Want to Eat Cheaply in Shanghai? Try these 2020 Shanghai Bib Gourmand Winners
Looking for Michelin Guide-worthy dining on a budget? The 2020 Bib Gourmand winners represent some of the city’s best casual dining on a budget. With street food stalls rapidly disappearing as the city makes way for new developments, these winners are a great place to start your culinary adventure in Shanghai.
‘Bibs’ are awarded for simple yet skillful cooking for under US$55 – not exactly the cheapest option, but we’re talking Michelin standards here. Many on the list below are much cheaper, and we’ve indicated some of our favorite, truly value eats with ** around the name.
To go behind the scenes of Shanghai’s food scenes, hop on a 3-hour guided food tour of the city’s best hidden gems and authentic mom-and-pop shops in old neighborhoods and back alleys. Our Shanghai food tours give you the confidence to eat and order authentic cuisine that is Michelin-star worthy – at least in flavor!
*Tip: If you have a Google account, hit the ‘star’ in the map embed title above to save this map to your account! Remember, if you’re in China either download the map to your account for offline use, or purchase and set-up a VPN before your trip – products like Google, Youtube, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter & more are blocked. More info. *
With Chinese and English addresses listed below, you should be able to show the listing directly to a taxi driver.
2020 Shanghai Bib Gourmand Award Winners **Denotes UnTour Special Recommendation**
Alma
Spanish cuisine with a contemporary flourish is the feature here at this buzzy, well-priced and nicely run all-day restaurant.
English Address: Shop 910, 9F Joy City II North Tower, 198 North Xizang Road
Chinese Address: 西藏北路198号大悦城北座9楼910店铺, 近曲阜路
More info. Phone: +86 2160738477 Reservations: Required
**A Niang Mian**
This Ningbo-style hole in the wall restaurant is famous for its homestyle seafood noodles. During hairy crab season (late fall-early winter), the crab roe noodles in soup are a must order, but their yellow croaker noodles are good year round. Both dishes come served in a delicate broth made from the fish’s spine that is good to the last drop. Finding a stool during peak mealtimes can be hard and the cafeteria style seating means you’ll probably knock elbows with your neighbors, but the mhural on the back wall instructs you to “Eat Granny’s noodles until your mouth cramps from happiness” and it’s excellent advice.
English Address: 36 Sinan Road
Chinese Address: 思南路36-2号
More info. Phone: +86 2153066604 Reservations: Not required
**Crystal Jade**
Crystal Jade group has become a powerhouse in Shanghai, with a contemporary look, convenient locations, and excellent dim sum. Come for the traditional Cantonese food, and a second time for their dumplings.
English Address: Multiple locations, including: 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Westgate Mall, B1, near Jiangning Lu, Shanghai, China
Chinese Address: 南京西路1038号梅龙镇广场B1楼, 近江宁路
More info. Phone: +86 2163858752 Reservations: Required
**Dadong**
A Beijing family-friendly roast duck restaurant. This branch in Shanghai is known for it’s ability to keep up to it’s Beijing counterparts. Their Beijing roast duck and seafood are must try’s.
English Address: 602, 6th Floor, iAPM, 999 Huaihai Middle Road
Chinese Address: 淮海中路999号环贸iapm商场6楼602商户(近陕西南路)
More info. Phone: +86 21 5466 5758 Reservations: Accepted
**Da Hu Chun**
A member of the exalted group of China’s “Time-Honored Brands”, Da Hu Chun was one of the originating vendors of the shengjian (fried) dumpling back in the 1930s. A true hole-in-the-wall dumpling shop that is worth a stop.
English Address: 136 Middle Sichuan Road
Chinese Address: 四川中路136号, 近广东路
More info. Phone: +86 2163130155 Reservations: Not possible
**Dashu Wujie**
The original branch of the vegetarian Wujie chain sits near Xujiahui Park’s lush gardens. Its decor incorporates all five elements of Chinese philosophy, and the food is innovative in both presentation and flavor. A must for vegetarians and the curious alike.
