A Singaporean Mum

I’ve lived in Shanghai for three years, and it’s truly the most wonderful city I’ve ever called home. The four distinct seasons bring a beautiful rhythm to the year—from the golden leaves of autumn to the fresh blooms of spring. What’s made it unforgettable, though, are the people—especially my warm-hearted Shanghainese neighbours and the friendly faces I see every morning after dropping Alex off at school, often over coffee at a cosy nearby café. The city’s coffee culture is thriving, the food is endlessly delicious (and surprisingly affordable), and there’s an energy here that makes everyday life feel vibrant and full.

As I go through the list of places to see and eat, I find myself missing Shanghai so much. Every street corner holds a memory—whether it’s a quiet café after the school run, a steaming bowl of noodles from a tucked-away shop, or a golden afternoon walk beneath changing leaves. It’s more than just a city—it’s the rhythm of everyday life, the people, the flavour, the feeling of home.

I hope that if you ever visit Shanghai, you’ll take time to explore a few of the places on my list—especially the Former French Concession, where I used to live. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city, with tree-lined streets, charming cafés, and a quiet elegance that shows a very special side of Shanghai. And of course, the food—simple, rich, and full of character—is something you won’t forget.

TO SEE

The Bund (外滩) 

• Stroll along the historic waterfront and take in the contrast between colonial architecture and Pudong’s futuristic skyline. 

•Best visited at night for dazzling skyline views. 

Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔)

• A striking landmark in Pudong with observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a small history museum at the base. 

Yu Garden (豫园) 

• A classic Ming-style garden with pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries. Right next to the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar

Shanghai Museum 

• Located in People’s Square, this free museum offers world-class collections of ancient Chinese art, bronze, porcelain, and calligraphy.

Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆) 

• A family-friendly and visually stunning museum with life-size dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibits, and displays covering geology, botany, and animal life. 

• Great for kids and curious adults alike.

The Former French Concession (FFC)

• Leafy streets, historic villas, cute cafes, and local bakeries. Perfect for a slow-paced wander.

• Yongkang Lu (永康路) transformed in recent years into a quieter, more refined spot with a growing number of trendy cafés, bakeries, boutique shops, and local eateries.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (朱家角古镇) 

• A beautiful ancient water town about an hour from central Shanghai. 

• Known for its stone bridges, canals, narrow alleys, and traditional architecture. Great for boat rides, street food, and a peaceful day trip away from the city bustle.

Nanjing Road (南京路) 

• One of the world’s busiest shopping streets, stretching from People’s Square to the Bund. 

Tianzifang (田子坊) 

• A maze of artsy alleyways with cafes, boutiques, crafts, and street food. 

• Great for relaxed exploring. 

Xintiandi (新天地)

• A trendy area with preserved Shikumen architecture, high-end restaurants, and nightlife.

Century Park (世纪公园)

• A large, peaceful park in Pudong with lakes, gardens, and space to rent bikes or take a boat ride.

Fuxing Park (复兴公园)

• A French-style park in the former French Concession—ideal for people-watching, tai chi, or a quiet stroll.

TO EAT

CAFES

There are so many cafes in Shanghai, I don’t even know where to begin! These are the ones I frequented during my three-year stint in the city. Most of them are nestled in the Former French Concession — which makes sense, as that’s where I used to live.

Tequila Espresso (徐汇区 嘉善路55号)

BATHE COFFEE (徐汇区 永康路70号)

COFFEE IS (徐汇区 襄阳南路391号)

Umah (黄浦区 南昌路240号)

PAIN CHAUD 百丘 (徐汇区 岳阳路2号101室)

CHINESE

煎饼小屋 (徐汇区 襄阳南路280号)

Jian bing is a typical Chinese breakfast, and most mornings after dropping Alex off at school, I’d head to my favourite jian bing stall (this one!) for a quick bite. Surprisingly, it pairs really well with coffee! If you find yourself in the Yong Kang Lu (永康路) café area, do give it a try — it’s such a satisfying start to the day. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 煎饼 (original)

香江姳苑粥饭 (黄浦区 贵州路112号)

My husband’s ultimate favourite congee shop in Shanghai. The best congee he’s ever tasted is from this eatery. I, on the other hand, prefer their “silky scrambled egg with pork chop rice” — 滑蛋猪扒饭. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 滑蛋猪扒饭, 香江生滚及第粥, 西多士

莱莱小笼·乔艾 (黄浦区 天津路506号)

This is a beloved local spot known for its classic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). The dumplings here are delicately thin-skinned, generously filled, and bursting with rich, savoury broth. The shop is small and unassuming, but often draws a loyal crowd — a true hidden gem if you’re after an authentic taste of Shanghai. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 鲜肉小馄饨，蟹粉鲜肉小笼

老吉士酒家 (徐汇区 天平路41号)

Jesse Restaurant is a classic Shanghainese institution that’s been serving up traditional dishes for decades. It’s incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike, so go right when they open, and be prepared to queue! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 葱烤鸦片鱼头，葱油拌面，红烧肉，四喜烤夫，酒酿圆子

