Shanghai's Best 50 Bowls of Noodles

Happiness comes in all shapes and sizes, very often that shape is a bowl, with noodiles inside it. Here are some of the best bowls around the city to help tingle your taste buds and bring you everlasting happiness.

JAPANESE RAMEN

Ramen David

How Much: RMB 65

Address: Room 235, LG2, iapm, 999 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District

Actor David’s very own Ramen shop, the actor turned to the food and beverage business following rave reviews for his ramen 16 years back. Take a bite of the ramen and be blown away by the full Japanese flavor.

Ippudo

How Much: RMB 65

Address: Room 235, LG2, iapm, 999 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District

Housing an array of 15 different types of pig parts, the milky white broth warms up any winter day and tastes authentically Japanese.

Menya Musashi

How Much: RMB 60

Address: B1-14, B1/F, Raffles City Shanghai, 268 Xizang Middle Road, Huangpu District

Apart from the traditional ramen, the shop also sells saucy white version. What it actually is- noodles and soup are separately served and when eating, simply dip the noodles into the soup and have it along with their huge slices of char sinew.

Ramen Shop

How Much: RMB 70

Address: 27 Shanxi Nan Lu, Luwan District

With just a 1-page menu, go try out Ramen Shop’s Black Jade Tokyo Ramen that is made from black rice and topped with charred sinew and eggs.

Tunjing Stretched Noodles

How Much: RMB 60

Address: 224 Gubei Lu, Changning District

One of the most popular noodles in Tokyo, Tunjing’s noodles are a combination of soup and a dry version. Holding its firm belief in only serving handmade food, the restaurant spends up to 4-5 hours to cook its premium pork broth that lays the foundation to its impeccable dish.

Jizhou Tuangu Jiangyou Japanese Noodles

How Much: RMB 60

Address: 224 Gubei Lu, Changning District

Similar flavors to Japanese ramen, the shop is often graced by Japanese during supper time. Nicely flavoured, with noodles that have the right amount of springiness, get an extra portion of noodles for just 12 RMB and receive a complementary bowl of char sinew. 

YELLOW CROAKER NOODLES

Wei Wei Du Du Xiao Guan

How Much: RMB 30

Address: L519, The Place Hongqiao, 100 Zun Yi Lu, Changning District

Cooked with pickles, the noodles bring back home cooked vibes and fond childhood memories for most locals.

Ming Cheng Huang Yu Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 45

Address: L519, The Place Hongqiao, 100 Zun Yi Lu, Changning District

Famous not for the food but the boss’ temperament, expect to hear explicit words thrown around whilst having a bowl of good yellow croaker noodles that are oh so satisfying.

Ding Te Ge Lei Porridge and Noodle House

How Much: RMB 45

Address: L519, The Place Hongqiao, 100 Zun Yi Lu, Changning District

Have the RMB 18 yellow croaker noodles or upgrade to the RMB 32 version that comes with pickles. Firm and fresh, have a bite of the fish and you know you’re in for a good treat.

Hanshe-Xiaoya 

How Much: RMB 45

Address: L519, The Place Hongqiao, 100 Zun Yi Lu, Changning District 

Specially formulated yellow croaker noodles consist of a slow-cooked broth, fried pickles and handmade noodles. If that is not enough, each table also has 4 different types of condiments (aromatic small onions, beef sauce, crispy fried garlic and the store’s very own hot sauce) to choose from.

A Niang Mian

How Much: RMB 30

Address: 36 Si Nan Lu, Luwan District

Making a comeback in the local dining scene, the yellow croaker noodles have zero fishy taste and a sweet and salty bite that makes every Shanghainese reminisce of the old good noodles made by A Niang herself. 

BEEF NOODLES

Shou Zuo Yi Gen Mian

How Much: RMB 50

Address: 287 Jiujiang Lu, Huangpu District

Featuring the Shaanxi cuisine, noodles here mimic the udon noodle flavor, and accompanied with their broth, authentic Shaanxi vinegar and huge chunks of beef, this is definitely comfort food material.

Lao Lang Te Se Niu Rou Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 628 Yan Chang Xi Lu, Putuo District

Curry-flavored braised beef is definitely for the big eaters. Their large handful of springy noodles and chunks of meat is more than sufficient for the regular noodle eater.

Moian Noodles

How Much: RMB 50

Address: 421 Tai Gu Lu, Jingan District

There are many options when it comes to choosing your noodles at Moian. From thick to thin, we feel that the best one has to be the half gluten, half meat beef noodles. Tender, yet springy beef and a good beef broth, it is no wonder this is a standout. 

Hong Shi Fu Niu Rou Mian

How Much: RMB 50

Address: 287 Jiujiang Lu, Huangpu District

First known for its 3.5kg Noodle Challenge, no one succeeded in conquering the challenge but everyone grew to love this Taiwanese store’s beef noodles. 

Taipei Qi Tiao Tong Beef Noodles

How Much: RMB 40

Address: 14-20 Cang Wu Lu, Xuhui District

Their signature Three Treasure Noodles is made of well marinated beef, beef tenderloins, and noodles that have soaked up all the soup’s flavor.

