Best Local & Traditional Foods to Try in Hangzhou
Discover the 7 best local and traditional foods to try in Hangzhou. Get AI-powered recommendations for authentic dishes, traditional cuisine, and the best restaurants.
Beggar's Chicken
A traditional dish where a whole chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then baked to perfection. The cooking method locks in moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. It's often served with a side of dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Best Time
lunch
Cultural Significance
Beggar's Chicken is a legendary dish rooted in local folklore, symbolizing the resourcefulness of the common people.
Where to try it
Dongpo Pork
This dish features braised pork belly that is rich, tender, and melts in your mouth. The pork is cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
Best Time
dinner
Cultural Significance
Named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, this dish reflects the local culinary heritage of Hangzhou.
Where to try it
West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy
A signature dish from Hangzhou featuring fresh fish, typically caught from West Lake, cooked in a sweet and sour vinegar sauce. The dish balances flavors and is a local favorite.
Ingredients
Best Time
lunch
Cultural Significance
This dish showcases the fresh ingredients from West Lake, emphasizing the region's connection to its natural resources.
Where to try it
Sweet Osmanthus Cake
A fragrant and soft cake made with glutinous rice flour and sweet osmanthus flowers, this treat is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations for its delightful aroma and flavor.
Ingredients
Best Time
afternoon
Cultural Significance
Sweet osmanthus is a symbol of prosperity and is deeply rooted in Hangzhou's cultural and culinary traditions.
Where to try it
Red Bean Cake
A popular local treat, red bean cake is made from a smooth red bean paste sandwiched between layers of soft rice flour. It's slightly sweet and often enjoyed with tea.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Red bean is a common ingredient in Chinese desserts, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
Where to try it
Longjing Tea
Famous worldwide, Longjing tea is a green tea that is handpicked and pan-fried, resulting in a delicate flavor and aroma. It is often served in local teahouses and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Longjing tea is a symbol of Hangzhou's rich tea culture and is deeply cherished by the locals.
Where to try it
Scallion Pancakes
These flaky, crispy pancakes are made with dough and layered with green onions, offering a satisfying crunch and savory flavor. They're a popular street snack enjoyed by locals.
Ingredients
Best Time
snack
Cultural Significance
Scallion pancakes are a beloved street food in Hangzhou, often enjoyed as a quick bite during the day.