Must-Try Foods In Longjing Tea Plantations (Hangzhou) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Longjing Tea Plantations, Hangzhou, China

Longjing, or "Dragon Well", is renowned for its exceptional green tea, which has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, over 1,200 years ago. This tea is characterized by its distinctive flat leaves and a bright green color, offering a pure and fragrant aroma with a sweet, mellow taste. Tea culture is deeply ingrained in Hangzhou's history, with Longjing Tea taking center stage in the West Lake area. Longjing Tea Plantations not only contribute significantly to the local economy, but they also offer a cultural experience, with tea picking and tasting being integral parts of the local tourism. Alongside tea, Hangzhou's cuisine, known as Zhejiang or Hangbang cuisine, is one of China's eight fundamental culinary traditions, featuring fresh flavors with an emphasis on lightness and sweetness.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Longjing Tea Plantations, Hangzhou, China

1. Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁) - A delicate dish where fresh shrimp is cooked with Longjing tea leaves. (Non-Veg)
2. Beggar's Chicken (叫化鸡) - A fragrant and succulent chicken dish wrapped in lotus leaves and clay-baked. (Non-Veg)
3. West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼) - Tender fish from West Lake served with a sweet vinegar sauce. (Non-Veg)
4. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉) - Slow-cooked pork belly rich with flavor. (Non-Veg)
5. Longjing Tea Tofu (龙井豆腐) - Tofu infused with the aroma of Longjing tea. (Veg)
6. Lotus Root Stuffed with Sticky Rice (糯米藕) - Sweet dish of lotus root filled with glutinous rice and red bean paste. (Veg)
7. Hangzhou Styled Braised Bamboo Shoots (杭州油焖笋) - Bamboo shoots cooked in soy sauce and sugar. (Veg)
8. Xi Hu Cu Yu (西湖醋鱼) - A dish of fish seasoned with vinegar from West Lake. (Non-Veg)
9. Song Sao Fish Soup (宋嫂鱼羹) - A traditional Hangzhou soup of fish maw, stock, and mushrooms. (Non-Veg)
10. Stir-Fried Cashew Nuts and Mushroom (腰果炒蘑菇) - A dish pairing cashew nuts with fresh mushrooms. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Longjing Tea Plantations, Hangzhou, China

Lou WaiLou (楼外楼)

Address: No.30 Gushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou

Famous for: West Lake Vinegar Fish (Non-Veg), Beggar's Chicken (Non-Veg)

Green Tea Restaurant (绿茶餐厅)

Address: No.83 Longjing Road, Hangzhou

Famous for: Longjing Shrimp (Non-Veg), Stir-Fried Cashew Nuts and Mushroom (Veg)

Grandma's Home (外婆家)

Address: Multiple locations, including one at Huanglong Road, Hangzhou

Famous for: Hangzhou Styled Braised Bamboo Shoots (Veg), Dongpo Pork (Non-Veg)

Lei Feng Pagoda Restaurant (雷峰塔餐厅)

Address: Nan Shan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou

Famous for: Beggar's Chicken (Non-Veg), Lotus Root Stuffed with Sticky Rice (Veg)