[Where to Eat:] Four must-try Shanghai Local Style Noodles

Definitely try their XXXL size Crab Roe Soup Dumplings! A sip through the straw and you'll be amazed by the sheer deliciousness.

And don't forget the sweet and sour chrysanthemum fish – it's also a delightful treat!

 

2.Gusha Roofing Noodles Shop

Rating: 4.1/5 (6204 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per Capita: 32 RMB

Business Hours: 05:30-14:30

Address: No.1011, Qiujiang Road

(1) Google Map      (2) Apple Map

This noodle shop isn't just famous in the local community. Open for breakfast and lunch, with service ending when supplies are sold out. There are two queues, one for ordering and the other for collecting noodles, which ensures orderliness even when it's crowded.

  

The scallion oil noodles are generously portioned, with chewy noodles and a rich, savory sauce. Be sure to give it a good mix once you get it, or it may become too oily towards the end.

  

The braised pork chop is extra-large, even bigger than the noodle bowl. It's juicy with a hint of bone and tendon, and has a slightly sweet taste. If you're not a fan of sweet flavors, approach with caution. But if you do like it, you'll be hooked.

   

3.A Niang Noodles

Rating: 3.6/5 (11839 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per Capita: 46 RMB

Business Hours: 11:00-20:00

Address: No. 36 Sinan Road, Ruijin 2nd Road Street (near Nanchang Road)

(1) Google Map      (2) Apple Map

The originator of croaker noodles in Shanghai, it has garnered a total of 6 Michelin awards from 2017 to 2023. Now run by A Niang’s descendants, the flavors may have slightly diverged, but local Shanghainese who have visited comment that the croaker noodles still retain their authentic taste!

  

The soup base of the Croaker Noodles is rich and delicious, with the croaker meat being especially tender and juicy. The noodle soup is blend of sweet and savory soy sauce flavors, and the noodles offer just the right amount of chewiness.

The Braised Croaker Noodles feature a thicker soup base that is incredibly rich and fresh, with a creamy white hue. The fish fillets are boneless, and the noodles are cooked softer, which are also suitable for the elderly and children.

 

4.Huxi Old Alley Noodles (Dingxi Road Branch)

Rating: 4.1/5 (20260 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per Capita: 49 RMB

Business Hours: 10:00-14:30, 15:30-20:30

Address: 101, No. 685, Dingxi Road, Changning District (Currently there are three branches in Shanghai, just choose the one nearest to you)

(1) Google Map      (2) Apple Map

A typical residential area restaurant, with nothing fancy but overall quite clean. There's no decoration to speak of, except for the wallpaper, featuring photos of Jay Chou and Nicholas Tse (celebraties) in their younger days. When I visit, the background music was "Love Before BC".

  

Their business is incredibly popular! Shanghai locals often eat here, as well as diners from all over the world. During peak hours, there's definitely a queue, but it's usually not long. The staff are mostly aunts, very active and enthusiastic. If you're wearing white or have children with you, aunts will ask if you need a disposable apron. If you are nearby or happen to be passing by, I highly recommend giving it a try!

  

Clam & Pig Liver Noodles: The pig liver is absolutely free of any smelly taste! It's incredibly tender and smooth. Eating with a mouthful of noodles, it's a delightful combination of freshness and sweetness. The clam meat is also sweet and fresh. The noodles are chewy and slightly sweetened. It's recommended to add a splash of soy sauce and some vinegar to your noodles for an even more flavorful experience. And if you find yourself wanting more noodles, they're free to refill!