Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai
5
Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai
By Shanghai Foodie
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About
Shanghai’s diverse food scene can be daunting for first-time visitors. Opt for an authentic taste of Shanghai on a food tour, a great cultural introduction to China’s second city. Sample a dozen traditional Shanghai dishes—noodles, buns, and soup dumplings—and receive restaurant recommendations to enjoy throughout your vacation. Morning, lunch, evening, and late-night tours allow you to fit this Chinese food experience into any travel itinerary.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Chinese, English
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Highlights
- Guarantee a great Chinese culinary experience on a Shanghai food tour
- Receive ample restaurant recommendations to ensure a trip full of great food
- Sample Shanghai specialties and learn little-known facts about local culture
- Choose from several departure times to suit every schedule
- Local guide
- Food and drink tastings (enough for breakfast, lunch or dinner)
- Local beer or desert for late night session
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Greet your guide at the designated meeting point at the time you selected when you booked your tour. As you walk toward the recently restored Xintiandi food area, your guide provides an introduction to the culinary culture of Shanghai. Over the course of the tour, sample dishes like dumpling soup, spring rolls, candied lotus rice, roasted duck, and many more local specialties. See, too, the bustling Huangpi Road, and cleanse your palate with cups of green and black tea between each stop. This Shanghai food tour ends near People's Square, where you can keep exploring the city on your own or call it a day.
- Start:
- China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, 淮海中路333号 邮政编码: 200021Please meet up at Exit 2, Site of the first CPC national congress-South Huangpi Road Metro Station (Line 1). Or Take Didi (the Chinese version of Uber) to No333 Huaihai Road which is the front door of Xintiandi Plaza. 你好,请带我去上海地铁1号线一大会址-黄陂南路站2号出口,或者淮海中路333号新天地广场正门.
End:- People's Square, Huangpu, Shanghai, ChinaTour will end around the People Square.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37849P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 3 are free of charge
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37849P1
From
HK$631.02
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, 淮海中路333号 邮政编码: 200021Please meet up at Exit 2, Site of the first CPC national congress-South Huangpi Road Metro Station (Line 1). Or Take Didi (the Chinese version of Uber) to No333 Huaihai Road which is the front door of Xintiandi Plaza. 你好,请带我去上海地铁1号线一大会址-黄陂南路站2号出口,或者淮海中路333号新天地广场正门.
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- 2
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- People's Square, Huangpu, Shanghai, ChinaTour will end around the People Square.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- sbO7561KX0 contributionsWonderful food tourFantastic tour. Highly recommend. This was a wonderful way to spend our first night in Shanghai. Jim created a great experience, the food was fantastic and Jim balanced great food with cultural experiences. It was hard to pick a favourite. The tea ceremony was especially interesting. If you come to Shanghai this is a must do!Written 12 September 2024
- lachlans20130 contributionsMust book for foodies!We had a private late night tour with Jim last night. We can't recommend this tour enough! Jim is so nice, so friendly, and very hospitable. He arranged us very nice cars to get around, and we went to truly local eateries and bars where the food and drink was incredible. I don't believe you can find these places easily without his local knowledge. He also tells you a lot about history, and living in China today. I'm sure a group booking is great, but a customised private tour is excellent for those wanting the full experience.Written 6 September 2024
- JBurr20150 contributionsHighly recommendedJade is friendly, knowledgeable, and fun! We had wonderful food from places the locals enjoy! I cannot say enough good things about this tour, if you go to Shanghai I highly recommend it. We went on a Thursday, with only 3 people in the group, so it was very personal, not crowded. Thanks Jade for the wonderful food tour!Written 6 September 2024
- E5285CJwilliamp0 contributionsGreat food and great company!Traveling alone, I booked this tour as a way to explore the city with others! Helen was an excellent guide—being a local, she gave great insights into the city and local lifestyles, and I really enjoyed learning about Shanghai from her. All of the food we tried was excellent too—would recommend!Written 3 September 2024
- summerb8050 contributionsYUM!!Jade was our tour guide. She was so much fun! She knew the best places to eat and was delightful to talk with. This tour is a great way to discover food in Shanghai!!Written 25 August 2024
- Woods22040 contributionsDelicious Food tourthis food tour is amazing! 4 different restaurants and also time for a bier! I did the tour with Jade. I was alone and it was fantastic. She gave me lot of information about Food and the City. Food was delicious and a lot :) I really appreciate it. If you are in Shanghai, take few hours to do this food tour, you will find hidden places and taste lot of things!Written 24 August 2024
