Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Hangzhou, China

1. West Lake Fish in the Water

A traditional Hangzhou dish made with fresh fish from West Lake, cooked in broth. It offers a unique taste of the lake's water and fresh ingredients.

Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest fish caught daily from West Lake
Traditional Cooking Method: Cooked in a traditional method that preserves its original flavor and texture
Authentic Experience: Dining by the West Lake enhances the authentic Hangzhou experience

Shrimps marinated in wine and served cold. The intoxicating aroma and unique flavor make it a must-try.

Unique Flavor: The wine gives the shrimp a distinctive flavor that is not found in other dishes
Cold Dish: A refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days in Hangzhou
Historic Setting: Enjoy the dish with a view of the iconic Leifeng Pagoda

Duck cooked with Longjing tea from Hangzhou's West Lake, offering a unique blend of flavors.

Unique Taste: The Longjing tea infusion gives the duck a distinctive aroma and taste
Traditional Setting: Enjoy the dish in the picturesque town of Wuzhen, immersed in traditional Chinese architecture
Health Benefits: Longjing tea is known for its health benefits, making this a healthy and flavorful option

Sticky rice cooked in bamboo shoots, offering a unique and earthy flavor. Enjoy it while exploring the beautiful wetlands.

Unique Cooking Method: Cooked in bamboo shoots, enhancing its natural flavors
Natural Setting: Enjoy the dish amidst the lush greenery and wildlife of Xixi National Wetland Park
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced bamboo shoots and sticky rice

A smaller version of the famous Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings), filled with rich soup and pork filling.

Unique Size: Smaller in size, making it easier to eat on-the-go
Rich Soup: Each dumpling contains a delicious soup made from pork and chicken broth
Iconic Location: Hefang Street, a bustling historic street in the heart of Hangzhou

Braised pork belly dish named after local poet Su Dongpo. It is sweet and savory, with a unique taste.

Unique History: Named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, it is a symbol of Hangzhou's cultural heritage
Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a unique dish
Historic Setting: Enjoy the dish at Liuhe Pagoda, a landmark with over a thousand years of history

Creamy and smooth tofu served cold with sweet sauce. A refreshing treat in Hangzhou's summer.

Unique Texture: The silken texture of the tofu is unlike any other tofu dish
Refreshing Dish: A cold dish perfect for hot summer days in Hangzhou
Traditional Setting: Enjoy the dish in the picturesque town of Wuzhen, immersed in traditional Chinese architecture

Thin noodles served in a clear broth with sliced meat and vegetables. A classic Hangzhou street food.

Light and Delicate: The thin noodles are light and delicate, offering a unique texture
Traditional Street Food: A classic Hangzhou street food experience at Guo's Alley
Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest ingredients for a delicious and authentic taste

Steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste. A popular snack in Hangzhou.

Unique Filling: Filled with sweet red bean paste, a traditional favorite in Hangzhou
Iconic Location: Hefang Street, a bustling historic street in the heart of Hangzhou
Portable Snack: A convenient and portable snack for travelers

Fried rice dish made with dried shrimp and preserved eggs. A popular breakfast option in Hangzhou.

Unique Ingredients: The use of dried shrimp and preserved eggs gives the fried rice a unique flavor
Traditional Setting: Enjoy the dish while taking in the scenic views of Wenchao Bridge and the West Lake
Breakfast Option: A hearty breakfast option to start your day in Hangzhou

Sweet and sour fish dish made with mandarin oranges. A unique twist on a classic Chinese dish.

Unique Flavor: The addition of mandarin oranges gives the dish a sweet and tangy flavor
Iconic Location: Enjoy the dish at Hefang Street, a bustling historic street in the heart of Hangzhou
Seafood Option: A delicious seafood option for travelers

Stir-fried green beans dish seasoned with garlic and soy sauce. A simple yet tasty dish from Hangzhou.

Simple Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients like green beans, garlic, and soy sauce
Scenic Setting: Enjoy the dish while taking in the views of Qiantang River and its famous tidal bore
Vegetarian Option: A vegetarian-friendly option for travelers

Wontons filled with pork and shrimp, served in a clear broth. A classic Hangzhou dish.

Unique Filling: The filling is made from a mix of pork and shrimp, giving it a unique flavor
Iconic Location: Hefang Street, a bustling historic street in the heart of Hangzhou
Soup Option: A warm and comforting soup option for travelers

Fried dumplings filled with minced pork and vegetables. A popular snack in Hangzhou.

Unique Filling: The filling is made from a mix of minced pork and vegetables, giving it a unique flavor
Iconic Location: Hefang Street, a bustling historic street in the heart of Hangzhou
Snack Option: A convenient and portable snack for travelers

Shrimps fried and served with Longjing tea powder. A unique dish that combines the flavors of Hangzhou.

Unique Flavor: The Longjing tea powder gives the shrimps a distinctive aroma and flavor
Traditional Setting: Enjoy the dish in the picturesque town of Wuzhen, immersed in traditional Chinese architecture
Seafood Option: A delicious seafood option for travelers