Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 433 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 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 433 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
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (433)
- 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. 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 you get
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 429 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
429 verified traveler reviews for Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Second Tour Just as Good
Our guide was Weijia, who will regale you with tales in her British accent. All of the selections and restaurants were awesome and a great representation of local food done well. Our favorite were the soup dumplings. After this. This were all we ate for lunch and dinner. There was quite a bit of walking but the neighborhoods and streets were safe and interesting. We were stuffed and tired when the tour ended. And, we were enlightened about the culture of lovely China. This was our second Lost Plate tour as we enjoyed the one on Beijing so much!
via Viator
Great tour
Guide was amazing and did was some of the best we had in China. Can strongly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Shanghai food!!
Weijia was fantastic, so welcoming and friendly. She was very inclusive and informative, gave a great insight into Chinese eating and the foods available. She pointed out different cultural aspects as well as we wandered along, leading the group at a very nice pace. This was our second tour with her and we would do more!! We will be back.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Food Tour!!
We had an amazing time on our food tour through Shanghai! Our tour guide was Emma and she did a fantastic job of guiding us through the city and sharing all her knowledge. Would book again in a heartbeat!
Response from the operator: You had such a great Shanghai evening! Emma’s guidance and knowledge clearly made the city feel more vivid for you, and that “book again in a heartbeat” says it all.
via Tripadvisor
Local food tour
Went for night food tour with our guide emma. The food was nicely recommended. I liked the shen jian bao stop. Would be good if tour can be done in day time so we can see the place better when introductions are done. Could introduce more about the history of the place as we walked from one location to another. The tour group of 8pax is a good size so we could try different food.- however, would be good to be more food variety like shanghai Appetisers or more local desserts etc. At the last stop, the bar was too small for 8 pax as well.
Response from the operator: You gave us really useful feedback, and it’s clear the shen jian bao stop worked well for you. We also hear you on the night timing, the extra history while walking, and the bar space for 8 people, and we’ll keep that in mind.
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
- 152
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Lost Plate, who run 13 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Lost Plate runsWhy this scores 91
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 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 433 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 152 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, Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai, Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated. 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.
What is included in Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession?
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Included: Local English-speaking guide; Carbonated beverages; All food at 4+ sit-down, safe to eat restaurants; Bottled water; and Alcoholic beverages. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession?
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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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Shanghai. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession?
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Across 433 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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