- amandaoN1066DU0 contributionsGreat Food TourI really appreciate that the company continued on with the tour despite having only 1 person (me) signed up for it. Was really looking forward to this tour during my trip to Shanghai. I had a really hearty breakfast on the tour as we sampled alot of the food. Jade was a great guide. She brought me around the French Concession area and explained the of interesting facts about the area. Really enjoyed the tour!Written 18 August 2024
- louisak4190 contributionsAmazing food tour!Jade was amazing !! We had the best evening on our tour! She was so knowledgeable and friendly. I loved all the food we tried; especially the noodles and the crab!! Thanks 🙏🏻Written 15 August 2024
- 870evem0 contributionsNight food tour !Had an amazing time on this tour ! Our tour guide jade was extremely helpful and full of knowledge as we walked the streets of Shanghai. The food stops were perfect and ideal for both meat and vegetarian/pescatarian eaters. Would highly recommend. A perfect way to get a glimpse of Shanghai cuisine.Written 15 August 2024
- louisak4190 contributionsThe BEST evening food tour !We had the most amazing tour !! The French Concession area is beautiful and we tried some of the tastiest foods!! Our guide was so kind, attentive and knowledgeable. We learnt so much about Shanghai and the tour was even catered to our dietary requirements which we greatly appreciate. If you are looking for the best late night food tour in Shanghai; look no further 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Worth every single penny; thank you for the best evening ❤️Written 15 August 2024
- terryrK9697EW0 contributionsGreat tour great guidePatrick was a great guide and we ate an amazing variety of food. From spicy to sweet there was more than enough for everyoneWritten 7 August 2024
- Kirkwoodbeeman0 contributionsFab evening out!Had an excellent evening sampling lots of regional foods all within the French quarter; from lamb kebabs to spicy dim sum. Patrick our guide was interesting and informed and helped us navigate around areas we would not have found on our own. A great evening. We were stuffed by the end!Written 4 August 2024
- Srdjan J0 contributionsGreat tasting and walking tour of Chinese street foodI had great time exploring different little places with unique food sampling, from Shanghai food to Xian grilled style food. Cold crisp beer was also served and it complemented food well. The guide was very knowledgeable in explaining different style cuisine and was very friendly to chat and spend time with. I would highly recommend this tour for local cultural and gastro immersion.Written 26 July 2024
- 110juergenf0 contributionsAn absolute highlightIt was a great and entertaining tour with Jade. Very good food and good conversations about Shanghai's history. In the hot summer temperatures, the different types of beer we tried were an ideal and refreshing way to cool down.Written 21 July 2024
- laylab7900 contributionsBest part of our tripI did this tour with two friends/colleagues, we were visiting China for a conference. This tour was the highlight of our trip. Our guide easily accommodated my 1 vegetarian and 1 vegan and me (who eats everything), and told us a lot about the history of the neighborhood. I very highly recommend this!Written 17 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
491 reviews
Excellent
475
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
3
happybongo
London, United Kingdom38 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
I have been on other foodtours in Shanghai during my previous visits. I can honestly say this is the best one. Jim is a local and gives you a local perspective not just on food but on the city itself. I learnt so much about food, history, beautful buildings and life in Shanghai. We had lots of food stops, everything from noodles, rice rolls, barbecue, dumplings of several types, micro brewery beer to a lovely tea session. Jim was really great, his English is excellent and he got us extras such as local ice cream and he ordered taxis when the weather was not kind to us. He also gave us tips on where to find the best breakfast xiaolongbao and crispy pancakes and we did find them the next morning on our own (and yes, they were superb!). The joining intructions were easy to follow, just make sure you read the signs for the correct subway exit (all stations in Shanghai have lots of exits but they are all clearly numbered so its easy). Overall this was a great experience and I thoroughly recommend it for anyone interested in food and culture.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellenlunney1
County Dublin, Ireland3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed our food tour in Shanghai. Our guide, Jim, felt more like a friend than a guide. We had great conversation throughout the night and he was very knowledgeable on food, Shanghai and all things we were curious about! He brought us to come places that we would have never found ourselves. The food at each stop was incredible. We did the night time tour and we even stopped off for some craft beer in the French concession.
