Century Plaza Food Court

Century Plaza Food Court offers weary traveling families a convenient dining solution in the heart of Shanghai's futuristic Lujiazui district. With multiple cuisine stations under one roof, picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike can find something appealing, making mealtime stress-free after a day exploring the nearby Oriental Pearl Tower and waterfront.

• ✓Multiple Asian cuisine options including noodles, dumplings, rice dishes, and familiar options like fried chicken
• ✓Casual, self-service format allows families to eat at their own pace without formal table service pressure
• ✓Centrally located in Lujiazui near major attractions like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center
• ✓Air-conditioned indoor space provides welcome relief during hot, humid Shanghai summers
• ✓Child-friendly menu items available alongside more adventurous local specialties

1. 1.Download a translation app before visiting as English signage may be limited. Take photos of dishes you want to order to show vendors.
2. 2.Arrive before noon or after 1:30pm on weekdays to avoid the intense lunch rush when local office workers flood the food court.
3. 3.Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer as Western-style restroom facilities may vary in standards from what you're accustomed to.
4. 4.Let kids try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from a vendor here as it's a Shanghai specialty, but warn them about the hot soup inside.
5. 5.Keep small bills (10 and 20 yuan notes) handy as many vendors prefer cash, though mobile payment like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted.

Visit during off-peak hours, between 2pm and 5pm on weekdays, when the crowds thin out and you'll have easier access to seating and shorter lines at popular stalls. Weekends can be busy throughout the day.

Most food stalls accept cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay), which may require a Chinese bank account to set up, so have yuan currency ready. The casual setting means families can relax about noise and mess, perfect for jet-lagged children adjusting to new time zones.

Open year-round. The air-conditioned indoor space makes it particularly appealing during Shanghai's sweltering summer months (June through September) and a warm refuge during chilly winters (December through February).