Best Shanghai Drinks: Salt Soda, Yellow Wine & Old Yogurt Guide
Introduction: Discover Shanghai Drinks
Shanghai drinks are more than beverages—they are a window into the city’s soul. From the crisp Salt Soda Water in the alleyways (nòngtángs) to the mellow Yellow Wine (Huángjiǔ) of Jiangnan, and the creamy Old Shanghai Yogurt (Lǎo Suānnǎi) in Shikumen courtyards, these drinks capture the flavor and culture of the metropolis.
This guide highlights the best Shanghai drinks, their history, top spots to try them, and souvenir tips for visitors.
I. Salt Soda Water (Yán Qìshuǐ): Shanghai’s Summer Refreshment
Why Shanghai Drinks Lovers Choose It:
Salt Soda Water is a classic Shanghai drink, balancing subtle saltiness with fizzy sweetness. Each sip evokes the summer breeze of the Huangpu River and the lively energy of the alleyways.
Where to Try:
| Spot | Price & Highlight | Souvenir Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Zheng Guang He Soda Workshop (400 Tongbei Rd., Yangpu) | Classic Glass Bottle ¥8/bottle; retro packaging | Tin box set ¥38/6 bottles; DIY soda experience available |
| Old City God Temple Snack Plaza (265 Fangbang M. Rd., Huangpu) | Draft Salt Soda ¥5/cup; old carbonation machine | Mini can pack ¥15; 6-month shelf life |
Pro Tip: Perfect for post-workout refreshment. Instagram tip: hold the glass bottle against Yangpu Riverside industrial background.
II. Yellow Wine (Huángjiǔ): The Amber Drink of Jiangnan
Why It’s Special:
Yellow Wine is a signature Shanghai drink with a thousand-year history, brewed from glutinous rice and wheat. Warm it in porcelain cups to release its mellow, sweet aroma. Best paired with Crab Roe Soup Dumplings or Five-Spice Beans.
Where to Try:
| Spot | Price & Highlight | Souvenir Tip |
|---|---|---|
| He Jiufang (Yuyuan Branch) | ¥38/cup; osmanthus-infused | Blue & white porcelain bottle ¥128; ideal gift |
| Shaoxing Restaurant (Jing’an Temple) | ¥68/pot; heated for smooth taste | Mini clay jar ¥88; includes fermentation starter |
Pro Tip: Pair with rich dishes and try traditional jiǔ lìng finger-guessing games for authentic Shanghai drink culture.
III. Old Shanghai Yogurt (Lǎo Suānnǎi): Nostalgic Creamy Dessert
Why Shanghai Drinks Lovers Adore It:
Old Shanghai Yogurt is a creamy Shanghai drink made with fresh milk and lactic acid bacteria. Its firm texture, balanced sweetness, and slight tartness evoke childhood memories. Unlike modern fluid yogurt, this dessert-like drink is uniquely Shanghainese.
Where to Try:
| Spot | Price & Highlight | Souvenir Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Dairy Experience Store (Wukang Rd.) | ¥12/cup; traditional porcelain bowl | Vintage glass jar ¥28/jar; 7-day shelf life |
| First Food Store (Nanjing E. Rd.) | ¥15/cup; fruit flavors included | Gift box ¥68/6 jars; includes wooden spoons |
Pro Tip: Best enjoyed within 2 hours. For retro-style photos, hold the porcelain bowl against Tianzifang neon signs.
IV. Souvenir & Gift Guide for Shanghai Drinks
- Short-Term (≤3 days): Salt Soda mini cans, Old Yogurt glass jars.
- Long-Term (1 Month+): He Jiufang Yellow Wine bottles, Shaoxing Restaurant mini clay jars.
- High-End Gifts: Yuyuan Yellow Wine Gift Box ¥288, First Food Store Old Yogurt Gift Box ¥128.
V. Conclusion: The Soul of Shanghai in a Drink
Stroll along the Bund at sunset with a freshly purchased drink in hand. Shanghai drinks—Salt Soda bubbles, Yellow Wine aromas, and creamy Old Yogurt—offer a sensory journey through the city.
When asked, “What should I drink in Shanghai?” say: “First, have a Salt Soda. Then, let the city unfold.” Discover more of Shanghai’s best eats on our Shanghai Local Food Trails.
