Shanghai locals prioritize fresh, seasonal food. From tender bamboo shoots to fragrant shepherd's purse wontons and broad beans, these spring delicacies are must-try foods in Shanghai's spring season.

Caotou

Caotou, a clover-like trifoliate herb, is an essential miniature vegetable for Shanghai's springtime tables.

Stir-fried caotou with baijiu liquor. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Caotou pancakes. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Caotou pancakes are soft and glutinous with a crispy outer layer. Its aftertaste carries the aroma of the herb.

Xiangchun

Xiangchun, or Chinese toon sprouts, is a seasonal food which is only eaten during a short period of time in early spring. The vegetable is often fried with eggs.

Chinese toon fried eggs. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Almond Chinese toon tart by the Wang Bao He restaurant at No 955 Jiujiang Road in Huangpu district. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Scallion Oil Stir-fried Broad Beans

Scallion Oil Stir-Fried Broad Beans. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Scallion Oil Stir-Fried Broad Beans is a classic Shanghai dish, best enjoyed during early spring. The rich aroma of scallion oil harmoniously combined with the fresh, sweet flavor of broad beans creates an enchanting culinary experience.

Xiasha Shaomai

This traditional dish Xiasha Shaomai is a delightful blend of spring bamboo shoots and savory meat steamed to perfection. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Xiasha Shaomai, or purse-shaped dumplings in Xiasha town in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, embodies traditional craftsmanship with hand-rolled skin, delicate bamboo shoots and tender meat. Steamed to perfection, each bite releases a fresh, mesmerizing soup, capturing the essence of spring.

Malantou Xianggan

Malantou Xianggan. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Malantou Xianggan, a dish featuring mixed Indian aster with smoked bean curd, combines the best of spring and offers a fresh, crisp taste. A touch of sesame oil enhances its deliciousness.

Yanduxian

This dish captures the essence of spring with its tender bamboo shoots and flavorful meat. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Yanduxian is a spring bamboo shoot soup with fresh and pickled streaky pork, typically enjoyed during the spring season when fresh bamboo shoots are available.

Liantang Diced Bamboo Shoots Shaomai

Liantang Diced Bamboo Shoots Shaomai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

Liantang Diced Bamboo Shoots Shaomai, a specialty of Liantang town in Shanghai's Qingpu district, consists of purse-shaped dumplings that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The delightful combination of crunchy, sweet bamboo shoots and savory meat perfectly balances each other, all wrapped in a tender noodle skin. As you bite into it, the delicious soup inside overflows, creating an irresistible experience.

Daoyu Noodles

Daoyu Noodles. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

This special seasonal dish showcases noodle soup made from Daoyu – Coilia Nasus, a prized fish known for its freshness in the Yangtze River. Produced in limited quantities each spring, the fish is highly valued for its exceptionally delicious meat. Despite its unassuming appearance, this dish has been a local favorite for years and renowned for its flavorful soup.

Shepherd's Purse Pork Wonton

Shepherd's Purse Pork Wonton. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

In spring, shepherd's purse wontons become a culinary delight. The fresh, fragrant flavor of caper stems and leaves, used as a filling, is irresistible to those in Shanghai. When combined with pork, the astringency of the shepherd's purse diminishes, allowing the clear texture to shine and captivate the palate.

Malt Pancake

Malt pancake. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

A seasonal delight in Shanghai, malt pancake stirs childhood memories. Fresh mugwort is blanched, minced, and mixed with malt flour and glutinous rice flour to form dough. This dough is filled with walnut kernel, lard, and covered with sesame seeds, then steamed and pan-fried to a rich green hue. A finishing touch of brown sugar water enhances its appeal. The resulting pancake is crispy, golden and filled with the fragrance of spring, featuring a delightful layer of sweet black sesame.

Sources: "shanghaitourism" WeChat account, "shanghaifabu" WeChat account, "shhplyj" WeChat account