Must-Try Foods In West Lake (Hangzhou) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of West Lake, Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou’s cuisine, known as Hangbang cuisine, represents one of the great traditions of Chinese cooking and has a history that dates back over a thousand years. The food from this region is characterized by its light, delicate flavors and its emphasis on fresh, local produce and seafood from the West Lake and the nearby Qiandao Lake and East China Sea. Food in Hangzhou is often cooked using methods such to as stir-frying, steaming, and braising, with a focus on preserving the ingredients' natural flavors.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in West Lake, Hangzhou

1. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (Xi Hu Cu Yu) - A delicate dish featuring tender fish from the local waters, dressed in a sweet and sour vinegar sauce. (Non-Veg)
2. Longjing Shrimp (Longjing Xia Ren) - Lightly-flavored, this dish is made with fresh river shrimp cooked with Longjing tea leaves. (Non-Veg)
3. Beggar's Chicken (Jiao Hua Ji) - A marinated chicken wrapped in clay and lotus leaves, then roasted to perfection. (Non-Veg)
4. Dongpo Pork (Dongpo Rou) - Slowly braised pork belly, named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, it has a sweet and savory glaze. (Non-Veg)
5. Lotus Root Puff (Ou Ni Bing) - Crisp lotus root slices filled with sticky rice and sweet bean paste, then deep-fried. (Veg)
6. West Lake Water Shield Soup (Xi Hu Fu Lian Tang) - A refreshing soup made with water shield (a type of aquatic plant) and stocked with chicken or ham. (Non-Veg)
7. Cat's Ear Noodle (Mao Er Duo) - Named for their shape resembling a cat's ear, these are served in broth or stir-fried. (Veg)
8. Hangzhou Soy Sauce Duck (Hangzhou Jiang Ya) - A rich and flavorful duck prepared with local spices and soy sauce. (Non-Veg)
9. Braised Bamboo Shoots (Men Dong Rou) - Tender bamboo shoots braised in a rich broth, offering a smooth and delicate texture. (Veg)
10. Zongzi - Sticky rice with various fillings, wrapped in bamboo leaves, typically eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. (Veg or Non-Veg options available)

Top Famous Restaurants in West Lake, Hangzhou

Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼)

30 Gushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Famous for: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy - Non-Veg

Grandma's Home (外婆家)

Multiple locations including 1 Wushan Road, Hangzhou
Famous for: Stir-fried lotus roots and Bamboo Shoots - Veg

Zhi Wei Guan (知味观)

83 Renhe Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou
Famous for: Yangzhou Fried Rice - Non-Veg

Hangzhou Restaurant (杭州饭店)

205 Yan'an Road, Hangzhou
Famous for: Beggar's Chicken - Non-Veg

Green Tea Restaurant (绿茶餐厅)

No.83 Longjing Road, Hangzhou
Famous for: Longjing Shrimp - Non-Veg

While enjoying the beautiful scenery of West Lake, tourists can indulge in these exquisite dishes, each telling a unique story about Hangzhou's rich culinary heritage and drawing on the influences from the lake and its surroundings.