5.0 (444) · Shanghai · By Lost Plate Free cancellation
In 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers. For decades, its had a negative birth rate and millions of immigrants, meaning the inheritance of the true cuisine of old Shanghai is limited to select insiders. On this tour, you’ll try at least 10 dishes on a journey through the clandestine cuisine of old-Shanghai, hiding in plain sight in the French Concession.
✓ Local English-speaking guide✓ Soda/Pop✓ All food at 4+ sit-down, safe to eat restaurants✓ Bottled water✓ Alcoholic Beverages✓ Small-group tour (2-12 people)✓ Vegetarian friendly (with advance notice)✓ Unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water1 Former French Concession
In 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers. For decades, its had a negative birth rate and millions of immigrants, meaning the inheritance of the true cuisine of old Shanghai is limited to select insiders. On this tour, you’ll try at least 10 dishes on a journey through the clandestine cuisine of old-Shanghai, hiding in plain sight in the French Concession.
· 30 min
2 Huijin Shopping Mall(Zhao Jia bang road)
Xiaolongbao (local for soup dumplings) are Shanghai’s most famous claim to fame, but do you know how to tell the good from the great? We’ll let you know at our favorite local dumpling joint that can compete with the touristy Michelin recommended restaurants.
· 30 min
3 Local Delicacies Exploration
Scallion noodles, dumplings with sesame sauce, local curry, and more! Don’t forget to check out the kitchen on your way in, the labor intensive pan-fried-bun making process has been selected as Local Intangible Cultural Heritage.
· 30 min
4 Pork Belly and Shanghai Specialties
Two words: Pork Belly. Shanghai’s favorite dish takes an entire day to prepare, and for a good reason. Enjoy this plus other “only in Shanghai” dishes that celebrate quality ingredients with fresh preparation.
· 30 min
5 Dessert Experience
Driven by a passion for dessert and community spirit, the Shanghainese owner of this cozy shop caters to the local neighborhood, crafting fresh desserts without pre-made shortcuts. Fresh mango atop chilled sago cream with a dash of pomelo…we’re drooling already!
· 30 min
6 Craft Beer Finale
End the night with a locally made craft beer and enjoy the new modern feel Shanghai is known for around the world. The brewery is 10-minute walk away from South Shaanxi Road Subway Station.
· 30 min
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
This tour starts at Exit 5 of Jiashan Road Subway Station Exit 5 in the heart of the French Concession. Please refer to your voucher for meeting location details.
The tour ends a 10-minute walk from South Shaanxi Road Subway Station.
Meeting Location: Jiashan Road Subway Station, Exit 5, Street Level
Subway Directions(strongly recommended): Jiashan Road Subway Station services lines 9 and 12. Follow signs to Exit 5 and go upstairs. Your guide will be upstairs, outside the exit, waiting for you.
Show Your Taxi/Didi: 嘉善路地铁站5出口 (Please note: traffic will be heavy around this area during rush hour. Please allow plenty of extra time)
Google Map:View on map (requires a VPN in China)
Chinese Map: https://j.map.baidu.com/43/Sm
Public transportation options are available nearby Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Suitable for all physical fitness levels Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately Please wear comfortable walking shoes Signup and advance payment are required Group Tour Your tour group departs from meeting point at 6:30pm. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved. Come with an empty stomach, ready to sample a wide variety of dishes. Inform your guide of any dietary restrictions in advance. Be prepared for all weather conditions; dress accordingly. This tour is suitable for all fitness levels. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 7494P8
Activity offered by Lost Plate via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Food enthusiasts Travelers interested in local culture Visitors seeking an authentic dining experience Discover the hidden culinary gems of Shanghai's French Concession. Taste at least 10 authentic local dishes. Learn about the history and culture behind Shanghai's cuisine. Experience local life in a small, intimate group setting. Enjoy unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water.
Population 24,870,895 (2020)
Elevation 4 m
Currency renminbi
Official languages Chinese, Putonghua
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, C, I · 220 V
Emergency number 119
Capital city Beijing Average temperatures 4° Jan 6° Feb 10° Mar 15° Apr 21° May 24° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 25° Sept 19° Oct 14° Nov 7° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + The tour starts at Exit 5 of Jiashan Road Subway Station, Street Level, in the heart of the French Concession.
Is this a private tour? + No, this is a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people.
What happens if it rains? + The tour operates in all weather conditions.
Can I book this tour on short notice? + Signup and advance payment are required for this tour.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
So much more than food
Luckiefill, October 2026
The start was a little shaky with ‘Get Your Guide’ sending me to the wrong location however Emma the tour guide quickly sorted it out and we were away. The food is tasty, diverse and plentiful; there’s no way I would have eaten that variety of food for my short stay under my own steam. Emma was on point with the history of each dish and also very inclusive.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Lost Plate tour shanghai
84andic, October 2026
I would recommend the plate tour if you are up for trying local foods. Jiachen was our guide and did a great job of explaining the dishes, taking us to 5 different places and giving great insight to local life and food. We ate fantastic food in lovely local restaurants. A fabulous experience.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great guide, excellent porc dish
30tiiak, October 2026
Very goog guide, speaking excellent English.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A must do in Shanghai!
SMM_Silver_lining, October 2026
Emma was the perfect guide and we had a great time trying all the good. A great activity to get introduced to the city.
★★★★★ Viator review
Second Tour Just as Good
Kay_C, October 2026
Our guide was Weijia, who will regale you with tales in her British accent. All of the selections and restaurants were awesome and a great representation of local food done well. Our favorite were the soup dumplings. After this. This were all we ate for lunch and dinner. There was quite a bit of walking but the neighborhoods and streets were safe and interesting. We were stuffed and tired when the tour ended. And, we were enlightened about the culture of lovely China. This was our second Lost Plate tour as we enjoyed the one on Beijing so much!
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