Shanghai Food Trio: The Essential Eating Experience (2026 Guide)
The three must-try food experiences that define Shanghai for visitors: lamb skewers, Haidilao hot pot, and Heytea bubble tea.
The Shanghai Food Trio
The Shanghai Food Trio has become the defining culinary experience for international visitors—three distinct eating adventures that showcase different aspects of Chinese food culture. What started as social media buzz has become a genuine phenomenon, with visitors planning their trips around these three experiences.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| The Trio | Highlight | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb Skewers (很久以前) | Inner Mongolian BBQ | ~¥125/person |
| Haidilao (海底捞) | Premium hot pot + legendary service | ~¥150/person |
| Heytea (喜茶) | Original cheese foam tea | ~¥30/drink |
1. Lamb Skewers - 很久以前羊肉串
The Story
很久以前羊肉串 (Henjiuyiqian) went viral after celebrities posted about it. Now it’s so popular with international tourists that weekend crowds are 80% visitors—all seeking the same tender Inner Mongolian lamb that made it famous.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | 很久以前羊肉串 |
| Specialty | Hulunbuir grassland lamb, conveyor belt grill |
| Average Cost | ¥125/person |
| Wait Time | 40 min - 3 hours (without reservation) |
Recommended Locations
| Branch | Address | Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Ruihong Tiandi | 123 Linping Road, L1 | Ruihong Xincheng |
| Nanjing East Road | Near Nanjing East Road | Nanjing East Road |
How to Reserve (Required!)
- Open WeChat
- Search “很久以前羊肉串”
- Select Mini-Program
- Choose branch → Date/time
- Get queue number
💡 Pro Tip: Book for 5 PM to walk in with minimal wait. Peak hours (7-9 PM) can mean 2+ hour waits.
What to Order
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb skewers (羊肉串) | ¥2-3/each | Signature, order 10+ per person |
| Condensed milk toast (炼乳吐司) | ¥18 | Social media star |
| Sweet corn (甜糯玉米) | ¥12 | Sticky and sweet |
| New Orleans chicken wings | ¥28 | Break from lamb |
Special Touches
- Staff grills your first batch
- Cooling gel patches (it gets hot!)
- Hair ties for long hair
- Free milk ice cream after your meal
2. Haidilao - 海底捞火锅
The Story
Haidilao built its empire on service so exceptional it became legendary: free manicures, unlimited snacks, phone protection pouches, noodle-pulling performances, and attentive staff who anticipate your every need.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | 海底捞火锅 |
| Specialty | Premium hot pot, extreme service |
| Average Cost | ¥140-200/person |
| Hours | 10 AM - 7 AM (some 24-hour) |
Free Services
| While Waiting | During Meal |
|---|---|
| 🍉 Unlimited fruit | 🍜 Noodle performance |
| 💅 Manicures (select locations) | 👓 Glasses cleaning |
| 🎮 Games, entertainment | 📱 Phone pouches |
| 👶 Kids zone | 🎂 Birthday celebrations |
Recommended Locations
Haidilao has 50+ Shanghai locations. Find one near your hotel or sightseeing area:
| Branch | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shimao Plaza | Nanjing East Road | Near The Bund |
| Zhangyang Road | Pudong | Near Lujiazui |
| Xujiahui | Xujiahui | Shopping district |
How to Reserve
- Download Haidilao app (English available)
- Or WeChat search “海底捞” → Mini-program
- Select branch → Time → Party size
What to Order
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy mala base (麻辣锅底) | ¥78 | Must-try |
| Tomato base | ¥68 | Non-spicy option |
| Sliced beef | ¥68 | Essential |
| Hand-pulled noodles (手工面) | Free | Ask for the performance! |
| Quail eggs | ¥18 | Great in the broth |
💡 Pro Tip: Request the “手工面 (hand-pulled noodle)” show. A staff member will perform acrobatic noodle stretching at your table.
3. Heytea - 喜茶
The Story
Heytea invented cheese foam tea—that creamy, slightly salty layer floating atop your tea that took Asia by storm. While the brand has expanded globally, Shanghai has 258+ locations, making it easy to grab a drink anywhere in the city.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | 喜茶 HEYTEA |
| Specialty | Premium cheese foam tea |
| Average Cost | ¥29-40 |
| Locations | 258+ in Shanghai |
Recommended Locations
You’ll find Heytea everywhere, but convenient spots for tourists:
| Branch | Location | Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Raffles City | People’s Square | People’s Square |
| Near Tianzifang | Dapuqiao | Dapuqiao |
| Anfu Road | French Concession | Shanghai Library |
What to Order
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grape Burst (多肉葡萄) | ¥35-40 | #1 bestseller |
| Golden Phoenix Cheese (金凤茶王) | ¥29-32 | Signature oolong |
| Pink Guava (芭乐) | ¥32 | Refreshing |
How to Order
- Queue at store (5-30 min), OR
- Use Heytea app or WeChat “喜茶GO” mini-program
- Order ahead → Pick up when ready
💡 Pro Tip: App ordering skips the line. Perfect for grabbing a drink between sightseeing.
The Perfect Day: All Three
Suggested Itinerary
| Time | Activity | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 PM | Heytea in French Concession | ¥35 |
| 6:00 PM | Lamb skewers dinner (book for 6 PM) | ¥125 |
| 10:00 PM | Haidilao late-night hot pot | ¥150 |
Total Budget: ~¥310 (roughly $45)
Efficient Route
- Afternoon: French Concession sightseeing + Heytea
- Early evening: Ruihong Tiandi for lamb skewers (6 PM reservation)
- Night: The Bund evening views
- Late night: Nanjing East Road Haidilao
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do all three in one day?
Physically possible, but you’ll be extremely full. Most visitors do Heytea + one meal in a day, saving the other for a different day.
Do I need reservations?
- Heytea: No reservation needed
- Haidilao: Highly recommended
- Lamb skewers: Essential—especially weekends
Are there English menus?
- Haidilao: Yes, some locations
- Lamb skewers: Photo menus only
- Heytea: Photo menus, English app
Vegetarian options?
- Haidilao: Yes—mushroom broth, vegetable ingredients
- Lamb skewers: Very limited
- Heytea: Most drinks are vegetarian
Related Guides
- WeChat Pay Guide - Required for reservations
- 48-Hour Shanghai Itinerary - Complete trip planning
- Xiaolongbao Guide - Another Shanghai essential
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Prices and menus may vary.
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