A century-old noodle joint in downtown Shanghai has transformed into a global culinary landmark following a visit from Hollywood stars Tom Holland and Zendaya. Promoting their latest film Spider-Man: Brand New Day in Shanghai, the couple visited the iconic Wei Xiang Zhai twice on Yandang Road in Huangpu District, praising its signature $2 bowl of sesame paste noodles. Dubbed “Spider-Man noodles,” the dish quickly went viral across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, drawing long lines of international tourists to the 37-square-meter bistro. Crafted with custom-milled alkaline-rich noodles and a delicate blend of peanut and sesame paste, the time-honored recipe offers global guests an authentic taste of traditional Shanghai cuisine.
Driven by expanded visa-free entry policies, international food bloggers, and viral social media trends, Shanghai’s unassuming sidewalk eateries are rapidly becoming world-famous cultural ambassadors. Beyond Wei Xiang Zhai, Wu You Xian—a local spot renowned for its crab roe xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)—retained its status in 2026 as Shanghai’s first Michelin-starred dumpling shop. Celebrated as the most affordable Michelin-starred location in town, the shop now sees 80 percent of its daily customers arriving from overseas. Equipped with translation devices and multilingual service, these local establishments are making authentic regional flavors seamlessly accessible to global travelers.
As Shanghai consolidates its position as a top-tier destination for international arrivals, its rich street-food scene offers a compelling gateway to local heritage and daily life. For overseas tourists planning their China travel itineraries, dining shoulder-to-shoulder in historic neighborhoods provides an immersive, memorable experience that goes far beyond standard sightseeing. By blending pop-culture buzz with time-honored culinary craftsmanship, Shanghai’s vibrant food culture continues to draw world diners into the city's rich gastronomic web.
Culinary Highlights & Visitor Guide:
Wei Xiang Zhai (味香斋): Located on Yandang Road, Huangpu District; famous for its “Spider-Man” signature sesame paste noodles and soy-simmered pork chops.
Wu You Xian (屋有鲜): Famous for authentic crab roe xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and recognized as Shanghai’s most affordable Michelin-starred venue.
Travel Experience: Easy English ordering via handheld translation devices, multilingual menus, and seamless integration with viral social media food tours.