hiding between old brick walls and neon signs.

Li insisted we try the pork belly (“Hong Shao Rou,” she said, like it was a password). It’s slow-cooked for hours until it’s sticky and sweet—my chopsticks kept slipping but nobody cared. Dessert was this chilled sago cream with mango and pomelo at a tiny shop run by a woman who greeted everyone by name. She told us she never uses pre-made stuff; I believed her after one spoonful. We ended up at a local brewery nearby, sipping craft beer while neon flickered outside. The whole night felt like drifting between old Shanghai stories and whatever comes next for this city—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Shanghai's French Concession

• Learn history of old Shanghai cuisine
• Taste Xiaolongbao at local dumpling joint
• Try scallion noodles and sesame dumplings
• Watch pan-fried bun making process
• Enjoy traditional Shanghai pork belly dish
• Savor fresh mango sago dessert
• End with local craft beer

Top questions

How many dishes are included on this Shanghai food tour?

You’ll try at least 10 different dishes during the tour.

Is there vegetarian food available on this French Concession tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them in advance when booking.

Does the tour include drinks or alcohol?

The tour includes unlimited local beer, soda, bottled water, plus one craft beer at the end.

Where does the Shanghai food tour take place?

The tour takes place in the French Concession area of Shanghai.

Is pickup included for this day trip in Shanghai?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at a central location near South Shaanxi Road Subway Station.

Are infants or children allowed on this food tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

How long is the walk between stops on this food tour?

The walking distance is short; all restaurants are within easy reach in the French Concession area.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English fluently throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes all tastings at four or more safe sit-down restaurants (with at least 10 dishes), unlimited local beer, soda and bottled water, plus dessert and one locally brewed craft beer to finish—all led by an English-speaking guide in a small group setting within Shanghai’s French Concession.