雲和面馆 (长宁区 华山路1603号)

Yunhe Noodle, is a local favourite for comforting bowls of handmade noodles. A hidden gem famous for their Three Shrimp Noodles (三虾面) and Crab Roe Noodles (蟹粉捞面). I don’t really eat those, so I usually go for the Clam Noodles (蛤蜊蛏子拌面). They don’t take reservations—walk-in only. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 蟹粉捞面，蛤蜊蛏子拌面，三虾面，狮子头

蘭心餐厅(黄浦区 进贤路130号)

This is another classic Shanghainese eatery, known for its authentic local dishes. My favourite Shanghainese vegetable—only found in Shanghai—is called cao tou (草头), and this place is my go-to whenever I’m craving Shanghainese food. It’s just a short ride from my place! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 草头，椒盐排骨，番茄炒鸡蛋，茄子煲，蛤蜊蒸蛋

KOREAN

Professor Lee (淮海中路300号K11购物艺术中心4层406)

Professor Lee by BELLOCO is a standout Korean fusion restaurant located in Shanghai’s K11 Art Mall. Known for its creative blend of Western and Korean flavors, it offers a unique dining experience that combines culinary innovation with artistic ambiance.

This is my go-to restaurant whenever I’m craving Korean food but don’t feel like cooking or making the trip to Korean Town (read below!). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 番茄泡菜五花肉烩饭，五花肉泡菜饼，炭烤火辣鸡配芝士酱

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Did you know there’s a Korean Town in Shanghai? If you’re staying there for a while, I definitely recommend heading over for a meal—it’s a great spot to enjoy authentic Korean food! These two are my absolute favorite restaurants whenever I visit Korean Town! They never disappoint and always serve up delicious, authentic Korean food!

東大門·吉尼大排档 (闵行区 虹泉路1051弄37号1层)

I got to know a Korean friend during my time in Shanghai, and she introduced me—and another close friend who’s French—to this restaurant. That was actually my first time visiting, and also the first time I learned about Shanghai’s Korean Town!

My favourite dish here is the Spicy Pork Soft Bone—it’s incredibly spicy and packed with flavour. It goes so well with the jumokbap (Korean seaweed rice balls). The combo is comforting, fiery, and super satisfying—definitely my go-to order. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 辣味炒脆骨，半半炸鸡，韭菜猪蹄，韭菜饼

传说烤仓 (闵行区 银亭路58-60-66号 缤琦广场一楼C1号)

Another Korean restaurant that’s one of my go-tos is this place that specializes in intestines! While they also serve the usual Korean fare—like BBQ pork and beef, and classic pancakes—their gopchang (grilled beef intestines) really steals the show. It’s rich, flavourful, and perfectly grilled with just the right amount of crisp. If you’ve never tried gopchang before, this is the place to do it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 什锦牛肠，炒肥肠，牛五花肉

JAPANESE

岩日本料理 (黄浦区 巨鹿路294号)

This This cozy Japanese spot is just 2 minutes from home and easily the place I visit most—especially on days I don’t feel like cooking! The sashimi is always fresh, and my kids can’t get enough of the grilled ox tongue! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 烤牛舌，牡丹虾刺身，烤鸡软骨，三文鱼刺身

筑地海幸三代目(黄浦区 长乐路191号1-3楼)

This Japanese restaurant is actually a branch from Japan—and every end of the month, they fly in a whole tuna for a special Tuna Cutting Ceremony! It’s open to both new and regular customers, and honestly, it was such an eye-opener. The tuna was HUGE—bigger than Alex when he was in K2!

But what truly blew my mind? The grilled tuna head (must call ahead to preorder). If you know me, you’ll know I’m not a fan of fish. So for me to say, “This is wow”… you know it’s seriously good.

A must-try if you’re heading to Shanghai! I haven’t even found tuna head grilled this way in Japan or Singapore! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: 烤金枪鱼头，金枪鱼刺身大脂，比目鱼刺身

WESTERN

Sick of Chinese food? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! These are my two go-to spots whenever I’m craving something delicious and Western. Comfort food at its best!

Polux by Paul Pairet (黄浦区 太仓路181弄北里5号)

One of my favorite Western spots in Shanghai is Polux by Paul Pairet—a relaxed yet refined French bistro tucked away in the heart of Xintiandi. Polux is the casual sibling of chef Paul Pairet’s more avant-garde ventures like Ultraviolet and Mr & Mrs Bund. It’s my go-to whenever I’m in the mood for comforting European fare.

My top picks? Definitely the duck confit—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—and the classic steak frites, perfectly cooked and served with golden fries. Simple, satisfying, and so well done. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: Steak Frites, Duck Confit

COLCA (徐汇区 衡山路199号 永平里二楼)

Another Western spot I love in Shanghai is Colca, a vibrant Peruvian restaurant that brings bold Latin American flavors to the city. It’s one of my go-to places when I’m craving something different from the usual Chinese fare. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must order: Go for the set lunch! The food here isn’t cheap, so the lunch sets are definitely the most value-for-money way to enjoy it. 

*All photos are taken from Dianping.