When visiting Hangzhou, be sure to try the local specialties, including Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish, and Longjing Shrimp, which showcase the city's unique blend of traditional Chinese flavors and fresh ingredients.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Hangzhou's cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and beautiful presentation. The city's location in the Yangtze River Delta region provides access to an abundance of freshwater fish, shrimp, and other seafood, which are often featured in local dishes. Hangzhou's cuisine is also influenced by its rich cultural heritage, with many dishes named after famous poets, scholars, and historical figures. The city is particularly famous for its West Lake-inspired dishes, which are designed to evoke the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
Hangzhou's cuisine can be broadly categorized into two main styles: Zhejiang cuisine, which emphasizes light flavors and delicate presentation, and Jiangnan cuisine, which is known for its rich flavors and hearty portions. The city is also home to a number of regional specialties, including Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and Beggar's Chicken, which are popular among locals and visitors alike. In addition to its rich culinary heritage, Hangzhou is also famous for its green tea, which is grown in the surrounding hills and is considered one of the best teas in China.
The key to Hangzhou's culinary success lies in its emphasis on using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, combined with a deep understanding of traditional Chinese cooking techniques. Many local restaurants and cooking schools offer classes and workshops, where visitors can learn the art of Hangzhou-style cooking and gain a deeper appreciation for the city's unique culinary culture. From the bustling streets of the city center to the peaceful surroundings of West Lake, Hangzhou is a food lover's paradise, with a wide range of delicious dishes and drinks to try.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dongpo Pork | meat | braised pork belly dish named after the famous poet Su Dongpo | traditional restaurants |
| West Lake Fish | seafood | steamed fish dish served with a sweet and sour sauce | lakeside restaurants |
| Longjing Shrimp | seafood | stir-fried shrimp dish served with Longjing green tea leaves | high-end restaurants |
| Xiaolongbao | dumpling | steamed soup dumpling filled with pork and broth | street food stalls |
| Beggar's Chicken | meat | roasted chicken dish wrapped in lotus leaves and served with a sweet sauce | traditional restaurants |
| Steamed Fish with Pickled Mustard Greens | seafood | steamed fish dish served with a side of pickled mustard greens | local eateries |
| Drunken Chicken | meat | poached chicken dish served in a sweet Shaoxing wine sauce | traditional restaurants |
| Fried Wontons | snack | crispy fried wontons filled with shrimp or pork | street food stalls |
| Green Tea Ice Cream | dessert | creamy ice cream flavored with Hangzhou's famous green tea | cafes and tea houses |
| Almond Jelly | dessert | sweet and refreshing dessert made from almond milk and agar agar | traditional dessert shops |
Street Food & Snacks
- Xiaolongbao: steamed soup dumplings filled with pork and broth, available at street food stalls for around $1-2 USD per piece
- Baozi: steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables, available at street food stalls for around $0.50-1 USD per piece
- Jianbing: crispy fried savory crêpe filled with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat, available at street food stalls for around $1-2 USD per piece
- You Tiao: fried dough sticks, available at street food stalls for around $0.50-1 USD per piece
- Tangyuan: glutinous rice balls filled with sweet fillings, available at street food stalls for around $1-2 USD per piece
- Fried Wontons: crispy fried wontons filled with shrimp or pork, available at street food stalls for around $2-3 USD per piece
- Grilled Squid: grilled squid served with a sweet and spicy sauce, available at street food stalls for around $3-5 USD per piece
- Roasted Chestnuts: roasted chestnuts served with a sweet and spicy sauce, available at street food stalls for around $2-3 USD per piece
Drinks
- Green Tea: Hangzhou's famous green tea, available at tea houses and cafes for around $2-5 USD per cup
- Jasmine Tea: fragrant tea scented with jasmine flowers, available at tea houses and cafes for around $3-5 USD per cup
- Shaoxing Wine: sweet and fragrant wine made from fermented rice, available at wine shops and restaurants for around $10-20 USD per bottle
- Chinese Beer: local beer, available at restaurants and bars for around $5-10 USD per bottle
- Fresh Juice: fresh juice made from local fruits, available at juice bars and cafes for around $3-5 USD per cup
- Soy Milk: creamy soy milk, available at cafes and restaurants for around $2-3 USD per cup
Dining Customs
- Table Manners: it is customary to wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal
- Chopstick Etiquette: it is considered impolite to stand your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as this is reminiscent of a funeral ritual
- Tipping: not customary, but 5-10% is appreciated for exceptional service
- Dress Code: dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting traditional restaurants or temples
- Reservation Culture: reservations are recommended for high-end restaurants, especially during peak travel seasons
- Eating with Locals: be prepared to try new foods and drinks, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or explanations
Where to Eat
- Traditional Restaurants: try traditional Hangzhou dishes at restaurants like Lou Wai Lou or Zhi Wei Guan
- Street Food Stalls: try local snacks and street food at stalls like Jiangnan Street Food or West Lake Street Food
- Markets: visit markets like Hangzhou Night Market or Qinghefang Ancient Street to try local street food and snacks
- Food Courts: try a variety of local dishes at food courts like Hangzhou Food Court or West Lake Food Court
- Tea Houses: relax and enjoy a cup of green tea at traditional tea houses like Meijiawu Tea House or Longjing Tea House
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Hangzhou Night Market: try local street food and snacks at this bustling night market, located on Qingchun Road
- Qinghefang Ancient Street: visit this historic street to try local snacks and drinks, and shop for traditional souvenirs, located in the Shangcheng District
- West Lake Food Market: try local seafood and street food at this market, located on Hubin Road
- Longjing Tea Plantation: visit this tea plantation to learn about Hangzhou's famous green tea and try some local tea, located in the Xihu District
- Meijiawu Tea House: relax and enjoy a cup of green tea at this traditional tea house, located in the Xihu District