English Address: 392 Tianping Road
Chinese Address:天平路392号
More info. Phone: +86 2134692857 Reservations: Required
**Din Tai Fung**
The menu at this international Taiwanese brand is bilingual with pictures, which comes in handy for the Mandarin-illiterate. There are at least ten in Shanghai, but the West Nanjing branch offers perhaps the most centrally-located one in the city.
English Address: Multiple locations, including: 1376 West Nanjing Road, Shanghai Shopping Center 1st Floor
Chinese Address: 南京西路1376号 上海1楼, 近西康路
More info. Phone: +86 2162899182 Reservations: Required
Four Seasons
While the decor isn’t strikingly Cantonese, the preparation of the meat, veggies and seafood is. The restaurant is known for its crispy duck and lobster with ginger and scallion.
English Address: Shop 605, 6F Crystal Galleria, 68 Yuyuan Road
Chinese Address: 愚园路68号晶品购物广场6楼, 近常德路
More info. Phone: +86 2162875001 Reservations: Required
**Gongdelin**
A vegetarian restaurant that opened its doors in 1922, it’s known for using mushroom and soy products to make surprisingly convincing renditions of eel, chicken, and other meats.
English Address: 455 West Nanjing Road
Chinese Address: 南京西路441号，近成都北路
More info. Phone: +86 2163270218 Reservations: Required
**Haijinzi Restaurant**
Haijinzi has a modest design and only 8 tables, but the traditional Shanghainese dishes keep locals coming back for more. Try the braised duck, yellow croaker, and scallion pork chop.
English Address: 240 Jinxian Road
Chinese Address: 进贤路240号，近陕西南路
More info. Phone: +86 2162550371 Reservations: Not possible
**Hanmama Taiwan Noodle Restaurant**
Milton Han opened this restaurant with a desire to promote healthy eating, and uses a special family recipe (with his mother’s help) to make their noodles and chili sauce.
English Address: 3F/ K11 Mall, 300 Middle Huaihai Road
Chinese Address: 淮海中路300号, 3F
More info. Phone: +86 2152660366 Reservations: Required
**Haosheng Restaurant**
Haosheng offers home-style Shanghainese fare, with a twist – the chef chooses the menu for you, based on budget, allergies, personal preferences, and what’s fresh.
English Address: 156 Guangyuan Road
Chinese Address: 广元路156号近天平路
More info. Phone: +86 13621741821 Reservations: Required
**Old Jesse Restaurant**
There’s a reason this is one of the most recommended restaurants in China: it’s the best darn Shanghainese in town. Avoid the “New” Jesses around town – they’re not nearly as good. And make sure to call ahead about the “secret” dishes (see “more info” below) – although most of them are listed on the menu, they require pre-ordering several days in advance.
English Address: 41 Tianping Road
Chinese Address: 天平路41号近淮海中路
More info. Phone: +86 216289260 Reservations: Required
Old Jesse
King Kong Dumpling & Noodles (Mengzi Road)
This restaurant sets a high standard for Shanghainese noodles and wontons. Broth simmers for over 24 hours and utilizes three kinds of scallion. In the summer, cold sesame noodles are the favorite, and the pork and vegetable dumpling are good year round.
English Address: 001A, Block 11, 207 Mengzi Road
Chinese Address: 蒙自路207号近丽园路
More info. Phone: +86 2163022836 Reservations: Not possible
La Familie
The sleek, modern interior here is appealing, and the menu offers a selection of Hangzhou cuisine. Check out the minced pork soup with egg white and coriander.
English Address: 768 Julu Road, Jufu Mansion, 2nd Floor
Chinese Address: 巨鹿路768号巨富大厦2楼
More info. Phone: +86 2162477677 Reservations: Required
Lanting Restaurant
Lanting is a small, tidy spot for traditional cuisine, all the more popular for its reasonable prices and well-done dishes.
English Address: 107 Songshan Road
Chinese Address: 嵩山路107号
More info. Phone: +86 2153069650 Reservations: Not possible
**Lanxin Restaurant**
This is a standout in a collection of good restaurants on Jinxian Road. The building used to be a residence, an element that adds pleasantly to the homely feel of the Shanghai cuisine on offer.