This was the most enjoyable food tour we have ever done and we would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Shanghai!
Apart from the tour being amazing, Jim also helped us to find everything we needed in Shanghai and gave us recommendations.
Five stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the most enjoyable food tour we have ever done and we would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Shanghai!
Apart from the tour being amazing, Jim also helped us to find everything we needed in Shanghai and gave us recommendations.
Five stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written 23 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flying Kiwi
2 contributions
Jul 2023
Fantastic tour with Jim! In addition to trying lots of amazing, authentic food, wonderful coffee and tea with local vendors and independent owners - I learnt more about Shanghai. One of my favourite parts of the tour was seeing how the older generation keep fit and healthy with dancing, fitness and games in one of the local parks. I also very much enjoyed taking tea. I appreciated the independent food and coffee places we went to, making a note so that I can go visit them again - and Jim even tailored my tour for me to try different food I expressed interest in. Jim is very knowledgeable and passionate about his city - I absolutely recommend taking one of his tours.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ackk
Honolulu, HI6 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
I like going on food tours in new cities, and Shanghai Foodie looked like the most authentic option available. Jim, the owner of Shanghai Foodie and my guide, was incredibly friendly, professional and knowledgeable. We went to a variety of different places, including restaurants, a tea shop and a fruit market. Jim is a Shanghai native, and had a great rapport with the staff everywhere we went.
Everything that we tried was very tasty, and Jim did a great job of explaining both the history of the food and the city. There were many places that I would have never discovered on my own and you can tell that Jim put a lot of thought into curating the experience. I would highly recommend Shanghai Foodie to anyone who wants an authentic and non-touristy experience.
Everything that we tried was very tasty, and Jim did a great job of explaining both the history of the food and the city. There were many places that I would have never discovered on my own and you can tell that Jim put a lot of thought into curating the experience. I would highly recommend Shanghai Foodie to anyone who wants an authentic and non-touristy experience.
Written 13 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay L
Kuala Ketil, Malaysia3 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
I was on a short business trip to Shanghai and I had a half day free time before I leave. I booked probably 3 hours before the guided tour and this was the perfect choice. Even though I was the only participant in the tour, Jim was passionate in sharing the hidden gems of the city. The best part was Jim giving me a chance to try a couple of different baijiu at the last stop since I am a big fan of baijiu! I would highly recommend anyone to experience the city with Jim!
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
75 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Jim gave us a fantastic tour of Shanghai, perfect for my first time visiting. I could ask questions to a real local and felt like I got an authentic introduction to the city with it’s local specialties.
There were two solo travellers on the tour and he adapted to our tastes and questions really well. Apart from the food, the tea tasting was a real highlight, as was a tour of a local market.
I mentioned I wanted to get some treats for my work colleagues and Jim made sure we found the best. He even made sure I got back ok to my hotel on the metro. Going above and beyond is an understatement!!
I would highly recommend this Shanghai Foodie tour to anyone wanting a true local experience and who is open to trying lots of great food.
There were two solo travellers on the tour and he adapted to our tastes and questions really well. Apart from the food, the tea tasting was a real highlight, as was a tour of a local market.
I mentioned I wanted to get some treats for my work colleagues and Jim made sure we found the best. He even made sure I got back ok to my hotel on the metro. Going above and beyond is an understatement!!
I would highly recommend this Shanghai Foodie tour to anyone wanting a true local experience and who is open to trying lots of great food.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucinda R
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Solo
I cannot say enough good things about this tour. I had never been to Shanghai and was flying solo for a couple of days. Booking a food tour was the fastest way to learn what to eat in Shanghai, and get to know a bit of history at the same time. It was easy to meet our guide Jade at the metro exit, and there was also a british couple joining my tour. This small group made it easy to get around and taste all the food Jade offered us. I loved how friendly Jade was and how knowledgeable she was. She seemed to pick food she knew we would like. We never would have found some of the places to eat without local knowledge and it was nice to be able to engage in English! By the time we were done we had tried so many dishes that I was stuffed. I am sure if we had said we were still hungry we would have kept going. All food on the tour was included, as well as a ride via the Shanghai uber Didi. My favourite was the noodle place and the soup dumplings. I highly recommend this tour, it was real value for money.
