5 Chinese Breakfast Dishes to Try in Shanghai!

Introduction:

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis and a melting pot of cultures, boasts an incredible array of culinary delights. The city’s breakfast offerings, in particular, reflect its vibrant blend of traditional Chinese flavors and modern influences. Whether you're exploring the streets at dawn or seeking a cozy spot for your morning meal, Shanghai's breakfast scene promises a delicious start to your day. Here are five must-try Chinese breakfast dishes in Shanghai that offer a delightful taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage.

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Overview:

Xiaolongbao, also known as soup dumplings, are a quintessential Shanghai breakfast dish. These delicate dumplings, filled with savory broth and minced pork, are a culinary masterpiece that has captivated food lovers worldwide. The dumplings are traditionally served in a bamboo basket, which helps retain their warmth and softness.

Ingredients and Preparation:

Dough: The dumpling skin is made from a simple dough of flour and water, rolled into thin wrappers.

Filling: The filling consists of minced pork, a gelatinous broth (which melts into a soup when steamed), and seasonings like ginger and soy sauce.

Cooking Method: The dumplings are steamed until the dough becomes translucent and the broth inside reaches a piping-hot state.

How to Eat:

To savor xiaolongbao, gently pick up the dumpling with chopsticks and place it on a spoon. Poke a small hole in the wrapper to release the steaming broth, then sip the soup before eating the dumpling whole. This method ensures you enjoy the full flavor without burning your tongue.

Where to Try:

Din Tai Fung: Renowned for its high-quality xiaolongbao, this Taiwanese chain has a strong presence in Shanghai.

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant: Located in the Yuyuan Garden, this historic eatery is famous for its traditional soup dumplings.

2. Jianbing (Savory Crepe)

Overview:

Jianbing is a popular street food and breakfast option in Shanghai, beloved for its crispy texture and flavorful fillings. This savory crepe is made fresh on the griddle and can be customized with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile choice for breakfast.

Ingredients and Preparation:

Batter: The crepe batter is made from a mix of wheat flour, mung bean flour, and water, creating a thin and crispy base.

Fillings: Common fillings include an egg, cilantro, scallions, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and a crispy wonton wrapper. Additional options might include ham, sausage, or even pickled vegetables.

Cooking Method: The batter is spread thin on a hot griddle, then topped with an egg, sauces, and fillings before being folded into a portable package.

How to Eat:

Jianbing is typically rolled or folded into a handheld package, making it perfect for eating on the go. The combination of crispy, savory, and fresh flavors makes it a satisfying and quick breakfast option.

Where to Try:

Fuxing Park Street Vendors: Early mornings see numerous vendors setting up shop, serving freshly made jianbing to hungry patrons.

Fuxing Road Jianbing Stall: This stall is famous for its traditional take on jianbing and has a loyal following.

3. Youtiao (Fried Dough Stick) and Doujiang (Soy Milk)

Overview:

Youtiao and doujiang are a classic breakfast pairing in Shanghai. Youtiao are long, golden-brown dough sticks that are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are commonly enjoyed with doujiang, which is freshly made soy milk served either sweet or savory.

Ingredients and Preparation:

Youtiao: The dough is made from flour, water, yeast, and baking soda, then shaped into long strips and deep-fried until puffed and golden.

Doujiang: Soybeans are soaked, ground, and then cooked to create a smooth and nutritious soy milk. It can be served plain or flavored with sugar or salt.

Serving Method: The youtiao are often dipped into the soy milk, creating a delightful contrast between the crunchy dough and the creamy milk.

How to Eat:

Tear a piece of youtiao and dip it into the doujiang, allowing the crispy dough to soak up the soy milk. This combination offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making for a comforting and filling breakfast.

Where to Try:

Xiaoshaoxing: Known for its high-quality soy milk and fresh youtiao, this place is a breakfast favorite among locals.

Lao Da Fang: Located near the Chenghuang Miao, Lao Da Fang serves traditional breakfast items, including excellent youtiao and doujiang.

4. Cifantuan (Sticky Rice Ball)

Overview:

Cifantuan, also known as glutinous rice rolls or sticky rice balls, are a popular breakfast dish in Shanghai. These compact rice rolls are filled with various savory or sweet ingredients, making them a versatile and satisfying meal.

Ingredients and Preparation:

Sticky Rice: The rice is steamed until soft and sticky, then spread out to form a base for the fillings.

Fillings: Common fillings include youtiao, pickled mustard greens, pork floss, and fermented bean curd for savory versions. Sweet versions might include red bean paste or sugar.

Wrapping Method: The fillings are placed on the rice, which is then rolled into a tight cylinder and wrapped in plastic or banana leaves for easy handling.

How to Eat:

Cifantuan can be eaten by hand, making it convenient for a quick breakfast on the go. The combination of chewy rice and flavorful fillings provides a delightful textural contrast.

Where to Try:

A Niang's Sticky Rice Balls: This popular spot in the Old Town is known for its traditional and generously filled cifantuan.

Zhongshan Park Street Vendors: Various street vendors around Zhongshan Park offer fresh and delicious sticky rice rolls in the morning.

5. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Overview:

Shengjianbao are pan-fried pork buns that are a staple breakfast item in Shanghai. These buns are characterized by their crispy bottom, soft dough, and juicy pork filling. They offer a unique combination of textures and flavors that have made them a beloved street food in the city.

Ingredients and Preparation:

Dough: The dough is made from flour, water, and yeast, then allowed to rise before being rolled into small wrappers.

Filling: The filling typically consists of minced pork mixed with seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and scallions.

Cooking Method: The buns are first steamed in a covered pan, then pan-fried until the bottoms are golden and crispy, while the tops remain soft and fluffy.

How to Eat:

To enjoy shengjianbao, carefully bite into the bun to release the hot, savory broth inside, then savor the tender pork filling and crispy exterior. Be cautious as the broth can be very hot.

Where to Try:

Xiaoyang Shengjian: Famous for its perfectly crispy and juicy buns, Xiaoyang Shengjian is a must-visit for anyone wanting to try authentic shengjianbao.

Dahuchun: Known for its traditional pan-fried buns, Dahuchun has been a local favorite for decades.

Conclusion

Shanghai’s breakfast scene offers a delightful array of traditional Chinese dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. From the iconic xiaolongbao and shengjianbao to the street food staples of jianbing and cifantuan, each dish provides a unique glimpse into the city’s rich culinary heritage. Exploring these breakfast options is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a journey through the vibrant culture and history of Shanghai. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a casual traveler, these five breakfast dishes are a must-try experience that will leave you craving more of Shanghai’s gastronomic delights.