Yang's Fried Dumplings

Yang's Fried Dumplings (Xiao Yang Sheng Jian) is a Shanghai institution, serving what many consider the city's best sheng jian bao — pan-fried pork buns with a crispy golden bottom and a burst of hot soup inside. The Huanghe Road location near People's Square is one of the most accessible branches for tourists. Expect to queue during peak hours, but the line moves fast. A set of 4 dumplings costs around 15 RMB, making it one of the best food deals in central Shanghai. Be careful with your first bite — the soup inside is scalding hot. Locals recommend nibbling a small hole first and sipping the broth before eating. The menu has pictures but very limited English. Point-and-order works fine. Payment is cash or WeChat/Alipay only — no international cards accepted. The seating is communal and basic, but you're here for the dumplings, not the ambiance.