Best Shanghai Pastries: 4 Must-Try Sweet & Savory Classics

Introduction

When the Bund’s bells chime and the aroma of fresh pastries drifts through Shanghai’s alleys (nòngtángs), the city tells its story through sweet and savory Shanghai pastries. From flaky Butterfly Crisp (Húdié Sū) to juicy Fresh Pork Mooncake (Xiānròu Yuèbǐng), soft Chóngmíng Cake (Chóngmíng Gāo), and layered Gāoqiáo Pine Cake (Gāoqiáo Sōngbǐng), every bite embodies Haipai culture.

This guide will help you discover the 4 must-try Shanghai pastries, where to buy them, and which ones make the best souvenirs.

I. Overview: The 4 Iconic Shanghai Pastries Schools

• French-Inspired: Butterfly Crisp (Húdié Sū)
• Suzhou Reform Style: Fresh Pork Mooncake (Xiānròu Yuèbǐng)
• Jiangnan Traditional: Chóngmíng Cake (Chóngmíng Gāo)
• Intangible Heritage: Gāoqiáo Pine Cake (Gāoqiáo Sōngbǐng)

These pastries combine tradition, French influence, and local innovation to create Shanghai’s unique sweet & savory pastry culture.

II. Deep Dive: 4 Must-Try Shanghai Pastries

1. Butterfly Crisp (Húdié Sū) – The French Legacy with Shanghai Twist

• Why It’s Famous: Airy, 256-layer puff pastry topped with coarse sugar; crispier than Paris originals.
• Where to Try:
  • Park Hotel Bakery (28 Huanghe Rd.) – Giant Butterfly Crisp ¥28/slice, gift box ¥68
  • Harbin Food Factory (601 Huaihai M. Rd.) – Almond flavor ¥42/bag, tin box ¥88
• Souvenir Tip: Vacuum-pack for travel; photo-friendly packaging available at Mi Qīng Pùzi.

2. Fresh Pork Mooncake (Xiānròu Yuèbǐng) – Shanghai’s Savory Classic

• What to Expect: Juicy pork filling wrapped in crisp pastry, known as the “Chinese Wellington.”
• Where to Try:
  • Guangming Village Restaurant (588 Huaihai M. Rd.) – ¥5 each, frozen dough ¥30/box
  • Zhen Laodafang (536 Nanjing E. Rd.) – Bamboo shoot + pork ¥6 each, gift box ¥58
• Tip: Best eaten within 2 hours; pair with Osmanthus Fermented Rice Wine for balance.

3. Chóngmíng Cake (Chóngmíng Gāo) – Soft, Chewy, Sweet Delight

• Why It’s Iconic: Glutinous & non-glutinous rice mix, steamed to chewy perfection, includes red dates, walnuts, red beans.
• Where to Try:
  • Chongming Mi Dao (B2, Réel Dept. Store, 1601 Nanjing W. Rd.) – ¥28/slice
  • Old City God Temple Snack Plaza (265 Fangbang M. Rd.) – Eight-treasure ¥35/slice
• Souvenir Tip: Vacuum packs last 15 days; ideal for tea pairing.

4. Gāoqiáo Pine Cake (Gāoqiáo Sōngbǐng) – Flaky Intangible Heritage

• Highlight: Hand-rolled 18+ layers, filled with moderately sweet red bean paste.
• Where to Try:
  • Gāoqiáo Pine Cake Heritage Store (127 Xijie St., Pudong) – ¥8 each, booking recommended
  • First Food Store (720 Nanjing E. Rd.) – Mini cakes ¥5 each, gift box ¥45
• Souvenir Tip: Tin boxes protect flakiness; book a hands-on Pine Cake making class for cultural experience.

III. Souvenir & Gift Guide

• Short-term (≤3 days): Butterfly Crisp, Fresh Pork Mooncake (insulated bag + ice packs)
• Medium-term (1 week+): Chóngmíng Cake vacuum packs, Pine Cake tin boxes
• High-end Gifts: Harbin Food Factory gift boxes, First Food Store combo sets

IV. Conclusion: Taste the Soul of Shanghai

A stroll with pastries in hand along the Bund at sunset is the ultimate Shanghai experience. Crumbs catch the golden light, and each bite tells a story—sweet, savory, and deeply Shanghainese.

Next time someone asks, “What to eat in Shanghai?” share this guide: “First, try a Butterfly Crisp. Then, let the city unfold.” Discover more of Shanghai’s best eats on our Shanghai Local Food Trails.