1 Best Street Food in Shanghai

Wei Xiang Zhai is a legendary hole-in-the-wall that has served generations of Shanghainese people its famous 'Ma Jiang Mian' (Sesame Paste Noodles). Historically, it is one of the most beloved street food spots in the city, retaining its humble, slightly gritty 1980s atmosphere. The sensory experience is concentrated in the thick, aromatic, and spicy sesame sauce that clings to perfectly chewy noodles. Expert recommendation: You must order the 'Sesame Noodles' and a bowl of 'Beef Soup' to balance the richness of the paste. Pro Tip: This place is purely about the food, not the service or the decor. You pay first at the counter, get a plastic ticket, and then find a seat—which usually involves hovering over someone who is about to finish. It’s a fast, cheap, and undeniably authentic taste of the local lifestyle.