Shanghai’s Best Dim Sum Restaurants: A Culinary Journey Through the City’s Iconic Bite-Sized Delights
Shanghai’s food scene thrives on diversity, but nothing captures its culinary soul quite like dim sum—the art of small, flavorful bites meant for sharing. From historic teahouses to modern innovators, here’s a guide to the city’s top dim sum spots, where tradition and creativity collide.
1. Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰) – The Gold Standard
📍 Locations: Xintiandi, IAPM Mall, Lujiazui
⭐ Why Go? Legendary soup dumplings (xiao long bao) with Michelin-starred precision.
This Taiwanese-born chain has won Shanghai’s heart with its paper-thin, 18-fold dumplings bursting with pork and hot broth. Beyond classics, try their truffle xiao long bao or crab roe variations. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs craft each dumpling by hand.
Pro Tip: Avoid peak hours (12–2 PM) or book ahead.
2. Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (南翔馒头店) – A Century of Tradition
📍 Yu Garden, Old Town
⭐ Why Go? Historic xiaolongbao since 1900, served in a Ming Dynasty-style pavilion.
Shanghai’s oldest dim sum temple specializes in crab-filled soup dumplings, best enjoyed with Zhenjiang vinegar and ginger slivers. Opt for the upstairs dining room to skip tourist crowds and savor panoramic Yu Garden views.
Must-Order: “Nanxiang Crab Feast” (autumn only).
3. Fu Chun Xiaolong (富春小笼) – The Local’s Choice
📍 Weihai Road, Jing’an
⭐ Why Go? No-frills authenticity with wallet-friendly prices.
This bustling spot serves Shanghai’s juiciest xiao long bao (¥15 for 6!) alongside lesser-known gems like pan-fried pork buns (shengjianbao). The vibe is pure old-Shanghai nostalgia—shared tables, steaming baskets, and zero pretension.
Try This: Pair dumplings with hot soy milk for breakfast.
4. Crystal Jade (翡翠拉面小笼包) – Cantonese-Meets-Shanghai
📍 Xintiandi, IFC Mall
⭐ Why Go? Silkier dumplings and Hong Kong-style refinement.
Though famous for Cantonese dim sum, their Shanghai xiao long bao rivals local specialists. Don’t miss the crispy turnip pastry or lava egg yolk buns. The Xintiandi branch’s terrace is perfect for people-watching.
Insider Pick: Weekend brunch with free-flow Pu’er tea.
5. Da Jin Ding (大壶春) – Shengjianbao Masters
📍 Multiple locations
⭐ Why Go? The ultimate pan-fried soup dumpling experience.
Unlike most shengjianbao, Da Jin Ding’s version skips gelatinized broth, instead slow-cooking pork juices into the filling. The result? A crispy base, chewy skin, and meaty core. Locals swear by the original Huangpu location.
Eat Like a Pro: Dip in Shanghai chili oil for extra kick.
6. Yi Long Court (逸龙阁) – Luxury Dim Sum
📍 The Peninsula Shanghai
⭐ Why Go? Michelin-starred elegance on the Bund.
For a haute twist, this Cantonese fine-dining spot offers black truffle har gow and foie gras siu mai. The weekend champagne brunch (with live jazz) redefines dim sum glamour.
Splurge-Worthy: Gold-leaf egg tarts.
7. Lao Ke Le (老克勒) – Retro Shanghai Vibes
📍 Fumin Road, Jing’an
⭐ Why Go? 1930s-era charm with creative spins.
A love letter to old Shanghai, this boutique eatery serves crab-stuffed xiao long bao alongside fusion bites like cheese-filled rice cakes. The gramophone music and vintage décor transport you back in time.
Hidden Gem: Their drunken chicken dumplings (infused with huadiao wine).
8. Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包) – Soup Dumpling Purists
📍 Huanghe Road, People’s Square
⭐ Why Go? Single-minded dedication to perfection.
This tiny, no-reservations joint obsesses over one thing only: xiao long bao. Choose from pork, crab, or seasonal specials (like winter’s black truffle edition). Expect lines—but each bite justifies the wait.
Local Secret: Order the “pure soup” version (no meat, just broth).
Dim Sum Etiquette & Tips
- Share the love: Dim sum is communal; order 2–3 dishes per person.
- Tea matters: Jasmine or pu’er cuts through richness. Lift your lid to signal for refills.
- Timing: Traditionalists go pre-noon; late risers hit “dim sum brunch” (until 3 PM).
