Embracing the New Year spirit: Shanghai residents' essential culinary delights

Shanghai residents' New Year shopping lists embody a rich tapestry of culinary delights.

Wenwantai Pickles

Century-old brand Wen Wan Tai was founded in 1850. The reason why its pickles stand the test of time lies in the sauce its manufacturer selects.

Pork Chops and Rice Cakes

The technique of making pork chops and rice cakes at Xian De Lai is an intangible cultural heritage item of Shanghai's Huangpu district.

Chongming Cake

Chongming Gao, or Chongming Cake, is a traditional Shanghai pastry in Chongming district.

Steamed Meat Buns

The xiaolong mantou, or Steamed Meat Buns, is a famous native food of Shanghai.

Five-Scented Beans

There is a well-known saying in Shanghai: "A man who does not eat Five-Scented Beans at City God Temple has not truly been to Shanghai."

Pan-Fried Buns

Shengjianbao, also known as Pan-Fried Buns, is a traditional Shanghai snack with a history of over a hundred years.

Salty Soy Milk

The earliest soy milk was made by Liu An, the King of Huainan during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), by soaking, grinding soybeans, filtering the mixture, and boiling it.

Crystal Shrimp

Don't underestimate the flavours of a plate of stir-fried "crystal shrimp". It was once known as the "No 1 dish in Shanghai" and is highly favoured by Shanghai locals.

Eight Treasure Duck

The babaoya, or Eight Treasure Duck, is a famous dish in many of Shanghai's restaurants, also a renowned dish in the Qing Dynasty's (1644-1911) imperial palace.