Wake Up to Flavor: The Best Breakfast Recipes in Shanghai for 2025

Shanghai, the bustling metropolis on China’s eastern coast, is not only a hub of innovation and modernity but also a city fiercely proud of its culinary heritage. As the city continues to evolve into 2025, its breakfast scene reflects both tradition and creative reinvention. Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a traveler seeking to savor the city’s early-morning culture, discovering the best breakfast recipes in Shanghai is a journey into the heart and soul of this vibrant city.

The Magic of Shanghai Mornings

There’s something magical about mornings in Shanghai. The city hums to life as street vendors fire up their woks, the aroma of steaming buns drifts through the air, and commuters flock to curbside stalls for their daily fix. Breakfast here isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual, a social event, and a celebration of flavor.

Why Breakfast Matters in Shanghai

Breakfast in Shanghai is more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural anchor. Many families and friends connect over morning meals, sharing stories and laughter before the day begins. The diversity of offerings—from time-honored classics to trendy new creations—means everyone can find something to love. In 2025, the breakfast scene has embraced healthier ingredients, eco-conscious practices, and global influences while still honoring the city’s culinary roots.

1. Sheng Jian Bao (生煎包): Crispy Breakfast Dumplings

Sheng Jian Bao are perhaps the quintessential Shanghai breakfast food. These pan-fried buns are filled with savory pork and a burst of hot, flavorful broth. Crisp on the bottom and fluffy on top, they’re a textural wonder.

Recipe for Modern Sheng Jian Bao (2025 Version)

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour

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• 1 cup warm water

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• 1 tsp dry yeast

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• 300g minced pork (or plant-based substitute)

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• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

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• 1 tbsp soy sauce

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• 1 tsp sesame oil

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• 1/2 tsp sugar

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• Salt, white pepper to taste

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• 2 tbsp oil for frying

Mix flour, yeast, and water to form a dough; let rise for 1 hour. Combine pork, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Divide dough into small balls, flatten, and fill with meat mixture. Pinch closed. Fry in oil until bottoms are golden, add a splash of water, cover, and steam until cooked through. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.

2. Jianbing (煎饼): Shanghai’s Savory Crepe

Jianbing has exploded in popularity in recent years, with both traditional and fusion versions. This street-side crepe is made with mung bean flour and eggs, then filled with crunchy wonton crackers, scallions, pickled veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce.

Recipe for a 2025 Jianbing

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• 1 cup mung bean flour (or whole-grain flour blend)

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• 2 eggs

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• 1/4 cup water

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• 1 scallion, chopped

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• 1 tbsp chili sauce

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• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

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• 1 crunchy wonton cracker or crispy rice paper

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• Pickled veggies (optional)

Heat a nonstick pan, pour in the batter, and spread thin. Crack eggs on top and spread evenly. Add sauces, scatter scallions, and lay the crispy cracker in the center. Fold crepe around filling and serve hot.

3. Doujiang & Youtiao (豆浆油条): The Classic Pairing

Doujiang (soy milk) and Youtiao (fried dough sticks) are a beloved breakfast duo. In 2025, many opt for organic or flavored soy milk, and air-fried versions of youtiao for a healthier twist.

Modern Doujiang & Youtiao Recipe

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• 2 cups organic soybeans

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• Water for soaking/blending

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• 1/2 tsp salt

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• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

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• Store-bought or homemade air-fried youtiao

Soak soybeans overnight, blend with water, strain, and simmer for 15 minutes with salt and sugar. Serve hot with crispy youtiao for dipping.

4. Xiao Long Bao (小笼包): Breakfast Soup Dumplings

These delicate soup dumplings are a breakfast treat in many Shanghai homes and restaurants. Their thin wrappers encase juicy pork and savory broth, often enjoyed with a dash of vinegar and ginger.

2025 Xiao Long Bao Recipe

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour

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• 1 cup water

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• 300g minced pork

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• Ginger, garlic, scallion, soy sauce, sesame oil

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• Cube of cooled pork gelatin (for soup)

Prepare dough and filling. Roll dough thin, fill with pork and a cube of gelatin. Steam in bamboo baskets for 8 minutes. Serve with black vinegar and sliced ginger.

5. Cong You Bing (葱油饼): Scallion Pancakes

Cong You Bing is a flaky, savory pancake bursting with scallion flavor. It’s now available with gluten-free, whole wheat, and even vegan options.