Ji Heng Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 65

Address: Room 235, LG2, iapm, 999 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District

Best of the best, Ji Heng noodles are so good because of their flavor-filled broth, chewy noodles and beef. What’s even better is that noodles can be topped up free of charge!

BRAISED MEAT NOODLES

De Xing Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 25

Address: 471 Guang Dong Lu, Huangpu District

Established in 1878 and with more than a century of history, De Xing mastered the art of making its braised meat noodles, and is often regarded as the best in Shanghai.

Hong Rui Xing

How Much: RMB 45

Address: 1/F – 3/F, Shanghai East Asia Sport Hotel, 1500 Zhongshan Nan Er Lu, Xuhui District

Known for its affordable price, long queues await at Hong Rui Xing daily. Many claim that their signature braised meat noodles surpass those made in Suzhou due to the juicy braised meat, tender lean cuts and well-marinated dishes.

SEAFOOD NOODLES

A Xin Noodles

Photo by hm_echo

How Much: RMB 110

Address: 235 Zhao Zhou Lu

Served with a thick layer of crab roe on top, each bowl of noodles is freshly prepared. The perfect season to eat crab, say goodbye to your diet and indulge in this decadent bowl of noodles today.

Shi Mian Huan Teng

How Much: RMB 60

Address: 795 Dingxi Lu, Changning District | 325 Changle Lu, Luwan District

In both soup and dry options, expect a generous serving of seafood like crab and fish, as well as a whole crab. Hoping to give diners a quality au natural meal, the dish is lightly flavored and crabs are air flown in from Sri Lanka and Indonesia throughout the year. 

A Li Jia De Mian

How Much: RMB 60

Address: 394 Zao Yang Lu, Putuo District

The unique arctic crayfish noodles comes with 2 crayfish and 6 slices of hoof stew meat. Cooking their soup for over 10 hours, the rich bone broth has an aromatic sweet prawn and Japanese-Chinese fusion flavor.

SPICY MEAT NOODLES

Xinle Mian Guan

Photo by jjbao8888

How Much: RMB 40

Address: 120 Jin Xian Lu

Swapping meat bits with meat strips, Xinle’s tasty bowl of spicy meat noodles is served with vegetables and green onions.

Mu Ma Mian Dao

Photo by heeki0320

How Much: RMB 30

Address: 1/F, Masses Hebin Hotel Apartment, 888 Changshou Lu

Rich soup base with spicy meat, noodles at Mu Ma come in a hefty portion and are slightly spicy with a tinge of sweetness.

220 Spicy Meat Noodles

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 2-1 Song Hua Jiang Lu, Yangpu District

Lovers of spicy meat noodles would have heard of the brand 220. The springy noodles and minced meat comes with tofu that has been well-marinated in the soup and a huge spoonful of chilli oil.

Lao Wei Dao Spicy Meat Noodles

How Much: RMB 15

Address: 810 He Jian Lu, Yangpu District

Serving up traditional spicy meat noodles, the flavor-rich bowl is made up of non-oily noodles and flavorful meat bits.

Chun He Mian Guan

Photo by suezoe

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 1081 Chang De Lu, Jingan District

With the curry soup base made out of cow bones, and the meat all so tender, it’s no wonder many queue up daily for a bowl of noodles at Chun He. Add as much chilli oil, minced meat and salted vegetables as you like. If you’re feeling particularly hungry that day, try their huge serving of pork cutlet as well.

Xiang He Mian Guan

Photo by 桃子果酱

How Much: RMB 15

Address: No. 1 1235 Ding Xi Lu, Changning District

Small in size but huge in flavor, Xianghe is known to be the best noodle shop in Changning. Its famous spicy meat noodle is  big, spicy and tasty, tempting even the most restrained diners want to gobble it all down in an instant.

Wei Xiang Zhai

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 14 Yan Dang Lu

Apart from its undisputedly good sesame paste, the classic flavors of Wei Xiang Zhai will blast you back into a bygone era of old Shanghai.

Yi Mian Chunfeng

How Much: RMB 40

Address: 26 Wuxing Lu, Xuhui District

A combination of all things delicious – toppings, noodles and soup, Yi Mian’s noodles boast a rich chicken and mushroom soup base, nicely made and cooked noodles and perfectly prepared meat.

SCALLION NOODLES

Lao Jie Xiao Shi

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 504 Tian Jin Lu

Just the right amount of oiliness with a sweet and salty flavor, there is no reason not to try the 8 RMB bowl of scallion noodles.

Nong Tang Xiao Hun Dun

How Much: RMB 10

Address: 714 Wei Hai Lu, Jingan District

Priced at 4 RMB per bowl, the scallion noodles at Nong Tang is a cheap and great meal alternative for those in the Jingan District.

Lao Di Fang

How Much: RMB 15

Address: 233 Xiang Yang Nan Lu, Xuhui District

Despite only seating 20, the popular Lao Di Fang sells extremely delicious Scallion noodles and juicy pork cutlets. Whatever weird request you have, the lady boss here remembers it in one saying and does it every time afterwards. 

