Top 10 Local Foods to Try in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, known for its picturesque West Lake, is also a culinary paradise with a unique cuisine that offers a blend of delicate flavors and exquisite presentation. When you visit Hangzhou, make sure to try these top local dishes that embody the essence of Hangzhou cuisine.

1. Dongpo Pork

A famous Hangzhou dish, Dongpo Pork is braised pork belly cooked until tender, named after the poet Su Dongpo. Its sweet and savory sauce perfectly complements the melt-in-your-mouth meat.

2. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy

This dish highlights the freshness of fish from West Lake, cooked in a sweet-sour vinegar gravy. The method of preparation ensures the fish remains tender, with a flavor that's both rich and refreshing.

3. Beggar's Chicken

An intriguing name for a dish, Beggar's Chicken is marinated chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then slow-cooked to perfection. Breaking open the clay reveals tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone.

4. Longjing Shrimp

Utilizing the famous Longjing tea from Hangzhou, this dish combines fresh shrimp with the fragrant tea leaves, resulting in a delicate and aromatic flavor that's subtly sweet and utterly unique.

5. Shelled Shrimp with Dragon Well Tea

Similar to Longjing Shrimp, this dish blends the tender texture of shelled shrimp with the aromatic qualities of Dragon Well tea, offering a slightly different, yet equally memorable, taste experience.

6. Xiǎo Lóng Bāo (Soup Dumplings)

While available in other parts of China, Hangzhou's version of these juicy dumplings is not to be missed. Filled with broth and pork, they burst with flavor at first bite.

7. Hangzhou Soy Sauce Duck

Slow-cooked in a mixture of soy sauce and spices, this duck dish features tender meat with a rich, glossy coating that's both sweet and savory.

8. Sister Song's Fish Soup

A heartwarming dish made with fresh carp from the local rivers, simmered in a broth with bamboo shoots and ham, offering a comforting, subtle flavor.

9. Stir-fried Bamboo Shoots

A simple yet profound representation of Hangzhou cuisine, these bamboo shoots are harvested locally and stir-fried to retain their crunchiness and sweet flavor.

10. Lotus Root Stuffed with Glutinous Rice

Though not a dessert, this savory dish encapsulates the tender crunchiness of lotus root filled with sticky, glutinous rice and steamed, marrying different textures in one bite.

Each of these dishes tells a story of Hangzhou, inviting travelers to explore the city's rich culture through its distinctive and unforgettable cuisine.