Shanghai Private Food and Culture Tour (10 dishes, 5 eateries)

Shanghai , China

Shanghai Private Food and Culture Tour (10 dishes, 5 eateries)

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(47 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This is a private food tour - exclusively for your group with more privacy and better vibes! we'll discover the most authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine and dessert spots, sharing the fascinating stories behind the food. Along the way, we’ll pass iconic landmarks like Nanjing Road, People's Square, and the Bund, uncovering the untold histories behind them. This experience is perfect for both first-time visitors and long-time residents alike.

Tour Highlights:
1. Enjoy authentic food in Shanghai at five time-honored restaurants
2. Savor 10 dishes like crab roe soup dumplings, pork chops, egg pancakes, dessert, and more – enough to keep you full until dinner!
3. Admire the Bund and learn about its role in a defining moment of Chinese history.
4. Visit a lesser-known spot with stunning views of the Pudong skyline.
5. Experience the vibrant People's Square, once a racecourse.
6. Walk along Nanjing Road and hear stories of China’s first department stores.
7. Take home a unique gift.

Available options

Breakfast Tour

Dinner Tour

Special meal for dinner: The food selection on the dinner tour is slightly different from the breakfast tour, which includes a formal dinner

What's included

Bottled water in the taxi

Local English-speaking guide

Enjoy a big traditional Chinese breakfast at five or more sit-down restaurants - local favorites! The portion would keep you full for hours after the tour!

Private tour (if your group exceeds five people, please contact us)

Vegetarian friendly (please notify us in advance)

Premier taxi from People's Square to Suzhou Creek

A thoughtful gift and local dining guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Once the commercial center of Shanghai 100 years ago, it remains bustling with shops and stores today. Discover China's first department store and its pioneering initiatives of that era

Visit 2 traditional time-honored restaurants. First stop is an egg pancake and rice sweets restaurant, a brand since 1875. Taste the soft, chewy glutinous rice sweets from a beloved restaurant that has been a staple on Nanjing Road for over 100 years. With a perfect blend of sweet red bean and nutty sesame fillings, each bite is a delightful combination of flavors. Don't miss their made-to-order Chinese pancake, paired with a cup of soy milk.

Second stop will be a soup dumplings restaurant, a brand since 1986. Gently bite into a soup dumpling, and the savory crab roe juice bursts in your mouth. Taste the delicious soup-based little wontons, another Shanghai classics.

Stroll through People's Square to take in the city's energy and digest your feast. Experience the lively People's Park, where the weekend marriage market brings parents together to arrange matches for their children. Also check out the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai over half a century and step inside the most luxurious cinema in the Far East in the early 19th century

Stewed milk dessert, this 19th-century southern Chinese treat, is now a national favorite, popular for its rich, creamy aroma and unique texture. For fruit lovers, there is a mango-themed dessert to choose from!

Shengjian is one of the most iconic breakfast items in Shanghai, offering a perfectly crispy skin that crunches with every bite. It pairs nicely with a comforting bowl of glass noodle soup. Hear the rivalry stories of two styles of pan fried buns, just like the debate between NY style pizza and Chicago deep dish!

Scallion pancakes, freshly made to order, are prepared by frying green onions in oil to infuse their aroma into the dough. The pancake has a layered texture that is crisp, fragrant, and deeply satisfying!

Ride in a premier taxi to a bridge over Suzhou Creek, a hidden gem offering one of the best views of the iconic Pudong skyline. Along the way, hear the fascinating history of how the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek shaped Shanghai’s transformation—from a tranquil water town to a thriving global metropolis

Explore the Bund, the iconic symbol of Shanghai's early 20th-century heyday, once known as the "No.1 city in the Far East." Global talent and capital turned it into a stunning display of wealth. Unveil the hidden stories behind these historic buildings and their significance in a pivotal moment of Chinese history

What's not included

Pickup or drop-off to your hotel / preferred location

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

45 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Operates in all weather conditions (except for the extreme ones), please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable shoes as there will be approx. 3-4 km of walking

Infants (age under 3) are welcome to join free of charge; however, please note that we do not provide infant seats in taxi

Children must be accompanied by an adult

This tour can be enjoyed either in the morning as a breakfast tour or in the evening as a dinner tour. There will be difference in food selection between the two, while the itinerary remains the same. The sequence of stops will be adjusted to fit the morning or evening schedule

Not recommended for gluten-free guests due to the common use of soy sauce in local cuisine

The options for vegetarian guests may be limited, although we will do our best to accommodate

Meeting point

Dinner tour meeting point:
(1) Location: Bellagio Shanghai, 188 Beisuzhou Rd, Hongkou, Shanghai.
(2) Meet your guide in front of the entrance of the Bellagio hotel in Shanghai, and your guide will wear a brown shirt with logo "Eastbound and Beyond".
(3) Nearest subway stop: Tiantong Road Station

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a global financial hub and a city of stunning contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside traditional shikumen houses. It's known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and historic landmarks, making it a must-visit destination in China.

Top Attractions

The Bund

The Bund is a famous waterfront area with a stunning skyline of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. It's a must-visit for its historic significance and breathtaking views.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Oriental Pearl Tower

This iconic tower is a symbol of modern Shanghai, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥150-200

Yu Garden

Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with beautiful landscapes, pavilions, and historical buildings. It's a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.

Historical/Garden 2-3 hours ¥30

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, providing a deep dive into China's rich history and culture.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, offering a mix of international brands, local shops, and vibrant street life.

Shopping 2-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Xiaolongbao

Small soup dumplings filled with meat and hot broth, typically pork. They are a staple of Shanghai cuisine and are often served with soy sauce and ginger.

Dumplings Contains meat, gluten, and soy.

Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

A slow-cooked dish of pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It's tender, flavorful, and often served with steamed buns or rice.

Main dish Contains pork and soy.

Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Shao Mai)

Open-topped dumplings filled with minced pork and shrimp, often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.

Dumplings Contains pork, shrimp, and soy.

Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)

Fermented tofu with a strong odor, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage. It's an acquired taste but a popular street food.

Snack Vegetarian, contains soy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby nature reserves Biking along the Huangpu River Tea house visits Spa treatments Visiting museums and historic sites Attending traditional performances Boat rides on the Huangpu River Swimming at nearby beaches

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Shanghainese, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Shanghai is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Shanghai Pudong International Airport • 30 km from city center
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport • 13 km from city center

By train

Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station

By bus

Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Shanghai Metro is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It's the fastest and most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi, Meituan

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Bund Pudong French Concession Xintiandi Tianzifang

Day trips

Hangzhou

180 km from Shanghai • Full day

Hangzhou is a beautiful city known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and the famous West Lake. It's a great day trip from Shanghai for those looking to escape the city and enjoy some nature.

Suzhou

100 km from Shanghai • Full day

Suzhou is a historic city known for its classical gardens, silk production, and canals. It's a great day trip for those interested in history, culture, and architecture.

Zhujiajiao

50 km from Shanghai • Half day

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, canals, and bridges. It's a great day trip for those looking to experience traditional Chinese water town life.

Festivals

Shanghai Tourism Festival • September Shanghai International Film Festival • June Chinese New Year • January/February (varies)

Pro tips

Use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenient and discounted travel on metro, buses, and ferries.
Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook to help with language barriers.
Try local street food, but be cautious of food safety and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a tour to gain insights into Shanghai's history and culture.