Hangzhou Cuisine: A Foodie's Guide to Local Flavors
Introduction to Hangzhou Cuisine
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, is not only renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, but also for its exquisite cuisine. Hangzhou cuisine, also known as Zhe cuisine, is characterized by its light, fresh flavors, delicate presentation, and emphasis on seasonal ingredients. A visit to Hangzhou is incomplete without embarking on a culinary journey to savor the authentic tastes of the region.
Key Ingredients and Cooking Styles
Hangzhou cuisine places a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood from the nearby East China Sea, freshwater fish from West Lake, and seasonal vegetables from the surrounding countryside are all staples. Common flavorings include ginger, scallions, Shaoxing wine, and light soy sauce.
The cooking styles employed in Hangzhou cuisine are diverse, ranging from steaming and stir-frying to braising and deep-frying. However, the overarching principle is to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients. Dishes are often cooked with minimal seasoning to allow the freshness of the ingredients to shine through.
Must-Try Dishes
Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
Dongpo Pork, or Dongpo Rou, is arguably the most famous dish in Hangzhou cuisine. This braised pork belly dish is named after the Song Dynasty poet and gastronome, Su Dongpo, who is said to have invented it. The pork belly is slow-cooked in Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and sugar until it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The meat is typically served in a small earthenware pot, and the rich, savory sauce is perfect for drizzling over rice. Many best restaurants in Hangzhou will feature this dish.
Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡)
Beggar’s Chicken, also known as Jiao Hua Ji, is another iconic Hangzhou dish with a fascinating history. Legend has it that a beggar once stole a chicken but had no cooking utensils. He wrapped the chicken in mud and baked it in a fire. The result was surprisingly delicious. Today, the dish is prepared by wrapping a chicken in lotus leaves and clay before baking it in an oven or underground. The clay seals in the moisture and flavors, resulting in a tender and aromatic chicken. Finding this dish is a must when exploring Hangzhou local dishes.
Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁)
Longjing Shrimp, or Longjing Xia Ren, is a classic Hangzhou dish that showcases the region’s two most famous products: Longjing tea and fresh shrimp. The shrimp are stir-fried with fragrant Longjing tea leaves, resulting in a light, refreshing, and subtly sweet flavor. The dish is typically garnished with a few whole tea leaves for visual appeal. This is one of the most elegant and refined Hangzhou local dishes. Consider visiting the Longjing Tea plantations before trying this dish. You can learn more in our guide to Longjing Tea: Exploring Hangzhou’s Famous Green Tea Plantations.
Where to Eat
Hangzhou offers a wide range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to humble street food stalls. Some of the best restaurants in Hangzhou to sample authentic Hangzhou cuisine include:
- Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼): A historic restaurant located on the shores of West Lake, Lou Wai Lou is famous for its Dongpo Pork and Beggar’s Chicken.
- Zhiweiguan (知味观): A popular local restaurant chain that offers a wide variety of Hangzhou dishes at affordable prices.
- Grandma’s Home (外婆家): A modern restaurant chain that serves innovative interpretations of classic Hangzhou dishes.
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, Hangzhou street food is a must-try. Hefang Street is a great place to sample a variety of local snacks, such as Cong You Ban Mian (scallion oil noodles) and Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Explore Hefang Street: Stepping Back in Time in Old Hangzhou for more information.
For a complete overview, see our main guide to Hangzhou: A City of History and Natural Beauty.
