Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tours: Complete Preview Guide & Discount Code 2025
We're about to embark on one of Shanghai's most highly-rated food experiences, and we couldn't be more excited. During our upcoming China trip using the 240-hour transit visa, we've booked both of Lost Plate's signature Shanghai food tours. While our complete review will come after we experience these tours firsthand, we wanted to share everything we know about these incredible culinary adventures - plus how you can save money on your own booking.
Save $5 on your Lost Plate food tour with our exclusive discount code ADAMANDLINDS - just enter it during checkout for instant savings on any Shanghai tour.
Why We Chose Lost Plate Food Tours for Shanghai
Shanghai represents one of the world's most dynamic food scenes, where traditional Shanghainese cuisine meets international influences in ways you won't find anywhere else. After researching dozens of food tour companies, Lost Plate stood out for several compelling reasons.
Their small group sizes (maximum 12 people for evening tours, 10 for morning tours) ensure personalized attention and authentic local experiences. Unlike mass-market tours that hit tourist traps, Lost Plate focuses on hidden gems known only to locals - the kind of places our family seeks out when exploring new destinations.
Most importantly for traveling families, they accommodate various dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. As worldschooling parents, we appreciate tour operators who understand that food restrictions shouldn't limit cultural exploration.
The Two Shanghai Food Tours We're Taking
Shanghai Evening Food Tour ($69 Adults, $55 Children)
When: Daily at 6:30 PM
Duration: 3.5 hours
Distance: Approximately 2km walking
Group Size: 2-12 people maximum
This evening adventure explores the hidden culinary treasures of Shanghai's French Concession. The tour premise fascinates us: in 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers, creating a unique fusion cuisine that most visitors never discover. We'll taste at least 10 different dishes across four sit-down restaurants plus one craft beer bar.
What We're Most Excited to Try
Shanghai's Famous Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao): We'll learn to distinguish truly exceptional soup dumplings from the merely good ones at a local joint that rivals Michelin-recommended tourist restaurants. As a family that's eaten our way across Asia, we're curious how Shanghai's version compares to what we've experienced in other regions.
Classic Shanghainese Pork Belly: This signature dish requires an entire day of preparation, and we're eager to understand why it's so revered. The description alone has us anticipating this stop.
Hidden Local Restaurants: The tour visits establishments known only to those "in the know" - exactly the type of authentic experiences we seek while traveling with our daughters.
Shanghai's Sweet Secret: A neighborhood dessert shop crafting fresh treats without shortcuts sounds like the perfect way to end an evening of culinary exploration.
Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour ($59 Adults, $45 Children)
When: Daily at 8:30 AM
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 1.25 miles (2km) walking
Group Size: 2-10 people maximum
Shanghai boasts one of the world's highest ratios of coffee shops per capita, leading China's artisanal coffee revolution. This morning tour explores the French Concession's evolving coffee culture alongside traditional breakfast foods.
Morning Highlights We're Anticipating
Scallion Pancakes from a 16-Year Neighborhood Institution: A family business where the day starts at 3 AM to create perfectly layered, fried dough with scallions. This dedication to craft resonates with our appreciation for authentic local experiences.
Coffee with Fermented Rice: This cutting-edge cafe creates seasonal blends using traditional ingredients. Their signature drink (named after a rescued dog!) represents Shanghai's modern coffee innovation.
Street-Fried Fish Tradition: Deeply rooted in Shanghainese culture, this celebration food involves daily fish delivery from a nearby island, then fresh preparation when ordered.
Over 100 Menu Items: One stop offers soup dumplings, potstickers, and tofu pudding among dozens of other options. The Suzhou-style soup dumplings are apparently larger and thicker than Shanghai's classic style.
How to Book Your Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour
The booking process is straightforward, and using our discount code ADAMANDLINDS saves you $5 on any tour:
- Visit the Lost Plate website and select your preferred tour date
- Add your chosen tour to cart
- Answer dietary restriction questions during checkout
- Enter discount code ADAMANDLINDS in the "discount or promo code" field
- Proceed to checkout and enter payment information
- Receive confirmation email with detailed meeting location
Both tours have flexible cancellation policies - reservations cancelled 24 hours or more before your tour receive full refunds.
What Makes These Tours Perfect for Families
Accommodation of Dietary Restrictions
Lost Plate accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, no nuts, and no spicy preferences. All dietary requests must be communicated during booking, ensuring our daughters' needs are met throughout the experience.
Educational Value
These tours offer incredible worldschooling opportunities. Our girls will learn about Shanghai's international history, traditional cooking methods, cultural significance of various dishes, and modern food innovation. The French Concession's architecture and history provide additional educational context.
Manageable Walking Distances
Both tours involve reasonable walking distances for families - 2km for the evening tour and 1.25 miles for the morning tour. The pace allows for exploration without exhausting young travelers.
Safe, Sit-Down Dining
All restaurants are vetted for safety and quality, addressing a primary concern for families traveling with children in unfamiliar food environments.
Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour Pricing
| Tour | Adult Price | Child Price | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening Food Tour | $69 USD | $55 USD | 3.5 hours | 5 stops |
| Coffee & Breakfast Tour | $59 USD | $45 USD | 3 hours | 6 stops |
Total for our family of 5: $297 USD for evening tour, $247 USD for morning tour - save $10 total with code ADAMANDLINDS.
