Food In Hangzhou

Hangzhou Cuisine History

The food history of Hangzhou is steeped in the broader culinary traditions of Zhejiang Province, known as Zhe cuisine, one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine. Hangzhou cuisine is noted for its delicate flavors, freshness, and elegant presentation. With the city's proximity to the West Lake, freshwater fish and other local aquatic creatures play a significant role in the diet. Hangzhou has been a cultural and economic center since the ancient Southern Song Dynasty, and its dishes reflect a blend of imperial recipes and local cooking techniques, emphasizing seasonality and the natural taste of ingredients.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Hangzhou

1. Dongpo Pork - A famous Hangzhou dish made of braised pork belly, with a savory and slightly sweet flavor. (Non-Veg)
2. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy - Fish from the West Lake cooked in a sweet and sour sauce, showcasing a delicate balance of flavors. (Non-Veg)
3. Beggar's Chicken - A whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, and baked to perfection. Rich in flavor with a tender texture. (Non-Veg)
4. Longjing Shrimp - Shrimp cooked with Longjing tea leaves, highlighting a light and refreshing tea fragrance. (Non-Veg)
5. Shelled Shrimp with Dragon Well Tea - A unique combination of prawns and Longjing tea, known for its aromatic infusion. (Non-Veg)
6. Hangzhou Soy-sauce Duck - Slow-cooked duck in soy sauce, yielding a rich and aromatic dish. (Non-Veg)
7. Lotus Root Puffs - Crispy fried lotus root filled with a sweet sticky rice paste, a delightful mix of textures. (Veg)
8. Stewed Bamboo Shoots - Tender bamboo shoots, often enjoyed for their natural sweetness and crispness. (Veg)
9. Vegetable Pot Sticker - Pan-fried dumplings typically filled with vegetables and sometimes tofu. (Veg)
10. Crispy Tofu - Deep-fried tofu with a golden-brown crust, often served with dipping sauces. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Hangzhou

1. Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼)
   30 Gushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

   Famous for: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (Non-Veg)

2. Zhi Wei Guan (知味观)
   83 Renhe Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

   Famous for: Longjing Shrimp (Non-Veg) and various Hangzhou-style dim sum (Veg/Non-Veg)

3. Grandma's Home (外婆家)
   Multiple locations throughout Hangzhou

   Famous for: Affordable home-style dishes like Dongpo Pork (Non-Veg) and Stewed Bamboo Shoots (Veg)

4. Guan Guan Ji (观观记)
   107-111 Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

   Famous for: Beggar's Chicken (Non-Veg) and Vegetable Pot Stickers (Veg)

5. Green Tea Restaurant (绿茶餐厅)
   83 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

   Famous for: Modern twists on traditional Hangzhou dishes and Longjing tea-based beverages. Offers a variety of dishes for both vegetarians and meat eaters.