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Shanghai is known for its incredible food scene, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said for its airports. Travellers passing through Shanghai's airports, particularly Shanghai Pudong International Airport, have complained about the lack of good dining options. However, if you find yourself hungry during a layover or waiting for a flight, there are still some places to eat and drink inside the airport worth considering. So, what are the best places to eat at Shanghai's airports?
Shanghai Airport Food Options
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Variety of Food Options | Limited good restaurants or bars; mostly American fast food like Burger King, Subway, Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut |
| Food Quality | Embarrassing, unsatisfying, and expensive |
| Recommended Option | Leaving the airport to find food in the city |
| Business Lounges | May offer better food options |
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What You'll Learn
Eateries in Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport offers a wide variety of dining options for travellers. The airport's terminals offer a range of cuisines, including Western, Chinese, Japanese, and halal food options.
For those looking for a quick bite, there are several fast-food options available, including international chains such as Starbucks, McDonald's, and KFC. In addition to these, Bricco Cafe, LA Pasta, and Mutekiya Ramen are also available.
If you're looking for a sit-down dining experience, there are fine-dining restaurants located near the check-in counters and boarding gates. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, including Japanese and Chinese. One traveller recommends the Japanese menu above the check-in counters.
While some travellers suggest that the food at Shanghai's airports is disappointing, Hongqiao Airport is considered to have better options than Pudong International Airport. If you have a long layover and can obtain a transit visa, you may want to explore the city, as there are many excellent dining options in Shanghai.
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Eateries in Shanghai Pudong Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has been criticised for its sparse offering of good restaurants and bars. However, there are some options available to hungry travellers passing through.
If you're looking for a quick bite, there are several fast-food chains to choose from, including Burger King, Subway, Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut. These can be found in Terminals T1, T2, S1, and S2. There is also a Costa Coffee in Terminal 2, near the restricted area of domestic departures, and an FCCAFé DECO in Terminal 1, near the boarding gates.
For those seeking a more substantial meal, there are some Chinese restaurants in the airport, including the Qingji Restaurant. One Reddit user recommends the RMB70 lamian with hot water and pork soul. There are also Japanese options, including a restaurant above the check-in counters, and Mutekiya Ramen in Terminal 2.
If you have time and are able to leave the airport, it is recommended to do so, as you will find a greater variety of dining options outside.
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Fast food options in Shanghai Airport
Shanghai has two airports, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Both airports offer a variety of fast-food options for travellers.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
At Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, you can find a mix of Western and Chinese fast-food options. Some of the popular choices include:
- McDonald's: The famous fast-food chain is known for its burgers, fries, and desserts.
- KFC: KFC is another well-known option for fried chicken and sides.
- Starbucks: Starbucks offers coffee, tea, and light snacks.
- Bricco Cafe: A cafe with a range of beverages and light meals.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport also has a variety of fast-food choices, including:
- McDonald's: McDonald's is a convenient option for burgers, fries, and desserts.
- KFC: KFC offers a quick bite with their chicken meals and sides.
- Starbucks: Starbucks is a familiar option for coffee, tea, and pastries.
- Subway: Subway provides customisable sandwiches and salads with health-conscious options.
- Burger King: Burger King is another popular burger chain for a quick meal.
While the airports offer a range of fast-food options, some travellers suggest that the food outside the airports in Shanghai is generally better and offers a wider variety of choices.
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$4.23 $4.73
Local Chinese food in Shanghai Airport
Shanghai has a great food scene, but unfortunately, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is not known for its culinary delights. Travellers have described the food options as "beyond embarrassing" and claimed that they don't eat at the airport except when [in a] starving situation".
However, if you are looking for local Chinese food at the airport, there are some options available. One Reddit user recommends the Chinese restaurants at Shanghai Pudong Airport, which offer localized menus from restaurants like McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, and Pizza Hut. These restaurants may only exist in Pudong Airport due to well-connected owners. The RMB70 lamian with hot water and pork soul is said to be pretty good.
If you have a longer layover of around 6 hours, it might be worth leaving the airport to explore the city's better food options. You can get a transit visa and explore the area outside the airport, which offers a much wider variety of choices. One suggestion is to eat at Qibao Laojia and then make your way to Hongqiao, which is said to be underrated for its food options.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) also offers a wider variety of food options in Terminal T1 and Terminal 2, including Chinese food alongside Western, Japanese, halal, and fast-food options.
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Business lounges in Shanghai Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has several lounges in Terminal 1 that economy class travellers can access by purchasing a day pass, annual membership, or paying at the door. However, some online reviews suggest that the lounges may not be worth the cost, as there is adequate seating outside the lounges, and the food options nearby may be better than the food within the lounges.
One traveller recommends the Emirates lounge in Terminal 1, noting that it might be better than the large China Eastern lounge, which reportedly has plenty of chairs but grubby food. The same reviewer suggests searching xiaohongshu, bilibili, or Weibo for trip reports from Chinese spotters, which can provide a better idea of the lounge facilities and amenities.
If you have a long layover, another option is the Airport Hotel Shanghai, but this may be pricey.
Unfortunately, I could not find specific details on the business lounges in Shanghai Pudong Airport, but as mentioned, economy class travellers can access lounges with a day pass or other payment options.
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Frequently asked questions
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has a sparse selection of good restaurants, but there are still some options available. These include Starbucks, Burger King, Subway, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Costa.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport offers a variety of food options, including Western, Chinese, Japanese, halal, and fast food. Some specific restaurants include Bricco Cafe, LA Pasta, and Mutekiya Ramen.
If you have a long layover and are able to leave the airport, there are many more food options available outside. One recommendation is Qibao Laojia, which is located near Hongqiao Airport.