Meeting Locations and Transportation
Evening Tour: Starts at Jiashan Road Subway Station in the French Concession, ends 10 minutes from South Shaanxi Road Subway Station.
Morning Tour: Begins at Wuding Road Subway Station, concludes 10 minutes from Changping Road Subway Station.
Both locations are easily accessible via Shanghai's excellent subway system, making these tours convenient for travelers staying anywhere in the city.
What's Included in Each Tour
Evening Food Tour Includes
- More than a full meal's worth of food across 4 restaurants
- Local beer and soft drinks
- One craft beer bar experience
- Expert local guide
- Small group experience (maximum 12 people)
Morning Coffee & Breakfast Tour Includes
- Enough food for breakfast and lunch
- Two specialty coffee drinks
- 6 different stops
- Expert local guide
- Small group experience (maximum 10 people)
Why Food Tours Matter for Cultural Understanding
Food tours transcend simple dining - they provide cultural immersion impossible to achieve independently. Shanghai's complex culinary history reflects decades of international influence, local innovation, and traditional preservation. These experiences will help our daughters understand how food connects to history, culture, and community.
As digital nomad families, we've learned that some of our most meaningful travel memories center around shared meals and food discoveries. These Lost Plate tours promise to deliver exactly those types of unforgettable experiences.
Preparing for Our Shanghai Food Adventure
What We're Bringing
- Comfortable walking shoes for 2-3 hours of exploration
- Cameras to document incredible dishes and experiences
- Appetites ready for authentic Shanghainese cuisine
- Open minds for flavors and preparations we've never encountered
What We're Learning Beforehand
- Basic Shanghainese food vocabulary and dining etiquette
- Historical context of Shanghai's French Concession
- Traditional cooking methods we'll observe
- Modern coffee culture development in China
Lost Plate Food Tours: Company Background
Lost Plate specializes in authentic, small-group food experiences across Asia. Their Shanghai tours consistently receive exceptional reviews from travelers seeking genuine local cuisine away from tourist crowds. The company's commitment to supporting local restaurants and preserving culinary traditions aligns with our values as conscious travelers.
Their guides are local food enthusiasts who understand both traditional cuisine and modern innovations. This expertise ensures guests experience Shanghai's food scene through informed, passionate perspectives.
Complete Review Coming Soon
This preview covers everything we know about our upcoming Lost Plate Shanghai food tours based on extensive research and tour descriptions. However, our honest, detailed review will follow after we experience these tours firsthand during our China adventure.
We'll share authentic insights about food quality, guide expertise, group dynamics, family-friendliness, and overall value. Our complete review will help you decide whether these tours deserve a place in your Shanghai itinerary.
Book Your Shanghai Food Adventure Today
Ready to explore Shanghai's incredible food scene? Use our exclusive discount code ADAMANDLINDS to save $5 on either Lost Plate Shanghai tour. Whether you choose the evening exploration of hidden Shanghainese cuisine or the morning coffee and breakfast adventure, you're guaranteed an authentic local experience.
Visit the Lost Plate Shanghai Evening Food Tour or Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour to book your culinary adventure today.
Other Shanghai Travel Resources
Planning your Shanghai visit? Check out our other travel planning resources:
Adam Clarkson
- Holafly China eSIM Guide - Stay connected with unlimited data (use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off)
Adam Clarkson
- ExpressVPN China Setup - Essential for accessing blocked websites in China
Frequently Asked Questions About Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tours
What is the best Lost Plate Shanghai food tour?
Both Lost Plate Shanghai tours offer unique experiences. The evening tour focuses on traditional Shanghainese cuisine and includes more dishes (10+ items), while the morning tour explores Shanghai's innovative coffee culture alongside breakfast foods. Choose based on your interests and schedule.
How do I use the Lost Plate discount code?
Enter code ADAMANDLINDS in the "discount or promo code" field during checkout to save $5 on your Lost Plate Shanghai food tour booking. The discount applies to both evening and morning tour options.
Are Lost Plate tours safe for children?
Yes, Lost Plate Shanghai tours are family-friendly with manageable walking distances and vetted restaurant partners. They accommodate various dietary restrictions and provide safe, sit-down dining experiences suitable for traveling families.
What dietary restrictions can Lost Plate accommodate?
Lost Plate Shanghai tours accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, no nuts, and no spicy dietary preferences. All restrictions must be communicated at booking time to ensure proper preparation.
How long are the Lost Plate Shanghai tours?
The evening food tour lasts 3.5 hours with approximately 2km of walking. The morning coffee and breakfast tour runs 3 hours covering about 1.25 miles. Both tours maintain comfortable paces suitable for most fitness levels.
Where do Lost Plate Shanghai tours meet?
The evening tour starts at Jiashan Road Subway Station, ending near South Shaanxi Road Station. The morning tour begins at Wuding Road Station and concludes near Changping Road Station. Detailed meeting instructions are provided after booking.
Can I cancel my Lost Plate tour if plans change?
Yes, Lost Plate offers full refunds for cancellations made 24 hours or more before your scheduled tour start time. This flexible policy accommodates the unpredictable nature of travel planning.
How many people are in each Lost Plate tour group?
Lost Plate maintains small group sizes for personalized experiences - maximum 12 people for evening tours and 10 people for morning tours. This ensures authentic interactions and individual attention from guides.
This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links and use code ADAMANDLINDS, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our family travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend experiences we're genuinely excited to try ourselves. Our complete review will follow after experiencing these tours firsthand.
