Staying at Vienna International Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport Free Trade Zone)—located at No. 566 Shiwan 6th Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China—means you’re nestled in a quiet, business-oriented district near Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). While the hotel’s on-site restaurant offers a reliable and comfortable dining experience with its international breakfast buffet and à la carte Chinese-Western fusion menu, many guests naturally wonder: “Where can I find authentic local food nearby—especially if I don’t speak Mandarin?”
Good news: within just 1–2 kilometers of the hotel, you’ll discover a growing cluster of safe, clean, and increasingly English-friendly eateries that cater to both local workers and international travelers. Whether you’ve just landed from a red-eye flight or want to savor real Shanghainese cuisine like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and hongshao rou (braised pork belly), this guide reveals the best nearby options—complete with practical tips for ordering, navigating, and enjoying every bite.
🥟 1. Must-Try Shanghainese Dishes & Where to Find Them Nearby
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
- What it is: Steamed buns filled with hot, savory broth and minced pork—eat carefully to avoid spills!
- Where to go:
Din Tai Fung (Shanghai IFC Mall, Lujiazui) – While not within walking distance (15-min Didi ride), this Michelin-recommended chain offers English menus, consistent quality, and open kitchens where you can watch chefs pleat each dumpling by hand.
Local Alternative: Jia Jia Tang Bao (Pudong Branch) – A beloved local chain with a branch near Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park (~12 min by car). Less English signage but worth it for the juicy, affordable dumplings (¥20–30 for 10 pieces).
Hongshao Rou (Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly)
- What it is: Meltingly tender pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and wine until glossy and rich.
- Where to go:
Lao Zheng Xing (Pudong Outlets) – One of Shanghai’s oldest restaurants (est. 1862), with a Pudong branch offering classic Shanghainese banquet dishes. Staff may speak basic English; point to photos on the menu or ask your hotel concierge to write the dish name in Chinese: 红烧肉.
Shengjian Mantou (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
- Crispy-bottomed, soup-filled buns—perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Try Yang’s Fry-Dumplings (multiple Pudong locations), including one near Guanglan Road Metro Station (~10 min by taxi).
🍜 2. Safe, Clean & English-Friendly Restaurants Within 1–2 km
While the immediate area around the hotel is primarily industrial, several trusted dining spots have emerged to serve expats, airport staff, and business travelers:
A. Shanghai Impression (Shanghai Ben Bang Cai) – 1.2 km
- Cuisine: Authentic Shanghainese
- Why go: Clean, air-conditioned space with picture menus and staff familiar with foreign guests. Must-orders: drunken chicken, sweet-and-sour spare ribs, and crab roe tofu.
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tip: Ask the front desk to call ahead—they can often request an English-speaking server.
B. Noodle Story – 800 m
- Cuisine: Northern Chinese noodles & dumplings
- Why go: Simple, fast, and hygienic. Offers beef noodle soup, pork dumplings, and scallion pancakes. Menu includes English translations. Open until 11:00 PM—ideal for late arrivals.
C. Pizza Marzano (Pudong Airport City Center) – 1.8 km
- Cuisine: Italian (with Chinese adaptations)
- Why go: Reliable Western comfort food with English-speaking staff, free Wi-Fi, and a relaxed atmosphere. Great if you’re craving pizza, pasta, or a salad after days of rice and noodles.
D. FamilyMart & Lawson Convenience Stores – Within 500 m
- Not restaurants, but lifesavers for late-night arrivals. Stock up on onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, hot tea, and instant noodles—all safe, sealed, and ready to eat.
🌙 3. Late-Night Food Options After International Flights
Landing at PVG at 11:00 PM? Don’t worry—Shanghai never fully sleeps, and several options remain open:
- Didi to Lao Shanghai Noodles (Pudong) – Open until 1:00 AM, serving scallion oil noodles and braised egg & tofu.
- 24-Hour KFC or McDonald’s – Located near Pudong Airport Terminal 2 (10-min drive). Familiar, safe, and always open.
- Hotel Room Service – While limited, the hotel can arrange simple late-night meals (e.g., congee, fried rice) with advance notice—just call the front desk.
💡 Pro Tip: Save the Chinese address of your preferred restaurant in your phone:
上海本帮菜 (Shanghainese cuisine)
小笼包 (xiaolongbao)
红烧肉 (hongshao rou)
🗺️ How to Get to These Restaurants
- Walking: Limited due to industrial zoning—only recommended for Noodle Story or convenience stores.
- Didi/Taxi: Most efficient. Show the driver: “施湾六路566号 到 [Restaurant Name]”.
- Hotel Assistance: The 24/7 front desk can call a restaurant, book a Didi, or even print a map with Chinese directions.
🥢 Final Tips for Dining Confidently in Pudong
- Use translation apps: Google Translate (with camera function) or Pleco can scan Chinese menus.
- Look for hygiene ratings: Restaurants in Shanghai display smiley-face ratings (green = excellent).
- Ask your hotel: Staff at Vienna International Hotel are happy to recommend, call, or even accompany you to a nearby eatery.
You don’t need to be in downtown Shanghai to taste its soul.
From steaming baskets of xiaolongbao to comforting bowls of noodles under neon lights, authentic—and accessible—flavors await just minutes from your room at Vienna International Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport Free Trade Zone).
Let your taste buds explore Shanghai, one delicious bite at a time. 🥢✨