Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant food scene. The city’s cuisine is a unique blend of traditional Chinese flavors and local specialties, making it a food lover’s paradise. From street food to high-end restaurants, Hangzhou offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat in Hangzhou, from traditional tea houses to modern restaurants serving international cuisine.
Traditional Hangzhou Cuisine
Hangzhou is famous for its traditional cuisine, which is characterized by its use of local ingredients such as fish, rice, and vegetables. Some of the most popular traditional dishes include Dongpo pork, a classic Hangzhou dish made from braised pork belly, and Beggar’s Chicken, a dish made from chicken cooked in a clay pot with a mixture of spices and herbs.
Must-try Traditional Dishes
- Dongpo Pork: A classic Hangzhou dish made from braised pork belly.
- Beggar’s Chicken: A dish made from chicken cooked in a clay pot with a mixture of spices and herbs.
- Steamed Fish with Scallions: A simple yet flavorful dish made from steamed fish served with scallions and soy sauce.
- Hangzhou Wontons: A traditional Hangzhou dish made from wontons filled with pork and served in a light broth.
Traditional Tea Houses
Hangzhou is famous for its tea culture, and traditional tea houses are a great place to experience the city’s tea culture. Some of the most popular traditional tea houses include the Longjing Tea House and the Xixi National Wetland Park Tea House.
Longjing Tea House
The Longjing Tea House is a traditional tea house located in the Longjing tea plantation. The tea house serves a variety of teas, including Longjing tea, which is one of the most famous teas in China. The tea house also serves traditional Hangzhou dishes, such as Dongpo pork and Beggar’s Chicken.
Xixi National Wetland Park Tea House
The Xixi National Wetland Park Tea House is a traditional tea house located in the Xixi National Wetland Park. The tea house serves a variety of teas, including green tea and oolong tea. The tea house also serves traditional Hangzhou dishes, such as steamed fish with scallions and Hangzhou wontons.
Modern Restaurants
Hangzhou has a vibrant food scene, with a wide range of modern restaurants serving international cuisine. Some of the most popular modern restaurants include the Hangzhou Restaurant, the Xixi Restaurant, and the Longjing Restaurant.
Hangzhou Restaurant
The Hangzhou Restaurant is a modern restaurant located in the heart of the city. The restaurant serves a variety of international dishes, including Western, Japanese, and Korean cuisine. The restaurant also serves traditional Hangzhou dishes, such as Dongpo pork and Beggar’s Chicken. (See Also: Where to Eat in Moorea? Top Local Favorites)
Xixi Restaurant
The Xixi Restaurant is a modern restaurant located in the Xixi National Wetland Park. The restaurant serves a variety of international dishes, including Western, Japanese, and Korean cuisine. The restaurant also serves traditional Hangzhou dishes, such as steamed fish with scallions and Hangzhou wontons.
Longjing Restaurant
The Longjing Restaurant is a modern restaurant located in the Longjing tea plantation. The restaurant serves a variety of international dishes, including Western, Japanese, and Korean cuisine. The restaurant also serves traditional Hangzhou dishes, such as Dongpo pork and Beggar’s Chicken.
Street Food
Hangzhou has a vibrant street food scene, with a wide range of street food vendors serving traditional Hangzhou dishes. Some of the most popular street food vendors include the West Lake Street Food Market and the Qinghefang Ancient Street Food Market.
West Lake Street Food Market
The West Lake Street Food Market is a popular street food market located in the heart of the city. The market serves a wide range of traditional Hangzhou dishes, including Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, and steamed fish with scallions.
Qinghefang Ancient Street Food Market
The Qinghefang Ancient Street Food Market is a popular street food market located in the Qinghefang Ancient Street. The market serves a wide range of traditional Hangzhou dishes, including Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, and Hangzhou wontons.
Food Courts
Hangzhou has a number of food courts, which offer a wide range of dining options. Some of the most popular food courts include the West Lake Food Court and the Xixi Food Court.
West Lake Food Court
The West Lake Food Court is a popular food court located in the heart of the city. The food court serves a wide range of traditional Hangzhou dishes, including Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, and steamed fish with scallions. (See Also: Where to Eat in Macau Cheap? Delicious Budget Options)
Xixi Food Court
The Xixi Food Court is a popular food court located in the Xixi National Wetland Park. The food court serves a wide range of traditional Hangzhou dishes, including Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, and Hangzhou wontons.
Recommendations
Here are some recommendations for where to eat in Hangzhou:
- Longjing Tea House: A traditional tea house located in the Longjing tea plantation.
- Xixi National Wetland Park Tea House: A traditional tea house located in the Xixi National Wetland Park.
- Hangzhou Restaurant: A modern restaurant located in the heart of the city.
- Xixi Restaurant: A modern restaurant located in the Xixi National Wetland Park.
- West Lake Street Food Market: A popular street food market located in the heart of the city.
- Qinghefang Ancient Street Food Market: A popular street food market located in the Qinghefang Ancient Street.
Recap
In this article, we have explored the best places to eat in Hangzhou, from traditional tea houses to modern restaurants serving international cuisine. We have also looked at the city’s vibrant street food scene and food courts. Whether you are looking for traditional Hangzhou dishes or international cuisine, Hangzhou has something for everyone.
FAQs
Where can I find traditional Hangzhou cuisine?
Traditional Hangzhou cuisine can be found in traditional tea houses and restaurants throughout the city.
Some popular traditional tea houses include the Longjing Tea House and the Xixi National Wetland Park Tea House. Some popular traditional restaurants include the Hangzhou Restaurant and the Xixi Restaurant.
What are some popular street food markets in Hangzhou?
Some popular street food markets in Hangzhou include the West Lake Street Food Market and the Qinghefang Ancient Street Food Market.
These markets serve a wide range of traditional Hangzhou dishes, including Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, and steamed fish with scallions.
Can I find international cuisine in Hangzhou?
Yes, Hangzhou has a number of modern restaurants serving international cuisine.
Some popular modern restaurants include the Hangzhou Restaurant, the Xixi Restaurant, and the Longjing Restaurant. These restaurants serve a wide range of international dishes, including Western, Japanese, and Korean cuisine. (See Also: Where to Eat in Flam Norway? Top Hidden Gems)
Are there any food courts in Hangzhou?
Yes, Hangzhou has a number of food courts.
Some popular food courts include the West Lake Food Court and the Xixi Food Court. These food courts serve a wide range of traditional Hangzhou dishes, including Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, and Hangzhou wontons.
Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Hangzhou?
Yes, Hangzhou has a number of vegetarian and vegan options.
Some popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants include the Hangzhou Vegetarian Restaurant and the Xixi Vegan Restaurant. These restaurants serve a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including traditional Hangzhou dishes and international cuisine.
Are there any food festivals in Hangzhou?
Yes, Hangzhou hosts a number of food festivals throughout the year.
Some popular food festivals include the Hangzhou Food Festival and the West Lake Food Festival. These festivals feature a wide range of traditional Hangzhou dishes and international cuisine.
