Hangzhou Cuisine: 7 Must-Try Dishes from China's Most Elegant Food City

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, has been a center of Chinese culinary excellence for over a thousand years. Known for its refined techniques, fresh ingredients, and elegant presentation, Hangzhou cuisine represents some of the most sophisticated flavors in Chinese cooking.

What Makes Hangzhou Cuisine Special?

Hangzhou cuisine, part of the broader Zhejiang culinary tradition, emphasizes:

• Fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the region's abundant lakes, rivers, and farmland
• Light, delicate seasonings that highlight natural flavors
• Elegant presentation inspired by the city's artistic heritage
• Historical significance with dishes dating back to the Song Dynasty

7 Essential Hangzhou Dishes You Must Try

1. Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁)

This iconic dish combines fresh river shrimp with Longjing (Dragon Well) tea leaves, creating a perfect harmony of seafood sweetness and tea fragrance. The shrimp are quickly stir-fried to maintain their tenderness, while the tea adds a subtle, aromatic finish.

Why it's special: Longjing tea is one of China's most prestigious teas, grown in the hills surrounding Hangzhou. Using it in cooking showcases the city's commitment to local ingredients.

2. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)

Named after the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, this braised pork belly dish features tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat with a rich, caramelized sauce. The pork is slow-cooked for hours in Shaoxing wine and soy sauce.

Why it's special: This dish represents the perfect marriage of literature and cuisine, with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years.

3. West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼)

Fresh grass carp from West Lake is steamed and topped with a sweet and sour vinegar sauce. The fish should be tender and the sauce perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet.

Why it's special: This dish captures the essence of Hangzhou's most famous landmark, West Lake.

4. Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡)

A whole chicken is stuffed with aromatic ingredients, wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then baked for hours. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful meat infused with herbs and spices.

Why it's special: The unique cooking method creates a dramatic presentation and unforgettable flavor.

5. Sister Song's Fish Soup (宋嫂鱼羹)

This silky soup features shredded fish, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms in a delicate broth thickened with egg whites. It's warming, comforting, and showcases Hangzhou's refined approach to simple ingredients.

6. Shelled Shrimp with Dragon Well Tea (龙井虾仁)

Similar to Longjing Shrimp but with larger shrimp and more prominent tea flavor, this dish exemplifies the elegant simplicity of Hangzhou cooking.

7. Fried Bean Curd Rolls (炸响铃)

Crispy tofu skin rolls filled with seasoned meat, deep-fried until golden. The name "Xiang Ling" refers to the crisp sound they make when eaten.

Where to Experience Hangzhou Cuisine

For the most authentic experience, visit:

• Lou Wai Lou - The oldest restaurant on West Lake, famous for its traditional dishes
• Zhi Wei Guan - A historic brand known for Hangzhou snacks and dim sum
• Local teahouses - Many serve simple Hangzhou dishes alongside Longjing tea

Cooking Hangzhou Dishes at Home

Many Hangzhou dishes can be adapted for home cooking:

1. Start with simple stir-fries like Longjing Shrimp
2. Invest in quality ingredients - especially good Shaoxing wine and soy sauce
3. Don't over-season - let natural flavors shine
4. Practice patience - dishes like Dongpo Pork require slow cooking

Conclusion

Hangzhou cuisine offers a window into China's refined culinary traditions. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, elegant techniques, and historical significance, it's no wonder this cuisine has been celebrated for centuries. Whether you're dining by West Lake or cooking at home, these dishes will transport you to one of China's most beautiful cities.