My 2021 Food Map: Feasting in Shanghai – A Local's Guide to Hidden Culinary Gems

Meta Description: Discover Shanghai's best-kept food secrets in this 2021 food map. From rooftop cafés with Jing'an Temple views to historic Jewish refugee coffee shops, explore over 10 hidden gems worth a special trip.

Introduction: Why Shanghai's Food Scene Captivates a Seasoned Traveler

As a "plus-sized foodie" born and raised in Shanghai, I've traveled to over 30 countries and tasted countless dishes. Yet, the flavors that haunt my dreams most are right here in this city. In 2021, I spent 330 days weaving through Shanghai's streets and alleys, measuring the city's warmth with my taste buds. This Shanghai food guide isn't about cookie-cutter influencer hotspots—it's about the hidden gems truly worth a special trip.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, this 2021 Shanghai food map will lead you to unforgettable dining experiences. From rooftop bars overlooking Jing'an Temple to historic cafés steeped in wartime stories, let's embark on a culinary journey through the city's most authentic eateries.

🍰 Desserts & Cafés: Sweet Moments Tucked in the Lanes

Best Rooftop View in Shanghai: Watching Jing'an Temple from a 700-Square-Meter Terrace

Have you ever imagined finding a spot in Shanghai's busiest district where you can overlook Jing'an Temple while sipping coffee and watching the nightscape? This place, aptly named "Rooftop with a View" (看得到风景的天台), delivers exactly that—a rooftop spanning over 700 square meters.

Prime Location: Just a 4-minute walk from Jing'an Temple, this rooftop sits on the 7th floor of the Gaohe Building on Huashan Road. Standing on the terrace, a 270-degree view lets you take in the entire Jing'an Temple and Nanjing Road shopping district. Especially on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 PM, when the golden spire of Jing'an Temple lights up—that dazzling beauty literally takes your breath away.

The Vibe: Stepping inside feels like falling into a Nutcracker fairytale. Nutcrackers of all shapes and sizes fill every corner, and the British-style design instantly tugs at your heartstrings. But the real surprise comes when you step onto the rooftop—it's even larger than the indoor space, facing Jing'an Temple directly. When the light show begins at dusk, you'll never tire of snapping photos.

Food Experience: By day, it serves coffee and brunch; after 6:30 PM, it transforms into a bar. We ordered mojitos, pickled cucumber with ham, fries, and chicken wings—the flavors were decent, nothing extraordinary. But honestly, with a view like this, the food becomes secondary.

Practical Info: - Name: Rooftop with a View (看得到风景的天台) - Address: 7F, Gaohe Building, No. 2 Huashan Road, Jing'an District - Hours: Monday 10:30 AM–6:30 PM; Tuesday–Sunday 10:30 AM–10:30 PM - Average Cost: 100 RMB per person

Tip: The rooftop can get very windy, so bring a jacket. Taking portrait photos might be a bit challenging.

White Horse Café: A Cup of Coffee, a Slice of Shanghai History

Among Shanghai's countless cafés, this one across from the Jewish Refugees Museum—the White Horse Café (白马咖啡馆)—is undoubtedly one of the most unique.

The Building's Story: A rusted plaque at the entrance reads: In 1939, Rudolf Mosberg, a Jewish refugee who fled to Shanghai, bought this three-story building and opened the White Horse Café, which became an important gathering place for Jewish refugees. In 2015, the café was rebuilt on its original site, preserving the original doors, windows, and stair railings. In front stands a bronze fountain sculpture called "Standing Together Through Storm and Stress," symbolizing Shanghai's selfless support for the Jewish people.

The Vibe: Push open the carved wooden door, and you'll find the café smaller than expected—just seven tables, with tight spacing. But when you learn that the bar, tables, chairs, lamps, and curtains were all faithfully recreated with the help of historical photos provided by the original owner's descendants, the feeling changes entirely. Black-and-white photos hang on the walls, and the gramophone seems to echo with music from another era.

Drinks: Two American coffees cost just 28 RMB. The simple "White Horse" print on the ceramic mugs feels far warmer than any disposable cup. The coffee itself is average, but you come here for the atmosphere, not the taste.

Practical Info: - Name: White Horse Café (白马咖啡馆) - Address: No. 67 Changyang Road - Transport: Exit 1, Tilanqiao Station, Metro Line 12 - Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM - Average Cost: 28 RMB per person

Recommendation: Don't miss the Jewish Refugees Museum across the street—a 20 RMB ticket is well worth it. [Link: Jewish history in Shanghai]

Summer Ice Cream Guide: GODIVA's Classics and Crossovers

For me, the happiest summer moments are spent indoors with the AC on, devouring an ice cream. Having traveled to so many countries and tried countless trendy ice creams, I've narrowed it down to three worth having again and again: Hokkaido's CREMIA, DQ's matcha blizzard with double almonds, and Belgium's GODIVA chocolate soft-serve.

GODIVA's Story: It wasn't until I dined in that I realized the brand logo is modeled after the famous painting "Lady Godiva." Turns out, the brand comes from a touching tale: In 1040, Lady Godiva of Coventry, England, rode naked through the streets to persuade her husband to reduce taxes for the people—and the townspeople closed their windows and doors out of respect.

The Crossover: Recently, GODIVA teamed up with bilibili for a limited-edition ice cream collection, featuring six new flavors like lychee oolong and dark chocolate. But I stuck with the classic chocolate soft-serve—classic is classic.

