Shanghai locals have a deep love for traditional Chinese breakfast. Whether it's Cantonese-style, Huaiyang-style, or Shanghai-style, starting the day with a pot of tea and some pastries is simply delightful.

The following restaurants will make you want to rise with the sun to savor authentic Chinese flavors!

Yuyuan Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

The traditional Chinese breakfast available at Yuyuan Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant. [Photo/m.jfdaily.com]

From 7:30 every morning, indulge in traditional steamed buns filled with fresh meat, crab, or fresh mushrooms, and other Shanghai snacks such as the wontons and sesame balls. Enjoy nearly 50 unique Shanghai-style flavors alongside hot and cold dishes and teas, all while dining by the Jiuqu (Zigzag) Bridge in Yuyuan Garden.

📍 Address: No 87 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu district

⏰ Open: Monday to Friday 7:30 am-9:30 am; Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am-9 am

Sunya Cantonese Restaurant

Delicate Cantonese dim sum served at Sunya Cantonese Restaurant. [Photo/Sunya Cantonese Restaurant]

Since 1926, Sunya has been a prominent Cantonese restaurant in Shanghai. The interior's lattice floor tiles, stained glass, grey bricks, and aged photos exude typical Guandong-style architecture and old Shanghai charm. Sunya offers a wide array of refreshments, with their shrimp dumplings being a classic favorite. Each dumpling is generously filled with fresh shrimp, bamboo shoot tips, and celery.

📍 Address: No 719 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu district

⏰ Open: 7:30 am-10 am

Xing Hua Lou on Fuzhou Road

Delicate Cantonese dim sum served at Xing Hua Lou on Fuzhou Road. [Photo/Xing Hua Lou]

Established in 1851, Xing Hua Lou is one of Shanghai's oldest Cantonese restaurants. Many patrons, both young and old, visit its main store on Fuzhou Road for not just the flavors but also the sentimental experience.

📍 Address: No 343 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu district

⏰ Open: 8 am-2 pm

Yechun Teahouse

Traditional Chinese breakfast served at Yechun Teahouse. [Photo/Yechun Teahouse]

Yechun Teahouse, a centuries-old brand known for its traditional Yangzhou food, now has a branch in Shanghai. Indulging in the food at this quaint tea house offers a leisurely and relaxing experience, embodying the essence of unhurried living. Be sure not to overlook the must-try Five-Diced Steamed Bun (wu ding bao zi), Crab-roe Soup Dumpling (xie huang tang bao) and Multi-Layer Oil Cake (qian ceng you gao), showcasing the best of Huaiyang cuisine.

📍 Address: Units S11 and S12 No 6 and No 8 Yancheng Road, Huangpu district

⏰ Open: 7 am-2 pm

Cheui Fu Lau

Cheui Fu Lau's dim sum. [Photo/Dazhong Dianping]

Situated in Metro City, Cheui Fu Lau opens daily at 7 am. Committed to the belief that "handmade is the best", this restaurant's dim sum chefs, with over 30 years of experience, craft each dish with care, ensuring a fresh and delectable dining experience.

📍 Address: No 1111 Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui district

⏰ Open: 7 am-9:30 pm

Sources: 699pic.com, m.jfdaily.com, City God Temple, Sunya Cantonese Restaurant, Xing Hua Lou, Fuxing Place, "shhuangpu" WeChat account, Dazhong Dianping