Shanghai has a vibrance breakfast scene, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage and dynamic energy. From savory scallion pancakes to steaming bowls of wonton soup, morning rituals here are as diverse as they are delicious.
But perhaps what truly sets Shanghai apart is its thriving coffee culture. With the highest number of coffee shops per capita in the world, Shanghai has become a global hub for caffeine aficionados and artisanal roasters alike.
So with over 8000 coffee shops in Shanghai and countless local breakfast stalls, where do you even begin?
Don’t sweat, because Lost Plate Food Tours has done the legwork for you. From trendy Shanghai cafes to local hidden gems, they have handpicked six epic stops that showcase the best of Shanghai’s breakfast scene on their Coffee and Breakfast Food Tour.
Lost Plate hosted me on their Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour recently, and I loved learning more about the morning traditions and flavors of Shanghai. As always, their food tour groups are kept small so that you’re able to enjoy the food and meeting new people along the way! I’ve also previously joined their Beijing dinner food tours, which were also very delicious.
Lost Plate also hosts tours in other cities across China, including Beijing, Chendgu, Xi’an, Lijiang, and Suzhou, as well as outside China in Bangkok, Cambodia, and Portland, OR.
Get a discount on your Lost Plate Food Tour! Use my code: RACHELMEETSCHINA
Book a Lost Plate Food Tour here
Now let’s get on to the food!
1. Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)
Scallion pancakes are crispy layers of dough infused with fragrant scallions, cooked to golden perfection. This neighborhood favorite is a must-try!
2. Fried Fish (爆鱼):
Fresh from the nearby island, these crispy fish fillets are drenched in homemade sauce for a burst of flavor that’ll leave you craving more. The traditional sauce is a sticky sweet flavor, but there are other variations including five spice and spicy.
3. Coffee with Fermented Rice (软饭 & 白衬衫)
At this innovative café traditional ingredients inspire creative blends. Their standout drink, named after a rescued pup, pairs rich coffee flavors with whipped fermented rice, offering a unique glimpse into Shanghai’s modern coffee scene.
4. Dumplings Galore
Our fourth stop at a local Shanghai breakfast restaurant had dozens of options. We tried a few different dishes here, featuring many dumplings and other local favorites!
- Suzhou Xiaolongbao (苏州小笼包): These soup dumplings are a classic, with juicy fillings wrapped in delicate dough.
- Big Wonton (大馄饨): Oversized wontons in a delicious broth.
- Sesame Ball (麻球): Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside – these sesame balls are a textural delight.
- Pan-Fried Meat Dumplings (锅贴): Crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying – these dumplings are a crowd-pleaser.
5. All the Bings
Our fifth stop was at a small shop – if you walked by quickly you might blink and miss it. But this family makes the most delicious bings, or breads and pancakes, including:
- Fried Dough Sticks filled with Eggs (鸡蛋灌油条): Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these dough sticks are the ultimate breakfast indulgence.
- Glutinous Rice Dumpling (糯米饺): Sticky, sweet, and oh-so-addictive – you won’t be able to stop at just one.
- Deep-fried Dough Sticks and Sticky Rice (油条糯米滋): Get ready to indulge in this heavenly combination of crispy dough sticks and sticky rice.
6. Yummy Cafe
We took the rest of our fried breadsticks on a walk to enjoy at our last stop, a cafe with a special Americano that paired well with the sweetness of the youtiao.
Try out a Shanghai Food Tour
Whether you’re a Shanghai newbie or a seasoned China explorer, this tour promises to tantalize your taste buds and introduce you to the best breakfast spots in town. Don’t miss out – book your spot now and get ready for a morning of food, fun, and unforgettable flavors!
Book a tour through Lost Plate’s WeChat account below or the Lost Plate Website, and don’t forget to use my code for a discount: RACHELMEETSCHINA
