As the season changes and the air turns cooler, sometimes nothing beats getting cozy, embracing the rhythm of nature, and enjoying a steaming hot meal. Here are some must-try spots in Shanghai to keep you warm this winter.

Day Day Rich Beef Hot Pot (Crystal Plaza Branch)

Where: Room B128, Crystal Plaza East, No 308 Yaoti Road, Pudong New Area

Why go: Famous for its freshly sliced beef, this hot pot offers half-price after 8:30 pm. The tender beef, thinly sliced and freshly prepared, melts in your mouth with a burst of creamy flavor. Don't miss their best-selling meat platter which sells out quickly — a true winter indulgence!

Feng Tian Ji Seafood and Chicken Pot (Liyuan Road Branch)

Where: No 718 Liyuan Road, Huangpu district

Why go: Topping Huangpu's hot pot rankings, this retro-style Da Bian Lu — a popular hot pot style in China, particularly in Hong Kong and Guangdong — features a mouthwatering chicken pot. With Snow Mountain chicken and verbal wine cooked over a slow fire, it is tender, flavorful, and perfect for cold nights.

Cai Ji Tianshan Lamb Hot Pot (First store in Shanghai)

Where: No 91 Jiangning Road, Jing'an district

Why go: A local favorite on West Nanjing Road, Cai Ji's lamb dishes are a must. From tender lamb ribs to aromatic bone marrow and dumplings, every bite gives the rich taste of perfectly braised lamb without any gamy odor.

Mianwu Zhuangye Japanese Ramen (Fengshengli Branch)

Where: 1F, Fengshengli, North Maoming Road, Jing'an district

Why go: Known for its refreshing Yuzu Salt Ramen and rich Black Garlic Chicken Broth, this Japanese ramen spot pairs delicate flavors with hearty portions. It's so good that you'll be tempted to drink the broth!

Herasa

Where: No 306 South Wulumuqi Road, Xuhui district

Why go: From apple-cinnamon cake to pepper mint picked cabbage beef, this hidden gem uses homemade spices to create dishes bursting with flavor. Don't miss the turmeric-braised chicken or the addictive chicken rice with roasted litsea cubeba and eggplant sauce.

Nuoji Braised Rice Cake

Where: No 271-1 Yongjia Road, Xuhui district

Why go: A haven for Ningbo-style rice cakes, this cozy eatery offers savory options like pork and pickled mustard or creamy Earl Grey pumpkin. Every bite is soft, chewy, and comforting.

Le Riz

Where: Room 106, No 272 Wuxing Road, Xuhui district

Why go: This quaint Japanese restaurant delights with its soy milk hot pot with fresh salmon and vegetables paired with a creamy sesame dipping sauce. For a sweet finish, try the buttery crab croquettes.

Tai Meshiya (Shanghai Takashimaya Branch)

Where: B1, Shanghai Takashimaya Department Store, No 1438 Hongqiao Road, Changning district

Why go: This snug eatery specializes in sea bream rice. Mix fresh sea bream sashimi with egg and wasabi over warm rice for a symphony of flavors. Seating is limited, but worth the wait!

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Electronic Commerce Promotion Center via "shxfzdy"