Time-honored brands harbor a city's memories, yet some of the oldest eateries in Shanghai's Huangpu district have introduced innovative dishes. Check out the old and new flavors that may spark your taste buds.

Black wolfberry rose lemon tea from Tong Han Chun Tang

A shop of Tong Han Chun Tang in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

In May, Tong Han Chun Tang, a revered Chinese medicine company established in 1783 in Shanghai, launched the black wolfberry rose lemon tea, a refreshing and healthful blend designed to delight your taste buds while providing a cooling sensation during the summer months.

The black wolfberry rose lemon tea by Tong Han Chun Tang in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

The time-honored brand has introduced innovative tea products according to the 24 solar terms. The tea is rooted in the fusion of traditional health formulas dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and uses natural ingredients. The blend aligns with the science of seasonal combinations, appealing to modern youth seeking authentic Chinese drinks for wellness.

Address: 1F Huabao Building, No 265 Middle Fangbang Road; 1F No 33 Jiujiaochang Road

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, situated in Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden, is renowned for its handmade steamed buns.

Xiaolongbao, or steamed buns, by Nanxiang. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Recently, a revamped version of their brand was introduced at Shanghai Xintiandi, infusing a modern touch into the century-old establishment.

Collaborating this year, the two locations launched innovative new products like crystal steamed buns and spicy crab steamed buns.

Crystal steamed buns

Crystal steamed buns by Shanghai's Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

The crystal steamed buns, a twist on the traditional Zhenjiang Chilled Crystal Ham, undergo a meticulous 60-day marination process with over 10 spices, resulting in a savory flavor that permeates the meat. Boiled for approximately six hours until tender, the meat is then molded into exquisite, chic steamed buns that perfectly complement the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant ambiance. Pair these buns with Chinkiang Vinegar from Zhenjiang city, Jiangsu province for a delightful contrast.

Spicy crab meat steamed buns

Spicy crab meat steamed buns by Shanghai's Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

The spicy crab meat steamed buns in Bi Feng Tang style (a method of cooking in which seafood is jostled with ingredients such as garlic, red chili, scallions and black beans) offer a higher level of complexity, requiring different steaming techniques to ensure a flavorful crust without compromising the filling. These buns are served golden and crispy, offering a tantalizing new taste experience.

Address: No 87 Yuyuan Road

Lyu Bo Lang

Shanghai's Lyu Bo Lang Restaurant. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

At Lyu Bo Lang, experience the essence of Shanghai's city flower, the Magnolia, delicately crafted into the flower-shaped dim sum.

The flower-shaped dim sum by Shanghai's Lyu Bo Lang Restaurant. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

This innovative dish, taking about two hours to create, features pale pink magnolia petals encased in a dragon fruit-infused crust. The filling combines pineapple with coconut for a fresh, fruity flavor and rich texture.

Address: No 115 Yuyuan Road

Shao Wan Sheng

Time-honored brand Shao Wan Sheng in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Shanghai's time-honored brand Shao Wan Sheng has been a hub of culinary innovation, delighting both locals and tourists with creations like "J9 Coffee" and savory fresh meat moon cakes.

Dry roasted cheese chicken thigh cake

Dry roasted cheese chicken thigh cake by Shao Wan Sheng. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Their latest hit, the dry roasted cheese chicken thigh cake, reshapes the traditional mooncake into a visually enticing chicken thigh. Combining cheese with fresh meat, each bite offers a symphony of rich, milky, and meaty flavors that surprise and delight.

Address: No 414 East Nanjing Road

Shanghai Pear Syrup Candies Shop

A view of Shanghai Pear Syrup Candies Shop. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Visit the Shanghai Pear Syrup Candies Shop for a taste of tradition and innovation. Originally popularized in the 1930s in Shanghai, Pear syrup candies has evolved into autumn pear paste and medicinal varieties by Yuyuan Inc.

Shanghai Pear Syrup Candies Shop's lollipop. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Their latest creation, the pear syrup candies lollipop, offers people a fun and convenient treat with zero sucrose, promoting both enjoyment and dental health.

Address: No 41 Wenchang Road

Sanyang Nanhuo Store

Shanghai's Sanyang Nanhuo Store. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Sanyang Nanhuo Store is renowned for its taitiao (fried sea grass) dim sum, especially the popular taitiao mooncake. This spring, they've introduced taitiao egg yolk and meat pine qingtuan, drawing significant interest.

Taitiao pork floss

Taitiao pork floss by Sanyang Nanhuo Store. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Their taitiao pork floss boasts a simple yet flavorful recipe, highlighting the freshness of real pork and condiments.

Address: No 630 East Nanjing Road

With this wide variety of traditional and inventive cuisines, which ones entice your taste buds the most?

 

Source: "shhplyj" WeChat account