Food In Hangzhou Botanical Garden

Food History of Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Hangzhou, China

While the Hangzhou Botanical Garden itself is primarily known for its plant collection and scenic beauty, the city of Hangzhou has a rich gastronomic history that intertwines with its gardens and natural landscapes. The local cuisine, referred to as Hangzhou or Zhejiang cuisine, is one of the eight culinary traditions of China and is characterized by its light flavors, use of fresh ingredients, and intricate preparation. The food often features aquatic delicacies from the nearby West Lake and the fertile lands provide a bounty of produce, which is reflected in the vegetarian dishes available in the region.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hangzhou

Here are 10 dishes that any visitor to the Botanical Garden should consider trying, keeping in mind that not all these dishes may be available within the Garden's vicinity, but can be found in city's eateries.

1. Dongpo Pork - Non-Veg: A slow-braised pork dish, redolent with the aromas of bamboo shoots, that melts in your mouth.
2. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy - Non-Veg: Freshwater fish from West Lake prepared in a sweet and sour vinegar sauce.
3. Beggar's Chicken - Non-Veg: A whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay-baked to perfection.
4. Shrimp with Longjing Tea - Non-Veg: A unique mix of fresh shrimp cooked with the famous Longjing tea leaves.
5. Song Sao Fish Soup - Non-Veg: A delicate fish soup with a sour and slightly sweet flavor profile.
6. Longjing Shrimp - Non-Veg: Another dish that highlights the iconic Longjing tea, but this time with stir-fried shrimp.
7. Fried Tofu with Soy Sauce - Veg: Tofu cubes fried to a crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft inside served with soy sauce.
8. Stir-Fried Lotus Root - Veg: Sliced lotus root stir-fried with peppers and other vegetables, offering a crunchy and refreshing bite.
9. Crystal Meat - Non-Veg: Pork belly that is cooked until it's transparent, served in a jelly-like form.
10. Vegetarian Beggar's Chicken - Veg: A vegetarian version of Beggar's Chicken using stuffed vegetables or tofu in place of chicken.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hangzhou Botanical Garden with Address and Famous Food

While in the proximity of the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, you may want to venture out into the city to experience some of these renowned dining spots.

1. Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼)
   Address: No.30 Gushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
   Famous Food: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (Non-Veg)
2. Grandma's Home (外婆家)
   Address: Various Locations, including one at Hubin Yintai In77 Shopping Mall close to the West Lake
   Famous Food: Dongpo Pork (Non-Veg), Stir-Fried Lotus Root (Veg)
3. Zhi Wei Guan (知味观)
   Address: Various Locations, including Gushan Road branch not far from Botanical Garden
   Famous Food: Shrimp with Longjing Tea (Non-Veg), Vegetarian Beggar's Chicken (Veg)
4. Green Tea Restaurant (绿茶餐厅)
   Address: No.83 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
   Famous Food: Braised Beef with Bamboo Shoots (Non-Veg), Fried Tofu with Soy Sauce (Veg)
5. Hangzhou Restaurant (杭州饭店)
   Address: No.205 Yan'an Road, Hangzhou
   Famous Food: Beggar's Chicken (Non-Veg)

Please note that Hangzhou is a city that prides itself on its many traditional meat dishes, but vegetarian options are also available, particularly in restaurants that cater to Buddhist clientele or those which are modern and innovative in their approach to food.