Shun De Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 15

Address: 575 Guangdong Lu, Huangpu District

Attracting large crowds of fans, do not be fooled by the deep colored noodles as the dish is lightly flavored. Pay 6 RMB for the meal and get a complementary bowl of rib soup.

Jianguo 328

How Much: RMB 25

Address: 175 Anshun Lu, Changning District

Aromatic and well-infused flavors, the signature scallion noodles come in a large serving and mix them just before they cool down and stick together. Just a tip, make a reservation before dropping by to avoid any disappointment.

Cang Lang Ting

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 66 Lao Chong Qing Middle Road, Luwan District

Old favorite Cang Lang Ting emulates the flavors of old Shanghai, with its slightly hard texture and crispy aromatic fried onions. Even non-onion lovers are also fans of this dish.

LARGE INTESTINES NOODLES

Lao Tao Lu Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 30

Address: 1448 Xie Tu Lu

Not your typical noodle house, the noodles and toppings are served separately here. Upon serving, pour the toppings into the clear soup and let your nose take you away as the broth instantly turns aromatic and tasty.

Xia Wan Mian Ji Ni Chi

How Much: RMB 25

Address: 67 Guan Shan Lu

Improvisation of the typical large intestine noodles, noodles here are beloved by young and old alike, probably a result of their well-marinated large intestines and spot-on soup.

Da Yan Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 105 Lu Ban Road, Luwan District

What once started out selling buns, has now expanded its business to noodles. A seemingly easy dish, the large intestine noodles are made from 10 different types of vegetables to create a fresh and flavorful sauce, and the large intestine is cooked just right to create its chewy, juicy texture.

Da Chang Mian

How Much: RMB 25

Address: 59 Fuxing Zhong Lu, Luwan District

It is no surprise that the best seller at Da Chang Mian (large intestine noodles in Chinese) is large intestine noodles itself. At the store, quality noodles used ensure that noodles will not turn soggy when mixed with sauces and other toppings. 

Bao Tai Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 15

Address: 332 Xie Tu Lu, Luwan District

One of the four biggest noodle shops in Luwan, noodles here call for freshly cooked tender chicken, a hearty broth and freshly made sauce. What’s even better is that noodles can be topped up at no extra cost.

Peng Fu Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 15

Address: 332 Xie Tu Lu, Luwan District

This spot began with a noodle chef who decided to open 2 noodle stores Luwan, one called “Da Yan” and another called “Peng Fu”. Bringing traditionally made noodles to its diners, business prospered. And today, Peng Fu is renowned for its large intestine noodles which include ingredients like diced chicken, pig liver and more. 

King Kong Dumpling & Noodles

How Much: RMB 40

Address: 11-001, 207 Meng Zi Lu

Of King Kong stature, these noodles consists of large intestines, pig waist and liver with a large dose of sauce and noodles. Satisfyingly good, the bowl is well worth its price tag of RMB 50.

PIG LIVER NOODLES

Shi Mian Ba Fang

Photo by Cathy.Qi

How Much: RMB 50

Address: 101-3, Wanda Golden Street East Area, No. 2 1000 Yi Er Ba Ji Nian Lu 

Swapping out the regular pig liver soup with seafood soup, try their unique combination of pig liver and seafood  soup, and perhaps you’ll find a new favorite combination. 

Fu Hai Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 25

Address: 285 Yang Qu Lu, Zhabei District

One of the most authentic noodles in Gupu, all the toppings for its red soup are freshly cooked in-house and their speciality pig liver soup is well cleaned with a sweet and fresh broth. Join the queue if you are planning to drop by in the afternoon as the restaurant normally has an incredibly long line during the lunch hour. 

Xiao Guan Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 20

Address: 1230 Qu Xi Lu, Luwan District

Featuring Shanghai’s classic, Xiao Guan Mian Guan retains the flavors of old Luwan district with its home-cooked pig liver and spicy toppings that goes perfectly well with its red soup and tender pig liver.

FROG NOODLES

Lao Zai Zai Shi Fu

How Much: RMB 30

Address: No. 3 187 Bei Zhong Lu

Choose between the pepper or rich broth flavor and be blown away by the richness and the A-class customer service.

Ha Ling Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 25

Address: 8 Guangxi Nan Lu, Huangpu District

Full on flavor, visuals and fragrance, each bowl of Ha Ling noodles comes with 2-3 frogs and green chillis. Each serving is definitely enough to feed 2 people.

Fu Gui Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 25

Address: 175 Anshun Lu, Changning District

Their signature frog noodles have tender, fleshy meat, and their slightly spicy flavor packs the right punch. A clear broth, eat your fill of frogs for just RMB 26.

Zhi Wei Mian Guan

How Much: RMB 30

Address: L519, The Place Hongqiao, 100 Zun Yi Lu, Changning District

Clean and simply decorated, the frog noodle soup is incredibly fresh and does not leave a dry after taste.

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