Shanghai Food Trio: Lamb Skewers, Haidilao, Heytea in One Trip

When friends ask what to eat in Shanghai—or what belongs on a Shanghai food guide—I give them the same three names: lamb skewers at 很久以前, Haidilao for hot pot, and Heytea for cheese foam tea. They’re the trio that keeps coming up on social media and in travel guides—not because they’re the only good options, but because they’re distinct, easy to plan, and deliver. I’ve done all three in one day (once) and staggered over two or three days (usually). This guide explains what each one is, how to book and order, and how to fit them into a Shanghai trip.

Last Updated: March 2026

The Trio in a Nutshell

Lamb skewers (很久以前羊肉串) — Inner Mongolian Hulunbuir lamb, conveyor-belt table grill, free milk ice cream. About ¥125 per person. Book via WeChat mini-program “很久以前羊肉串”; without a reservation wait can be 40 minutes to 3 hours. Best slot: around 5 PM.

Haidilao (海底捞) — Hot pot with over-the-top service: free fruit and sometimes manicures while you wait, noodle performance at the table, phone pouches, glasses cleaning. About ¥140–200 per person. Book via Haidilao app (English) or WeChat “海底捞.”

Heytea (喜茶) — Cheese foam tea and fruit tea; the drink that started the trend. About ¥29–40 per drink. No reservation; order ahead via WeChat “喜茶GO” to skip the line. Full details in our dedicated lamb skewers, Haidilao, and Heytea guides.

Doing All Three in One Day (If You Really Want To)

It’s possible but filling. A workable sequence: afternoon Heytea (e.g. French Concession or near your sightseeing), early dinner at 很久以前 (book 6 PM), then late-night Haidilao (e.g. 10 PM when waits are short). Budget roughly ¥35 + ¥125 + ¥150 ≈ ¥310 (about $45). Many people prefer spreading them: one day Heytea + lamb skewers, another day Haidilao, or Heytea as a drink across several days. You’ll need WeChat Pay or Alipay for reservations and payment; see our payment guides if you haven’t set that up.

Reservations and Practical Tips

Heytea: no reservation; use the mini-program to order ahead and pick up. Haidilao: book via app or WeChat to avoid 30–120 minute waits. Lamb skewers: booking is almost essential, especially on weekends; 5 PM slots often walk right in.

English: Haidilao has English in the app and often in-branch; lamb skewers and Heytea rely on photo menus and the Chinese names in our guides. Vegetarian: Haidilao is very veg-friendly (mushroom broth, lots of vegetables); lamb skewers are meat-focused; Heytea has many vegetarian drinks. For another Shanghai classic that fits into a day of eating, add xiaolongbao at Lai Lai or Jia Jia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do all three in one day?
Yes, but you’ll be very full. Most people do Heytea plus one of the two meals per day and save the other for another day.

Do I need reservations?
Heytea: no. Haidilao: strongly recommended. Lamb skewers: essential on weekends and busy nights.

Are there English menus?
Haidilao: yes in many branches and in the app. Lamb skewers and Heytea: photo menus; use our guides for Chinese names.

What about vegetarians?
Haidilao works well (mushroom broth, vegetables). Lamb skewers are limited. Heytea has many vegetarian drinks.

What are the best Shanghai must-try foods for a short trip?
Lamb skewers, Haidilao, and Heytea—the trio in this guide—are the ones visitors ask about most. Add xiaolongbao for a fuller Shanghai food day.

Conclusion

The Shanghai food trio—lamb skewers, Haidilao, Heytea—is a practical way to hit three different experiences that visitors actually love. Book lamb skewers and Haidilao when you can, order Heytea ahead to skip the queue, and spread them over two or three days so you can enjoy each one. Have WeChat Pay or Alipay ready, and for more depth on each place our lamb skewers, Haidilao, and Heytea guides have the full details.

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