English Address: 130 Jinxian Road
Chinese Address: 进贤路130号，近茂名南路
More info. Phone: +86 2162533554 Reservations: Not possible
**Lei Garden**
A Hong Kong higher end Cantonese restaurant with Michelin cred under its belt. Famous for their Cantonese Dim Sum with surprisingly affordable prices. Lei Garden has an extensive range across it’s menu for Cantonese classics.
English Address: IAPM Mall, 4/F, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Shanxi Lu
Chinese Address: 利苑 淮海中路999号4楼， 近陕西路路
More info. Phone: +86 21 5425 2283 Reservations: Accepted
Lu Bo Lang
Built in Ming Dynasty style, this Chinese pavilion excels in Dim sum. Also worth checking out are the osmanthus flower pudding, turnip pastry, and ‘eyebrow’ cake.
English Address: 115 Yuyuan Old Street, City God Temple
Chinese Address:豫园路115号(城隍庙九曲桥)
More info. Phone: +86 2163280602 Reservations: Required
**Maolong Restaurant**
Look for the eye-catching blue sign on Jinxian Road for a spot with Shanghainese home-style dishes. Seafood dishes are the main fare, but the braised pork is a note of pride.
English Address: 134 Jinxian Road
Chinese Address: 进贤路134号，近茂名南路
More info. Phone: +86 2162561167 Reservations: Not possible
Mi Thai
Mi Thai is split in to two rooms, one, an open kitchen, and the other, a restaurant with an attractive timbered ceiling. The Thai chefs keep the classics well-prepared and well-stocked, from tom yum soup to green curry.
English Address: 195 An Fu Road, 2F
Chinese Address:安福路195号2楼, 近乌鲁木齐路
More info. Phone: +86 2154039209 Reservations: Required
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
This brand started near the City God Temple and has since expanded internationally. Better to skip the takeout queue and enjoy dumplings on the second floor seating area.
English Address: 85 Yuyuan Old Street, City God Temple
Chinese Address: 豫园路85号，近九曲桥
More info. Phone: +86 2163554206 Reservations: Not possible
Tasty Congee & Noodle Wantun Shop (IFC)
The Tasty group is a Hong Kong staple, and the branch in IFC does not disappoint. They’re best know for the Hong Kong style congee, wonton noodles, and affordable prices.
English Address: L3-9, Shanghai IFC Mall, 8 Century Avenue
Chinese Address:世纪大道8号上海国际金融中心L3楼9室
More info. Phone: +86 2150123998 Reservations: Not possible
The Tandoor
A staple institution for Shanghai’s Indian food, the restaurant has a Silk Road-feel, ample daylight, and attentive service.
English Address: 59 Maoming South Road
Chinese Address: 茂名路59号, 近淮海路
More info. Phone: +86 2164725494 Reservations: Required
Wujie (SWFC)
The chef at Wujie offer a contemporary take on vegetarian cuisine. The dishes are presented creatively, with delicate flavors and balance, seasonal ingredients, and a distinct Japanese influence.
English Address: 308-309, 3F, Shanghai World Financial Centre, 100 Century Avenue
Chinese Address:世纪大道100号3楼, 近陆家嘴环路
More info. Phone: +86 2168777716 Reservations: Required
Yangzhou Restaurant
The three floors of this senior member of Shanghai cuisine has been serving Huaiyang cuisine for years. It’s a busy scene, but worth a visit for its second floor city views, shredded bean curd in soup, pork ball, and braised carp.
English Address: 345 Middle Fujian Road
Chinese Address: 福建中路345号
More info. Phone: +86 2163225266 Reservations: Required
Ye Olde Station
Although this restaurant is worth a visit for its historical significance alone, customers return for its consistently satisfying Shanghai cuisine. Both the braised fish and stewed sea cucumber with shrimp and fish roe are highly praised.
English Address: 201 North Caoxi Road
Chinese Address:漕溪北路201号, 近肇嘉浜路
More info. Phone: +86 2164272233 Reservations: Required
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