Shanghai rolls out Americas Flavor Season with citywide promotions

​Wellington Olives de Melo, executive chef at Latina Brazilian Steakhouse, prepares Brazilian barbecue on site. [Photo by Xu Feiyi/International Services Shanghai]

Shanghai launched the Global Taste in Shanghai Americas Flavor Season on April 2, kicking off a series of themed culinary events, promotional campaigns, and consumption initiatives across the city.

The launch transformed Wujiang Road in Jing'an district into an immersive Americas-themed space, featuring food stalls, performances, and visual displays. Representatives from five restaurants, including Latina Brazilian Steakhouse, presented signature dishes that showcased regional culinary traditions.

Wellington Olives de Melo, executive chef at Latina Brazilian Steakhouse, said the restaurant aims to present authentic Brazilian flavors during the season, as Shanghai residents grow increasingly familiar with cuisines from the Americas and show rising interest in exploring different cultures through food.

At the event, Meituan introduced the Global Gourmet Guide — Americas Flavor, featuring curated dining routes organized by monthly themes, including five Brazil-themed routes in April. The program also brings together more than 50 merchants across Shanghai, offering over 80 Global Gourmet Selection set menus.

A range of companies have also introduced integrated consumption scenarios to enhance the overall experience.

Jin Jiang International Holdings Co Ltd has launched hotel dining packages combined with themed city experiences such as aquariums and greenhouse gardens, while the China UnionPay app offers discount coupons covering nearly 500 restaurants, and the Nihao China app offers exclusive promotions for international visitors. China Eastern Airlines has incorporated related benefits to its Shanghai Pass card, linking travel and dining experiences.

During the Americas Flavor Season, districts across the city will roll out themed events and promotional activities under three monthly themes focusing on Brazilian, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines.

Major commercial areas and dining hubs, including Shanghai Expo Culture Park, New Bund Red Lane, and BFC Bund Finance Center, are set to host related activities, forming a citywide network of themed consumption scenarios.

Jing'an district, the main venue of the season, will introduce a series of promotional events linked to major sports and cultural occasions. A carnival-style market will be held from April 24 to 26 along Wujiang Road and Fengsheng Li, while dining vouchers worth 2 million yuan ($290,654) will be distributed in four rounds through the Meituan and Dianping apps. Additional themed events will follow in May and June.

Notably, the initiative builds on the growing presence of international restaurant brands in the city. In the first two months of 2026, Shanghai welcomed 15 new global restaurants, including Michelin-listed Spanish restaurant Aleia, Turkiye's Mado, and Le Cafe Louis Vuitton.

The launch was jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and the Jing'an district government.