Viator Rating : 5 (349 reviews)
Shanghai
Shanghai Food Tour: French Concession Hidden Gems
210
Overview
Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession. Step back in time and taste the real Shanghai in the French Concession! This isn't just a food tour; it’s a journey into the heart of Shanghai's culinary secrets, hidden in plain sight. Explore the charming streets and discover flavors that have been passed down through generations. This walking food tour is perfect for food lovers who want to experience the authentic tastes of old Shanghai.
What to Expect: Get ready to try at least 10 delicious dishes at carefully selected restaurants. The adventure winds through the French Concession, stopping at places like a Local Dumpling Joint, a Local Eatery with Pan-Fried Buns, a Pork Belly Restaurant, a Local Dessert Shop and a Local Craft Brewery near South Shaanxi Road Subway Station. Each stop offers a taste of Shanghai's rich culinary history. The tour includes a local English-speaking guide who knows all the best spots and can share the stories behind the food. Enjoy unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water to quench your thirst along the way.
This small-group tour, limited to 12 people, ensures a personal and immersive experience. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice. Please note that gratuities are not included. With safe-to-eat restaurants and an expert guide, this tour offers a delicious and worry-free exploration of Shanghai's food scene. 
Highlights
Taste Authentic Shanghai Cuisine: Try at least 10 different dishes and discover the real flavors of old Shanghai.
Explore the French Concession: Wander through the historic streets and uncover hidden culinary gems.
Enjoy Unlimited Drinks: Stay refreshed with unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water.
Small-Group Experience: Enjoy a personal tour with a maximum of 12 people.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, making the tour fun and informative.
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Many visitors loved the variety of food and the chance to try new things.
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The small group size allows for a more personal experience.
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Guests appreciate the tour's ability to show them hidden culinary gems.
Some found the amount of food to be overwhelming.
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A few reviewers mentioned specific dietary restrictions were not perfectly accommodated.
The Journey
French Concession
Delve into the heart of Old Shanghai within the French Concession, once a foreign-controlled enclave, now a living museum of culinary secrets. Uncover the disappearing flavors of classic Shanghainese cuisine, passed down through generations and hidden in plain sight. Sample at least 10 meticulously prepared dishes, experiencing the rich culinary heritage that thrived behind closed doors during Shanghai's tumultuous history. This tour is a journey through time, a chance to taste the authentic essence of Shanghai before its rapid modernization.
Local Dumpling Joint
Venture off the beaten path to a beloved local dumpling joint, a hidden gem where xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) reign supreme. Discover the secrets to identifying the perfect dumpling, and savor flavors that rival Michelin-recommended restaurants. Experience the authentic taste of Shanghai's most iconic dish in a cozy, unpretentious setting, away from the tourist crowds.
Local Eatery with Pan-Fried Buns
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a local eatery, where traditional Shanghainese cuisine comes to life. Indulge in scallion noodles, dumplings with sesame sauce, and flavorful local curries. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the intricate process of pan-fried bun making, a labor-intensive art form recognized as Local Intangible Cultural Heritage. A visit to the kitchen will provide an insider's look at the dedication and skill that goes into creating these culinary masterpieces.
Pork Belly Restaurant
Indulge in Shanghai's culinary obsession: pork belly, a dish that exemplifies the city's dedication to quality and fresh preparation. Experience the melt-in-your-mouth perfection of this dish, which takes an entire day to prepare. Savor other 'only in Shanghai' specialties that celebrate the region's finest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. This culinary experience is a testament to the city's unwavering commitment to preserving its gastronomic heritage.
Local Dessert Shop
Experience the sweet side of Shanghai at a charming local dessert shop, driven by community spirit and a passion for authentic flavors. Indulge in fresh desserts crafted with care and without shortcuts, reflecting the Shanghainese owner's dedication to quality. Delight in the signature mango sago cream, a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. This is a place where tradition meets innovation, creating a truly unique culinary experience.
Local Craft Brewery near South Shaanxi Road Subway Station
Conclude your culinary adventure with a taste of modern Shanghai at a local craft brewery. Just a 10-minute walk from South Shaanxi Road Subway Station, this brewery offers a glimpse into the city's contemporary side, where innovation and creativity thrive. Sample locally made craft beers, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant nightlife. This is a perfect ending, reflecting Shanghai's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a local English-speaking guide, all food at 4+ safe-to-eat restaurants, unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water. It's a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people and is vegetarian-friendly if you let the tour operator know in advance. Gratuities are not included in the tour price. This is a walking tour and the meeting location is in the French Concession.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers recommend coming hungry because there is a lot of food to try! Also, let the tour guide know about any dietary restrictions well in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements.
Review Summary
Customers finds this tour to be an excellent way to experience authentic Shanghai cuisine and culture in the French Concession. Most praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides, the variety and quality of food, and the fun, social atmosphere. The tour is frequently described as a highlight of visitors' trips, with many noting the opportunity to try dishes they wouldn't have discovered on their own. A few reviewers mention that the walking can be a bit much for those with limited mobility, but overall, the experience is highly rated for its value, food, and local insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
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