Cong You Bing Recipe (Vegan, 2025)

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• 2 cups whole wheat flour

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• 1 cup hot water

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• 1/2 cup chopped scallions

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• 1 tbsp sesame oil

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• Salt

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• Oil for frying

Mix flour and water to form a smooth dough. Rest, then roll out, brush with oil, sprinkle with salt and scallions, roll up, coil, and flatten. Pan fry until golden and crisp on both sides.

6. Zao Fan Zhou (早饭粥): Nourishing Breakfast Congee

Congee, a comforting rice porridge, is a morning staple. In 2025, it’s often enhanced with superfoods, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition.

Superfood Congee Recipe

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• 1 cup jasmine rice

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• 8 cups water or vegetable broth

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• Goji berries, shiitake mushrooms, diced carrots, spinach

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• Salt, white pepper

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• Soy sauce, scallions for serving

Simmer rice and water for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add vegetables and mushrooms halfway through. Garnish with goji berries, scallions, and a splash of soy sauce.

7. Healthy Fusion Bowls: The Global Shanghai Breakfast

With international influences, many Shanghai cafes now serve breakfast bowls combining local ingredients with global trends—think quinoa, avocado, poached eggs, pickled radishes, and spicy tofu.

Shanghai Breakfast Fusion Bowl Recipe

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• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa

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• 1 poached egg

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• 1/4 avocado, sliced

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• Pickled radishes, sautéed tofu, sesame seeds

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• Drizzle of chili oil

Arrange ingredients in a bowl. Top with poached egg and drizzle chili oil for a spicy, satisfying start to your day.

Where to Find These Breakfasts in Shanghai (2025)

While home cooking is beloved, Shanghai’s food scene offers endless breakfast adventures. Top recommendations for 2025 include:

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• Fu Chun Xiao Long for classic soup dumplings

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• Yang’s Fried Dumpling for crispy sheng jian bao

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• Jianbing Man for creative, fusion-style crepes

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• Healthy Grain for superfood breakfast bowls

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• Morning Market Streets in the Former French Concession for authentic doujiang and youtiao

Tips for Enjoying Breakfast Like a Local in 2025

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1. Wake up early—many breakfast spots sell out by 9 AM.

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2. Try family-run stalls for authentic flavors.

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3. Don’t be afraid to eat standing up; street breakfasts are quick and communal.

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4. Mix and match—pair a savory item with fresh soy milk or tea.

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5. Ask for less oil or plant-based substitutes if you prefer a lighter meal.

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6. Explore new neighborhoods for hidden breakfast gems.

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7. Share dishes with friends to taste a variety of flavors.

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8. Embrace the fusion—try creative takes on old favorites.

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9. Enjoy seasonal specialties, like hairy crab congee in autumn.

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10. Support local, eco-friendly vendors where possible.

The Emotional Power of Breakfast in Shanghai

Breakfast in Shanghai is about more than food—it’s about connection. The sights, sounds, and tastes of a Shanghai morning weave a tapestry of memory and emotion. Whether you’re savoring a bowl of congee with your grandmother, grabbing a quick jianbing on the way to work, or sipping soy milk with friends by the Bund, these moments become the heartbeats of the city.

As 2025 unfolds, Shanghai’s breakfast recipes invite us to slow down, savor, and celebrate. They remind us that even in a city racing toward the future, the best mornings are those filled with warmth, flavor, and shared joy. So next time you wake up in Shanghai, let your breakfast be a delicious adventure.

Shanghai’s breakfast culture is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, offering something for everyone in 2025.

Classic dishes like Sheng Jian Bao and Jianbing remain favorites, while healthier and plant-based options are gaining popularity.

Breakfast in Shanghai is more than a meal—it’s a cherished ritual connecting friends and family.

Local markets and family-run stalls provide the most authentic breakfast experiences, often selling out early in the morning.

Fusion trends, such as breakfast bowls with global ingredients, reflect Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit.

Congee has evolved into a superfood powerhouse, adding ingredients like goji berries and mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Street breakfasts are quick, communal, and an essential part of city culture—don’t be afraid to eat standing up!

Many vendors now offer lighter, eco-friendly options to suit modern tastes and lifestyles.

Exploring Shanghai’s breakfast scene is a delicious adventure that creates lasting memories and emotional connections.

No matter your preferences, the best Shanghai breakfasts in 2025 promise flavor, comfort, and a taste of the city’s heart.

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