Practical Info: - Name: GODIVA (Global Harbor Store) - Address: 1F Sun Hall, Global Harbor, No. 3300 Zhongshan North Road - Transport: Exit 2, Jinshajiang Road Station, Metro Lines 3/4/13 - Hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM - Average Cost: 50 RMB per person

The first time I passed this shop on Yuyuan Road, I was charmed by the big-eyed black monster at the entrance. Later I learned this place had been featured on "Kangxi Lai Le" (a popular Taiwanese talk show) and was an Instagram sensation.

Experience: At the entrance, you stamp your order for a flavor—each stamp is incredibly cute. We chose Uji matcha, with two free side treats: mini dorayaki and shiratama with red beans. The shop is tiny, divided into three areas. The most popular spot is the tatami section decorated with black-and-white lanterns. I preferred the seat by the cashier, because that giant adorable monster watching you eat ice is truly heartwarming.

Recommendation: The ice is excellent, but the side desserts are just okay. It's photogenic, so snap your shots quickly—the ice melts fast.

Practical Info: - Name: Ludi Monster Ice House (露地怪物冰屋) - Address: No. 1285 Yuyuan Road - Transport: Exit 5, Zhongshan Park Station, Metro Lines 2/3/4 - Hours: 12:00 PM–8:30 PM - Average Cost: 50 RMB per person

Budget-Friendly Dessert Shop on Tianjin Road: Yu Nai Dou Dou

Tianjin Road, right next to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, offers a peaceful escape from the crowds and hides numerous restaurants and dessert shops. This one, with its adorable name Yu Nai Dou Dou (芋奈荳荳), is a perfect example.

The Vibe: The Japanese-style storefront is great for photos. Inside, it's just over ten square meters, cozy and cute. There's a message wall, though some parts are already peeling.

Service: One hiccup—when I went to grab napkins while eating ice cream, the tissue box had only a few left. I couldn't reach it with one hand and asked a staff member for help, but she just stood there. Only when I said, "Could you grab a new pack?" did she reluctantly swap it out. Later, when I ordered a "hot Americano," she immediately asked, "Sure, one hot Americano—would you like it hot or iced?" ... The service awareness really needs work.

Dessert Recommendations: - Matcha ice cream (10 RMB): Great value, tasty - Soy milk matcha: Zero cholesterol, dietary fiber equivalent to about 3 apples, but not as creamy as the version with milk - Tuna seafood soft-boiled egg sandwich (20 RMB): Generous filling, average flavor - Japanese soy milk cream roll: Looks good, but tastes quite mild

Practical Info: - Name: Yu Nai Dou Dou (芋奈荳荳) - Address: No. 173 Tianjin Road - Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM - Average Cost: 30–50 RMB per person

Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai's Food Scene

1. What is the best time to visit Shanghai's rooftop cafés for views?

The golden hour is between 5:30 PM and 7 PM, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when Jing'an Temple's light show begins. For the Rooftop with a View, arrive by 6 PM to secure a good spot and watch the transition from daylight to the illuminated skyline.

2. Are these hidden gem restaurants in Shanghai expensive?

Not at all! Most places on this food map are budget-friendly. White Horse Café costs just 28 RMB for two American coffees, while Yu Nai Dou Dou offers matcha ice cream for 10 RMB. Even the premium GODIVA experience averages only 50 RMB per person.

3. How do I get to the Jewish Refugees Museum and White Horse Café?

Take Metro Line 12 to Tilanqiao Station, Exit 1. The White Horse Café is at No. 67 Changyang Road, directly across from the museum. Both are within walking distance from the station.

4. What are the must-try desserts in Shanghai for first-time visitors?

Start with GODIVA's classic chocolate soft-serve for a premium experience, then try Ludi Monster Ice House's Uji matcha for a trendy twist. For budget-friendly options, Yu Nai Dou Dou's matcha ice cream at 10 RMB is unbeatable.

5. Is the Rooftop with a View suitable for families with children?

Yes, but with caution. The rooftop is spacious and family-friendly during the day, but it can get very windy. Bring jackets for children. After 6:30 PM, it transforms into a bar, so daytime visits are more suitable for families.

Tips for Exploring Shanghai's Food Scene Like a Local

  1. Use Metro Lines 2, 3, 4, and 12 – Most hidden gems are within walking distance of these stations.
  2. Visit on weekdays – Popular spots like Ludi Monster Ice House get crowded on weekends.
  3. Bring cash – While most places accept mobile payments, some smaller shops prefer cash.
  4. Check hours – Many cafés close by 6–8 PM, so plan accordingly.
  5. Combine with nearby attractions – Pair White Horse Café with the Jewish Refugees Museum, or Rooftop with a View with Jing'an Temple.

Internal Linking Suggestions

  • [Link: Best rooftop bars in Shanghai]
  • [Link: Shanghai Jewish history walking tour]
  • [Link: Budget-friendly food guide to Shanghai]
  • [Link: Jing'an Temple night view photography tips]
  • [Link: Shanghai dessert crawl itinerary]

Conclusion: Your Shanghai Food Adventure Awaits

Shanghai's food scene is a living tapestry of history, culture, and flavor. From the historic White Horse Café that whispers stories of wartime refuge to the modern rooftop overlooking Jing'an Temple's golden spire, every bite tells a story. This 2021 Shanghai food map has taken you beyond the tourist traps to discover the city's true culinary soul.

Whether you're craving a 10 RMB matcha ice cream or a 50 RMB GODIVA soft-serve, these hidden gems prove that the best meals in Shanghai aren't always the most expensive—they're the ones with heart.

Ready to taste Shanghai like a local? Start planning your food adventure today! Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow foodies, and don't forget to tag your discoveries on social media. Your taste buds will thank you.

Have you visited any of these spots? Share your experience in the comments below!

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