Hangzhou China – Best Places to Eat and Dishes to Try
Hangzhou is a massive international city – a boiling pot of foreign and local cultures. Its food scene represents this, so you can taste delightful local delicacies as well as western style food of the standards you’d expect from a city of its quality.
Local flavours
As always, it’s best to start local. Hangzhou cuisine is a part of the 8 distinct culinary flavours of China. It’s characterized by being especially meaty- whether from the land or sea. No matter how much meat there is, it’s always light and fresh- usually stir-fried or steamed.
Here are three we recommend:
- Shrimps fried with Longjing Tea
Whilst some people may have an issue with eating live sea food, the rewards for the brave are great. The shrimp are very briefly stir fried in tea infused-water and Shaoxing rice wine. Remove head, insert shrimp into your mouth while its kicking and screaming.
Where?
Lou Wai Lou restaurant 30 Solitary Hill, West Lake
A famous restaurant dating back 150 years, it provides delicious local food with breath-taking views. Found beneath the massive Gushan Mountain, it’s served a number of renowned people and the eatery has a very interesting history.
They are well known for other traditional local dishes (that aren’t alive)- try Beggar’s chicken, or Dongpo pork. This restaurant comes highly recommended, so make sure you visit.
- West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy
This is about as traditional and local as it gets. A dish originating from the Song dynasty, a grass carp is starved for two days to remove the muddy flavours. Enjoy light flavours, with China’s classic sweet (sugar, Shaoxing wine) and sour (vinegar) combinations. If you visit Hangzhou, you must eat this dish.
Where?
Zhi Wei Guan No.83 Renhe Road, Shangcheng District
Another hangout that’s popular for their local delicacies, mastering the art over one hundred years. They believe in producing high-quality local foods with excellent service. On it’s 80th anniversary, the government gave it the title of Chinese Time-Honoured Brand.
- Braised Dongpo Pork
If eating live seafood and freshwater fish isn’t for you, Dongpo pork will be. Rumoured to originate from a great writer (Su Dongpo) who was sent gifts of pork after he’d helped locals during a flood. He prepared it with his own methods, then sent it back to the citizens.
He’d created a scrumptious dish of pork belly braised in Shaoxing wine and soy sauce. Sweet, sticky and tender this dish comes highly recommended.
Where?
Waipo Jia (Grandma’s) 3 Hubin Lu
Waipo Jia is a well-known chain in China, renowned for serving traditional foods. In comparison to the other two, this is more affordable. Try tasting all the favourite local foods using the easy picture menu! It’s a favourite amongst locals and visitors.
Eat on the Street
Street food is incredibly popular in Hangzhou, and there are literally whole streets dedicated to serving the finest snacks in the city. We suggest you go at night- the atmosphere on the streets is awesome! Although China previously had a poor reputation with regards to food standards, new measures have ensured that ingredients are fresh and safe.
Qing He Fang Street is probably the most well known in the city. We liked it because of it’s traditional feel- dine amongst preserved ancient buildings, enjoying a whole host of different snacks. Each tasty morsel won’t cost you more than 10 RMB, so you can try a bit of everything.
Try: Stinky Tofu. Don’t let the smell put you off! Made from fermented tofu, you’ll either love it or hate it.
Don’t miss He Dong Road Food Street. Unlike He Fang, this street attracts a younger crowd who come at night to eat, drink and chat the night away. More fitting with what modern China has become, enjoy a smoky, noisy and tasty experience.
Try: grilled eggplant
Eggplant slowly grilled over the barbeque, filled with angel’s hair pasta and garlic. It’s so good it should be illegal.
Tip: the vendors won’t speak much English. That’s why they have picture menus- so just point! Look for the longest queues for the best stalls.
The Western and International Options
Hangzhou has a large population of foreigners, so the food scene is truly international. Expect a wide variety of restaurants serving Spanish, Italian, American and even Mexican cuisine. These restaurants are sought out by the foreign population for a little taste of home, so don’t expect to see many Chinese people, but do expect English speaking staff and a menu that you can actually read.
We liked Angelo's New York - Italian Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy décor that will make you feel as though you’re in little Italy whilst enjoying stunning Italian cuisine prepared by top chefs.
Indulge in fine wines from all over the world. We loved their pizzas! Although it’s a fancy restaurant, the prices are affordable! Get a Napoli pizza for 78 RMB.
No.6, Lane 2,Baoshishanxia, Baoshu Road, Xihu District
We also liked La Pedrera Spanish Restaurant. It’s Hangzhou’s favourite Spanish eatery- enjoy fine Spanish food in a truly Spanish ambience. As with any Spanish cooking, the best way to judge the establishment was to order the paella- and boy, did it deliver! The Chinese owner hired a Spanish chef, which really shows in the quality.
4 Baishaquan, Shuguang Road
Cafés and coffee houses
There’s lots to choose from, with good coffee quickly gaining popularity in China. Head into the heart of the city for the trendiest ones. Whilst there’s a Starbucks on every corner, there’s been a move towards independent cafés selling java made from top-notch beans sourced around the world.
Try Xiexie Coffee & Tea. We liked the view most- it’s an elevated building overlooking a park. A trendy vibe, and a favourite amongst the younger crowd and students. Not only is their coffee freshly ground, but they also serve great food from a simple but well-prepared menu. It’s open until midnight- try the Hazelnut Latte (33RMB).
180 Nanshan Road
Bars & Pubs
There are loads of places to get a drink in Hangzhou. Choose a Chinese option for a karaoke night, or one of the western joints for craft beer and a western meal. Many have live bands so expect it to be noisy! They open late (20:00) but also stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Try Old Captain Lounge Bar. Serving great beer, cocktails and whiskies in a vintage setting. Go up to the second floor terrace to drink in magnificent views of the city, or enjoy the live bands.
178 Shuguang Road, Xihu District
Eudora Station Bar is another option for guests who’d like a meal with their drinks. The menu is excellent, serving a variety of high quality western dishes (get a steak sandwich for 53 RMB). There’s also an outside terrace so you can sit outside. They offer a daily happy hour for 3 hours long! Live music means it gets loud, so consider yourself warned.
101-7 Nanshan Rd, Shangcheng District.
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The dining options in Hangzhou are endless. Go to the West Lake area for trendy upmarket establishments, but expect high prices. The cheapest (and arguably tastiest) option is small corner restaurants preparing delicious fresh food.
