Photo by Jungjin Moon on Unsplash
🥟 Shanghai · Local Xiaolongbao
Jia Jia Tang Bao佳家汤包
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ · ¥20–50/person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ · ¥20–50/person
Jia Jia Tang Bao is what serious food travelers seek out after doing Din Tai Fung — a tiny, unassuming hole-in-the-wall on Huanghe Road that many Shanghai locals consider the best xiaolongbao in the city. The dumplings are made fresh all morning and the restaurant typically sells out by early afternoon. No English menu, cash only, queue out the door — a genuine Shanghai food experience.
['Open from 7am — arrive by 8am to avoid the longest queues', 'Cash only — bring small bills', 'The crab roe version (seasonal, Sept–Nov) is exceptional — ask if available', "Eat standing at the small tables outside — the full sit-down experience isn't the point here"]
The go-to recommendation from every serious food YouTube creator covering Shanghai — a pilgrimage for dumpling lovers
Address (English): 90 Huanghe Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Address (Chinese — show to driver): 黄浦区黄河路90号
Take Didi (China's Uber equivalent) and show the Chinese address above. Or use the metro — all major Shanghai attractions and restaurant districts are well-connected.
Most restaurants in Shanghai accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both apps now accept international credit cards — set up Alipay before arriving in China. Some traditional restaurants prefer cash.
Citizens of 54+ countries can visit China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa. This restaurant is fully accessible during a visa-free transit stay in Shanghai.
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