Tucked away in the charming alleyways of Shanghai’s Old French Concession, a culinary adventure awaits. Here, the secrets to the city’s renowned noodles and wontons are unveiled, tantalizing the senses with expertly crafted dishes and refreshing local beers. Join a guided tour to navigate the hidden paths, uncovering the rich heritage that has made this city a gastronomic paradise. From the silky smooth sesame noodles to the plump wontons bursting with flavors, each bite promises to transport you on a delightful journey through Shanghai’s vibrant culinary landscape. Embark on this experience, and discover why the city’s alleys hold the key to its most captivating flavors.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Drinking Tours In Shanghai.

Key Points

Secret Noodle and Wonton in Shanghai Alleyways With Local Beer - Key Points

  • Explore the hidden alleyways of the Old French Concession in Shanghai to discover acclaimed noodle houses, local delicacies eateries, and a renowned wonton shop.
  • Savor expertly crafted noodle dishes, from sesame to chicken and mushroom, accompanied by crispy snacks and local delicacies.
  • Indulge in the renowned shrimp, vegetable, and minced pork wontons at a specialized wonton shop, showcasing culinary expertise.
  • Enjoy local beer during afternoon and evening tours or soy milk during morning tours to complement the culinary experience.
  • Tour the vibrant and narrow alleyways on foot, with a small group of up to seven participants, led by knowledgeable guides.

Tour Overview

This 2.5-hour food tour in Shanghai’s Old French Concession provides a local culinary experience focused on noodles and wonton, with a small-group size limited to seven participants.

Morning, afternoon, and evening options are available, and vegetarian alternatives can be accommodated upon request.

The tour allows guests to explore the backstreets of Shanghai and visit three acclaimed restaurants, including a noodle house, an eatery known for local delicacies, and a renowned wonton shop.

Throughout the experience, travelers will have the opportunity to sample authentic dishes and sip on local beverages like beer or soy milk.

With a highly rated guide, this tour offers a fantastic introduction to Shanghai’s vibrant food scene.

Culinary Highlights

Secret Noodle and Wonton in Shanghai Alleyways With Local Beer - Culinary Highlights

The tour takes guests on a culinary journey through Shanghai’s backstreets, with stops at three acclaimed restaurants showcasing the city’s signature noodles and wontons.

At Dingtele Restaurant, diners can savor noodles with sesame, scallions, deep-fried chicken, or shiitake mushroom.

The Changle Road Eatery offers a chance to sample crispy snacks and local delicacies.

The tour culminates at the renowned Wonton Shop, known for its flavorful shrimp, vegetable, and minced pork wontons.

To accompany the savory dishes, the afternoon and evening tours include local beer, while the morning tour features refreshing soy milk.

This culinary experience provides an authentic taste of Shanghai’s vibrant food scene.

Noodle Delight

Secret Noodle and Wonton in Shanghai Alleyways With Local Beer - Noodle Delight

Noodles take center stage on this culinary tour, showcasing Shanghai’s exceptional mastery of this versatile dish. At Dingtele Restaurant, guests savor a range of noodle specialties, from the nutty and aromatic sesame noodles to the hearty options featuring deep-fried chicken or earthy shiitake mushrooms. The noodle dishes are expertly crafted, each bite revealing layers of flavor and texture. To accompany the noodles, the tour also includes local delicacies and snacks from Changle Road Eatery, as well as the renowned shrimp, vegetable, and minced pork wontons from the Wonton Shop. These stops offer a delightful exploration of Shanghai’s vibrant food scene, showcasing the city’s culinary artistry.

Noodle Dish Main Ingredient Flavor Profile
Sesame Noodles Sesame Nutty, Aromatic
Chicken Noodles Deep-fried Chicken Hearty
Mushroom Noodles Shiitake Mushrooms Earthy

Crispy Snacks

Complementing the noodle dishes, the tour also features a sampling of crispy snacks and local delicacies at the Changle Road Eatery, offering visitors a tantalizing glimpse into Shanghai’s vibrant street food culture.

The eatery is known for its wide array of crunchy treats, from flaky scallion pancakes to savory buns filled with pork and vegetables.

