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Many people may not agree with me that Shanghai is a place for foodies. My biggest argument is: you can find high quality examples of various cuisines in Shanghai which is not possible in other cities like Changsha (famous for Hunan food), Chengdu (home of Sichuan food) or even Guangzhou (though a Chinese saying “eat in Guangzhou” implies Guangzhou is the best.)

I love food, and eat almost all kinds of food, except of blue cheese I guess. I gained weight in the two-digits, after I moved back to Shanghai from California within 6 months. My guide to food in Shanghai is a Chinese Web 2.0 restaurant review site called Dianping. “dian ping (点评）” in Chinese mean “order & review”. I want to share with you what’s the best in Shanghai according to over 1 million users in Dianping.

Best Restaurant: 花乐 （Karaku）

• Japanese, run by fifth generation owner of a 150-year old restaurant 一宝料亭 in Japan; located in Kong’s Garden in a western-style villa.
• Phone: 021-64383822, 64688922
• Address: Building 4 in Kong’s Garden, Xietu Rd 2421, Xujiahui
• Average $: 666 RMB/person (about $89 USD)
• Recommended food: Tempura, Hot Spring Egg, Fried Goose Liver, Green Tea Ice Cream
• Good for: Business banquet

Best Food: Fried Dumpling

• Chinese, name of the restaurant is not available;
• Phone: n/a
• Address: opposite to entrance of East China University of Science & Technology.
• Average $: 3 RMB/person (about $0.40 USD)
• Good for: college students’ breakfast

Best Environment: 雍福会 (Yongfoo Elites)

• Shanghainese, 2004 Best Club Design (2nd) by Wallpaper, 2007 Best of the Best No.1 Club in Shanghai by Hurun.net
• Phone:021-54662727 64719181
• Address: Yongfu Rd. 200, (Shanghai British Consulate old venue), Xujiahui (closed to Huanhaizhong Rd.)
• Average $: 677 RMB/person (about $90 USD)
• Good for: luxury decor

Best Services: 海底捞火锅店 (Best kid/family friendly)

• Hot pot, see a video here about “Noodle Kongfu”
• Phone:021-54223132 54220948
• Address: Wuzhong Rd. 1000, Minhang
• Average $:71 RMB/person (about $9.50 USD)
• Good for: free nail care, baby sitting, Internet, even “change your napkin towel every 15 minutes”

Unfortunately, I haven’t been to any of above and can’t give my personal recommendation. It’s hilarious that a fried dumpling store is ranked at No.1 as Best Food. I will check it out sometime. My favorite is this (called “Wan Chai” as a place name in Hong Kong) which serves a “fusion cuisine” of Cantonese, Shanghainese and Sichuan food. They have a few chains in Shanghai. The one we go frequently is on Julu Rd. in French concession area, a street of bars and night clubs.

Have you ever been to Shanghai? I’d love to what’s your favorite. You might want to check out Shanghaieats to decide where and what to eat in Shanghai.