Where Do Locals Eat in Shanghai When They Don’t Want to Cook? (Average Price: 50 RMB) 🍜

🥳 Disclaimer: Taste is subjective, so these recommendations are based solely on my personal preferences. Please be kind if you disagree!

Chain Restaurants:

1️⃣ Feizhi Milan Mixian (肥汁米兰米线):
Their Zhajiang Mixian is unbeatable. Although many places try to imitate it, none have succeeded in my eyes. The noodles are chewy, and I always order it with bamboo fungus, baby cabbage, and fish balls.

2️⃣ Chengdu Ni Liu Jie Maocai (成都你六姐冒菜):
It’s not just the Maocai that’s delicious here, but also the all-you-can-eat Bingfen (a refreshing dessert). The Bingfen is irresistible, so I always dine in when I eat here. (Note: The branch at Taiyanggong doesn’t offer Bingfen.)

3️⃣ Fat Pho (大发越南粉):
My favorite chain in Shanghai for pho. I usually get the “Train Pho” with lemongrass pork chop and a coconut. The broth is incredibly fresh and flavorful!

4️⃣ Xiao Yang Shengjian (小杨生煎):
Honestly, I’m more into their Hot and Sour Noodles than their Shengjian. The Shengjian is good too—stick to the classic pork filling. The new flavors seem more hype than substance.

5️⃣ Red Lips Chuanchuanxiang (红唇串串香):
Their sesame sauce and chili oil combo is unbeatable! The ingredients are typical hotpot items, but it’s the seasoning that sets them apart.

6️⃣ Hong Jin Ji Nao Hua Mian (洪锦记脑花面):
Whether you like pork brains or not, this place is worth a visit! The beef noodles, pork knuckle noodles, and intestines noodles are all great, largely due to their seasoning. The milk tea and Bingfen are also recommended. The Bo Bo Ji is just okay.

7️⃣ Baichunyuan Hunan Beef Noodles (百春原湖南牛肉粉):
I can’t resist the sour bamboo shoot noodles here—not as pungent as Luosifen, but with equally chewy noodles and good seasoning. A popular lunch spot for office workers, with tasty stinky tofu, fried chicken cutlets, and sugar-oil sticky rice cakes too!

8️⃣ Heisei House (平成屋) :
A great place for a post-work drink with high value for money. The branch on East Nanjing Road is my go-to, with consistently good food and minimal use of pre-cooked dishes. The stir-fried vegetables are packed with wok hei, and the sukiyaki isn’t too sweet. Every appetizer pairs perfectly with drinks. The restaurant always plays “The First Half of My Life” and other Japanese shows, creating a cozy vibe—even if you’re dining alone.

9️⃣ Goose Village Taiwanese Cuisine (鹅庄台湾美食):
Another one of my regular spots—cheap and tasty! My favorites are the braised pork rice, sweet potato leaves, duck blood tofu, Taiwanese sausage, and soup!

🔟 PAPITO:
Shanghai’s only crepe chain. I was a regular even when they only had one store. My favorite savory crepe is the roasted red pepper with smoked chicken, spinach, and cheese, and for sweet, I’m a loyal fan of the 100% Nutella crepe. It always reminds me of the simple yet unforgettable 2-euro crepes on the streets of France. (I don’t recommend ordering delivery—crepes should be eaten hot and fresh!)

Independent Restaurants:

1️⃣ Linji Old Shanghai Wonton Shop (林记老上海馄饨铺) (130 Ruijin 1st Road):
Open 24/7 🈺—the perfect companion for post-clubbing snacks. Their wontons, mixed noodles, and hot and sour noodles are all delicious! I often order wontons and hot and sour noodles, then dip the wontons in the noodles’ soup—yum! 🤤

2️⃣ Yunwei Malatang (韵味麻辣烫) (309 Hefei Road):
This place serves Malatang that takes me back to my childhood! The bone broth, vinegar, and spice combo is my favorite. Cheap, delicious, and a winter staple for me.