As one of China’s most renowned cities, Hangzhou is a melting pot of foreign and local cultures. Its food scene is a great representation of this, with a wide range of both Chinese and Western cuisines available to enjoy.
With a rich and distinctive history, the city is infused with traditions that are recorded and romanticized within folklore. These stories have helped to make Hangzhou what it is today, and a trip here will help you to discover its unique charms.
Tofu with Eight Delicious
Besides the traditional soups, there are many other interesting dishes in Hangzhou that tourists should try. Stir-fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea, Dried Turnip, Beancurd with Eight Delicious and Boiled Xianghu Water Shield with Fish Ball are all great options for those who want to experience the local cuisine.
In addition to the delicious dishes, Hangzhou also has a lot of great restaurants. These restaurants are known for their food and the service they provide.
If you are visiting Hangzhou, it is a good idea to ask the waitress if they can recommend some good restaurants that serve delicious food. This will help you enjoy your stay in the city and make it a memorable one!
There are so many different foods that are unique to China. Some of them are famous around the world. But there are many other Chinese foods that are not as well known. These foods can be quite delicious and they are often very easy to prepare.
Stewed Fish Head with Tofu in Casserole
Hangzhou is known for its rich food culture, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The city is home to a variety of teahouses, wine shops and restaurants specialized in local flavors.
According to the Zhejiang style of cooking, Hangzhou dishes are light and fresh. They focus on delicate cooking, various kinds and nutrient value.
One of the most renowned Hangzhou dishes is fish head with tofu in casserole. It uses silver carp (a special kind of fish), winter bamboo shoots, mushrooms and bean curd, making it taste tender, smooth, fragrant and tasty.
The dish is a great choice for dinner, or lunch during cold weather. To make it even more delicious, add a handful of dried shiitake mushrooms that have been rehydrated. Toss it all together in a clay pot or dutch oven, cover it with lid and simmer over low heat until everything is cooked through and bubbling. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that is easy to prepare!
Beggar’s Chicken
A classic Hangzhou dish, Beggar’s Chicken (Jiao Hua Ji ) is one of the city’s must-eats. The chicken is marinated in spices, stuffed, wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then baked slowly for hours before being served.
The chicken is a good choice for vegetarians as it’s low in fat, but it’s also high in protein. It’s also delicious; its meat is tender, juicy and easy to chew.
There are multiple stories behind the creation of the recipe, but the most romantic is that a starving beggar stole a chicken from a farmer and buried it in mud before cooking it. He hoped to avoid being caught by soldiers as they would be wary of the tell-tale smoke coming from a burning fire.
After a day of cooking, the chicken’s outer skin is removed and the seasoned and roasted meat falls away easily. It’s a simple dish, but a true treat. It’s worth ordering one day in advance.
Hang Sanxian
Located in Zhejiang province, Hangzhou is the capital of the province and one of China’s largest cities. Originally a major seaport on the Qiantang River, it is also the southern terminus of the Grand Canal.
Today, Hangzhou is a thriving commercial centre with an extensive network of canals, waterways and railway lines that connect it to the south, west and north of the country. Besides its role as an economic hub, it is a significant cultural center with many museums.
Hangzhou’s cafes, however, are more like the local norm than Western – often requiring a candle to heat the coffee – and do not tend to serve high quality food. Costa Coffee, on the West Lake Tiandi, has a suave atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and serves a good selection of drinks.