Guests can expect to indulge in an array of textures and flavors, each bite a testament to the culinary ingenuity of the city’s street vendors.

Whether it’s the satisfying crunch of a freshly fried pastry or the perfect balance of salty and sweet in a traditional snack, these crispy bites provide a delightful counterpoint to the tour’s noodle-centric offerings.

Renowned Wontons

Secret Noodle and Wonton in Shanghai Alleyways With Local Beer - Renowned Wontons

At the Wonton Shop, guests can savor the restaurant’s renowned offerings, savoring shrimp, vegetable, and minced pork wontons freshly prepared with care and expertise.

These delicate dumplings, encased in thin, supple wrappers, showcase the culinary prowess of the shop’s skilled chefs, who masterfully balance the flavors and textures to create a harmonious dining experience.

The shrimp wontons are plump and juicy, with a delicate seafood flavor that melts in the mouth.

The vegetable wontons are a delightful vegetarian option, filled with a vibrant blend of crisp veggies.

And the minced pork wontons deliver a satisfying umami punch, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Guests can savor these renowned wontons as part of the food tour’s culinary journey through Shanghai’s backstreets.

Meeting and Pickup

Secret Noodle and Wonton in Shanghai Alleyways With Local Beer - Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the food tour is South Huangpi Road Station Exit 2 on Shanghai Metro Line 1, or alternatively, No. 333 Huaihai Road, where the guide will greet participants.

Guests can conveniently access the starting location by taking the metro and meeting the tour leader at the designated exit.

The tour concludes at People’s Square in the Huangpu district of Shanghai, giving visitors easy access to other attractions and transportation options.

Clear directions and a designated meeting spot make it simple for tour-goers to find the starting point and seamlessly join the culinary adventure through Shanghai’s bustling backstreets.

Accessibility and Weather

The tour is accessible to all guests, though it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Service animals are permitted to accompany participants. Regardless of the weather, the experience operates year-round, so visitors should dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the culinary journey through Shanghai’s backstreets.

While the tour is open to all, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

  • The route involves navigating through narrow alleyways and walking between different restaurants.

  • Guests should be prepared for changes in weather, as the tour runs rain or shine.

  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for the amount of walking involved.

  • Dietary requirements can be accommodated, but must be specified at the time of booking.

Traveler Feedback

According to the reviews, guides on this tour have been praised for their exceptional knowledge and engaging storytelling, providing guests with a richly immersive culinary experience.

Travelers have consistently highlighted the tour’s unique focus on local, off-the-beaten-path eateries, where they’ve savored delectable noodle dishes, crispy snacks, and renowned wontons.

The small-group format has allowed for more personalized attention and opportunities to connect with the local food culture.

Many reviewers have recommended this tour as a fantastic introduction to Shanghai’s vibrant and flavorful cuisine, noting that it offers a delightful balance of authentic flavors, insider insights, and convivial company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants are advised to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. There’s no formal dress code, but dressing comfortably and prepared for the weather is recommended for the 2.5-hour food tour.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverage?

No, you cannot bring your own alcoholic beverage on the tour. The tour provides local beer for afternoon and evening departures. Bringing outside alcohol is not permitted, as it’s not included in the tour experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the 2.5-hour food tour, but guests are encouraged to be respectful of the small group size and refrain from disruptive picture-taking. The tour guides welcome participants to capture the local culinary experience.

How Do I Know if the Tour Is Running on the Day I Booked?

To check if the tour is running on the booked day, travelers should contact the tour provider directly. The provider will confirm the tour’s operation and provide any necessary updates or changes to the itinerary or meeting location.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Dietary Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences. Vegetarian options are available upon request, and the tour guide will work with you to ensure your dietary needs are met during the food tastings.

Recap

Enjoy Shanghai’s vibrant culinary scene by embarking on this enchanting tour.

Indulge in expertly crafted sesame noodles and plump wontons, complemented by a refreshing local beer.

Uncover hidden gems that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Old French Concession, while navigating the city’s charming alleyways.

This culinary adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Shanghai’s beloved noodle and wonton delicacies.