Written 1 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tobi
2 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Jim was a marvelous guide on this tour through Shanghai’s culinary world. As a native Shanghainese he provided insights on the city and the food we were eating. The food itself was delicious and ranged from dishes like the renowned Xiaolongbao to fresh fruits and a stop at a tea shop. I can highly recommend this tour to anybody who seeks to taste the local cuisine and an evening in great company.
Written 22 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crispusUK
Liverpool, UK16 contributions
This was a great way of experiencing Shanghai food with a knowledgeable local guide. Jim was extremely friendly and professional, offering not only a commentary on the food that we ate but also the history of the city.
I opted for the 1pm tour and it was a great way of spending an afternoon while missing the lunchtime rush. I will certainly book in for an evening tour next time I am in Shanghai.
I opted for the 1pm tour and it was a great way of spending an afternoon while missing the lunchtime rush. I will certainly book in for an evening tour next time I am in Shanghai.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
go_lily_go
Tauranga, New Zealand15 contributions
From the moment we met Jim he was professional, warm, and attentive. As a Shanghai local his knowledge of the city, it's history and development was insightful. The food was fabulous and we wouldn't have found these experiences on our own - even as pretty confident travellers. Jim went the extra mile when one venue had to be changed last minute. He made sure we didn't miss out and added in some extra places to visit.
Whether you are a Shanghai first-timer or have visited before, this tour is excellent and well worthwhile if you want to gain a deeper appreciation for the city and it's food culture. Jim, we will recommend your tour to any friends who visit Shanghai.
Whether you are a Shanghai first-timer or have visited before, this tour is excellent and well worthwhile if you want to gain a deeper appreciation for the city and it's food culture. Jim, we will recommend your tour to any friends who visit Shanghai.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the meet times flexible at all? We arrive in Shanghai airport at 8:00am but fly out again at 19:30pm so ideally a meet time of 11:00am or 12:00pm would be ideal.
Thanks :)
Written 18 October 2019
Im pretty sure it’s set times. Ask if they do private tours…
Written 20 October 2019
Is this tour wheelchair (scooter) friendly?
Written 21 August 2019
Everything we went to was on the ground floor. However, I don’t know the width of the doors or your wheelchair. I would say yes, but reach out to the Tour company directly.
Written 28 August 2019
Hi we really want to book for 3 for the 6.30pm except we will have our luggage with us as we are staying near the airport. Is there anywhere we can store our luggage for the duration?
Written 7 June 2019
hmmm. I doubt they can store he luggage for you as they meet at a subway station. Can you get to your hotel and store there? Otherwise there are storage facilities at airport. Perhaps ask the tour company?
Written 7 June 2019
Is there any other way of booking? I tried the credit card, I even started a Paypal account. Nothing seems to work. Please let me know if there are other ways of booking and paying because I really like the trips which are being offered.
Written 3 April 2019
TripAdvisor sometimes has unknown technical problems. You can also search this tour on individual Viator platform. Or you can book through tour company's webiste and pay through PayPal.
Written 29 July 2019
Is there another way to pay or book tickets. It doesn't seem to work and the phone number is also not reachable.
Thank you for you response
Written 2 April 2019
You can send them a text message via "WhatsApp", and it will cost nothing. They respond promptly.
Written 25 April 2019
Hi, i hv to leave for the airport at 11 am.. is it going to be too tight if i go for breakfast tour?
Written 20 March 2019
As I recall Jim had multiple tour departures so you should be able to connect and I would highly recommend it as a start to you stay in Shanghai. Take the HSR from the airport (8 minues) to Longyang then transfer to the correct line to get to Shanghai Foodee's meeting spot.
His first stop on the tour is in the building where you meet so even if a little late you can catch up.
Written 20 March 2019
Hi, I have a very bad peanut allergy. Can I still go on this tour?
Written 22 February 2019
I agree - call Jimmy.
It depends how bad your allergy is. While I believe it would be easy to avoid peanuts in the foods actually served (I sure don't recall any) - those kitchens will also cook things with peanuts.
Written 25 February 2019
Brian M
Grand Rapids, Michigan
This is the same review as eat like a local. Are they the same restaurants? Looking at a tour on two different nites.
Written 28 October 2018
This tour is mainly operated by this local Jimmy. The other one is run by American travel company.
Written 29 July 2019
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