Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 417 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession worth booking?
Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession is a 3.5-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $50 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 417 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 92 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (417)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $50 per person
In 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers. For decades, its had a negative birth rate and millions of immigrants, meaning the inheritance of the true cuisine of old Shanghai is limited to select insiders
What you get
- Local English-speaking guide
- Carbonated beverages
- All food at 4+ sit-down, safe to eat restaurants
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages
- Small-group tour (2-12 people)
About this experience
In 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers. For decades, its had a negative birth rate and millions of immigrants, meaning the inheritance of the true cuisine of old Shanghai is limited to select insiders. On this tour, you’ll try at least 10 dishes on a journey through the clandestine cuisine of old-Shanghai, hiding in plain sight in the French Concession.
What's included
Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Carbonated beverages
- All food at 4+ sit-down, safe to eat restaurants
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages
- Small-group tour (2-12 people)
- Vegetarian friendly (with advance notice)
- Unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Former French Concession
In 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers. For decades, its had a negative birth rate and millions of immigrants, meaning the inheritance of the true cuisine of old Shanghai is limited to select insiders. On this tour, you’ll try at least 10 dishes on a journey through the clandestine cuisine of old-Shanghai, hiding in plain sight in the French Concession.
30 minutes here
Huijin Shopping Mall(Zhao Jia bang road)
Xiaolongbao (local for soup dumplings) are Shanghai’s most famous claim to fame, but do you know how to tell the good from the great? We’ll let you know at our favorite local dumpling joint that can compete with the touristy Michelin recommended restaurants.
30 minutes here
Scallion noodles, dumplings with sesame sauce, local curry, and more! Don’t forget to check out the kitchen on your way in, the labor intensive pan-fried-bun making process has been selected as Local Intangible Cultural Heritage.
30 minutes here
Two words: Pork Belly. Shanghai’s favorite dish takes an entire day to prepare, and for a good reason. Enjoy this plus other “only in Shanghai” dishes that celebrate quality ingredients with fresh preparation.
30 minutes here
Driven by a passion for dessert and community spirit, the Shanghainese owner of this cozy shop caters to the local neighborhood, crafting fresh desserts without pre-made shortcuts. Fresh mango atop chilled sago cream with a dash of pomelo…we’re drooling already!
30 minutes here
End the night with a locally made craft beer and enjoy the new modern feel Shanghai is known for around the world. The brewery is 10-minute walk away from South Shaanxi Road Subway Station.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Shanghai
This tour starts at Exit 5 of Jiashan Road Subway Station Exit 5 in the heart of the French Concession. Please refer to your voucher for meeting location details.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends a 10-minute walk from South Shaanxi Road Subway Station.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lost Plate
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes
- Signup and advance payment are required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 417 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
417 verified traveler reviews for Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Eat your heart out
What a fabulous night.. Max was an excellent guide, we enjoyed his knowledge of his home city, Shanghai. The food on the tour was all fantastic. We definitely had plenty to eat, and would recommend doing the tour.. Finishing was a craft beer 🍺 was a lovely way to end the night.
Response from the operator: What a fabulous Shanghai night you had! Max’s knowledge of his home city clearly made the evening stand out for you, and the craft beer finish was such a lovely way to end things.
via Tripadvisor
French concession food tour
We absolutely loved our time with Max! The food was incredible, and he led us to authentic, hidden gems we’d never have discovered ourselves. On top of that, his storytelling and historical knowledge about the French Concession made the whole evening both fun and meaningful.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely words! Max’s storytelling and history clearly made the evening special for you, and the food left such a strong impression.
via Tripadvisor
Joy is awesome
Food is amazing and our tour guide Joy is AMAZING!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your great review! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and had such a wonderful time with Joy. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her, and hope to welcome you on another Lost Plate adventure soon! 🌟
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic foodtour
Espectacular food tour en Shanghai. Andice was an amazing host and guide taking always care of us and introducing us to the Shanghaneise cuisine. We enjoyed all the stops with plenty of opto s at esch l e and she gave us details of how each dish was prepared.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Shanghai food experience with Andice. We’ll share your kind words with her, and we hope to welcome you on another Lost Plate food adventure soon! 🌟
via Tripadvisor
Excellent night out
Easy to find the meeting point ( we got a Didi). Five stops, three savoury and one a pudding and the last a bar. We are vegan and we’re well catered for . We couldn’t finish lots of our plates as there was so much. It was very authentic and was a good night and we enjoyed chatting with every else on the tour
Response from the operator: You had such a smooth night! It was great to read that the meeting point was easy to find and that you felt well catered for as vegans, with plenty on the plates and a lovely chat with everyone else.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 146
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 92
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Shanghai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Shanghai is not rushed.
Is Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 417 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Shanghai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession?
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Around 146 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Shanghai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Shanghai and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Shanghai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Shanghai?
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On Outty we rank every Shanghai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights, Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option, 4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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