Breakfast in Shanghai: The Dishes Only Locals Wake Up Early For  

While most cities are still hitting snooze, Shanghai is already sizzling with the sounds and smells of breakfast in full swing

Have you ever wondered what fuels the locals in Shanghai to wake up early? A hearty breakfast! Yes, you heard right! Apart from the morning buzz and fast-paced city life rhythm, what calls locals from every city’s corner is the irresistible, flavorful aroma of sizzling scallion pancakes, freshly made youtiao, and steaming xiaolongbao in the bamboo baskets seeping out of the narrow alleys.

From the generation-old stalls selling sticky rice rolls and soy milk to tucked-away places serving crispy shengjian bao, the breakfast scenes of Shanghai are deeply rooted in tradition and culture. In this guide, we’re diving chopsticks-first into the dishes that keep the city going! So, let's explore the best places to eat in Shanghai for a perfect breakfast!

At the intersection of Xiangyang North Road and Changle Road lies Xiangyang Road Food Corner, which is now the most beloved districts of Shanghai. What makes it famous is its morning vibrant energy and lines of street food stalls, serving jianbing thin egg crepe, brushed with a spicy bean paste, sprinkled with scallions and cilantro, and layered with a crispy wonton sheet. Want to eat like a real Shanghainese? You can try out the jianbing Scallion pancakes, extra flaky with the sesame edges, piping hot soya milk, or try out the Fan gao (deep-fried sticky rice cubes) dipped in soy, or the Stuffed baozi with pork, cabbage, or even mushroom contents; there is no limit.   

Address: Intersection of Xiangyang Bei Lu & Changle Road, Xuhui District

You haven’t properly tasted breakfast in Shanghai until you’ve slurped down a proper xiao long bao, a thin-skinned soup dumpling bathed in a hot broth, milder but silky smooth, and egg & shrimp dumplings, which are a firmer, lighter option, a subtle palate cleanser. But the spotlight is stolen by crab roe, where the dumpling skins encase rich pork and golden crab roe broth. For extras, add some vinegar and ginger, and chase it down with some warm soy milk.   

Address: 90 Huanghe Road, near People's Square    

Who could resist the legendary breakfast classic meal, shengjian bao, a pan-fried pork bun with fluffy tops and crispy golden bottoms, served with a hot and savory juicy pork garnished with sesame and spring onion in Shanghai? Dong Tai Xiang pulls in a crazy crowd 24/7, making it a great spot for early bird risers and post-party snackers alike. A veggie lover? Opt for the delicious and fragrant leek and egg dumplings paired with the sweet soy milk (甜豆浆). Or perhaps a gluten-free eater? Try out the glutinous rice balls (汤圆), usually served with a black sesame filling that is delicious and makes a good dessert option.  

Address: 188 Chongqing Rd (N), People's Square, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200003

Fuchun, a time-honored brand located at Guo Xi Road, is known for its delicate dumplings, including its signature xiaolongbao, served in an elevated yet homey atmosphere. Their breakfast menu represents comfort-elevated food, ranging from sticky rice rolls to glutinous rice cakes, and all the way to melt-in-your-mouth sesame balls. The limelight, however, is stolen by the classic Pork Xiao Long Bao, with a lovely pleat that captures its perfectly clean broth and rich with the perfectly balanced salt and fat. Do try out the red bean pancakes, crispy on the outside and warm and sweet on the inside.

Address: 650 Yuyuan Rd, Jing'An, Shanghai, China, 200031 

If you’re in the French Concession in Shanghai early in the morning, then just skip café latte and make your way straight to the Wei Xiang Zhai on Yandang Road for a bowl of the simplest but most delicious Shanghai Ma Jiang Mian, or sesame paste noodles. Picture this: springy hand-pulled noodles, tangled in thick, nutty, slightly sweet sesame sauce, with a little spice, freshly diced cucumber, and a drizzle of chili oil. While you're up to your elbows in ma jiang mian, don't forget to sample the spicy tender wontons bathed in chili vinegar, cold cucumber salad, and even the soymilk tea, as earthy as it is creamy.   

Address: 14 Yandang Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200021 

Fuchun Jianbing is a sidewalk stand that sells jianbing with a gourmet touch. A jianbing is like a crepe filled with egg, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, spicy bean sauce, and fried wonton sheets. If a jianbing doesn't suit your vibe, you can get the green onion egg crepe with the softer texture to get you started, or try the tofu pockets, marinated tofu stuffed into bean curd wraps, and finish off with Soybean milk, hot or cold.  

Address: 160 Shaanxi Nan Lu  

A street breakfast in Shanghai usually consists of a set that is called the “Four Warriors.” This set includes the Da bing (thick sesame flatbread), You Tiao (fried dough sticks), Ci fan (glutinous rice rolls), and the Dou Jiang (fresh soy milk, which can be sweet or savory). Do try out the Ci Fan Tuan (糍饭团), which is a sticky rice roll stuffed with pickled vegetables, pork floss, and crunchy fried dough. Don't forget to grab a cup of sweet soy milk, which can be both mild and soothing and savory with vinegar, scallions, and bits of shrimp.   

Address: Along Shunchang Lu or Xietu Lu, or from a corner of residential alleys.   

Fat Guy Noodles is in the Confucius Temple area and is a popular destination for hearty noodle soups served with pickled vegetables, marinated eggs, and pork. The main highlight is the Braised Pork Noodle Soup, a lovely, rich broth loaded with soy-braised pork belly, scallions, and hand-pulled noodles. Don't miss the chili-pickled mustard greens, which are crunchy and spicy, the egg-and-tomato soup, and the cold mung bean noodles, which are a perfect refreshing contrast to the hot broth.   

Address: Wenmiao Road near Laoximen  

Danbing Lady Of Anhua Road in Changning District is a not-to-be-missed stall as it offers an exclusive traditional Danbing experience. Try out their Taiwanese-style egg pancake with sweet soy sauce, flaky pastry, fresh greens, and an optional piece of bacon, folded in quarters, and served hot. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, try the plain danbing, soft and eggy, a lighter option, or the version with melted cheese, gooey and delicious.

Address: 407 Anhua Road (next to the No. 947 bus stop), Changning District, Shanghai