Characteristic Dishes
Dongpo Pork
One of Hangzhou’s most famous dishes, Dongpo Pork is named after the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo. It’s made with pork belly that’s braised in a special sauce until it’s tender and flavorful, with a rich, red color and a taste that’s savory without being greasy.
West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy
This dish features fresh fish (usually grass carp) cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. The fish is first boiled then coated in a vinegar-based sauce, resulting in a delicate balance of sweet and sour flavors that complement the freshness of the fish.
Longjing Shrimp
A unique Hangzhou creation that combines fresh river shrimp with Longjing tea leaves. The shrimp are cooked with the tea leaves, infusing them with a subtle tea fragrance and creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and flavorful.
Beggar’s Chicken
This dish involves a whole chicken stuffed with various ingredients, wrapped in lotus leaves, and then baked in clay. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a distinctive aroma from the lotus leaves.
Fish Head Tofu
A hearty soup made with fish head and tofu. The combination creates a rich, flavorful broth that’s both nourishing and delicious.
West Lake Water Shield Soup
Made with water shield (a type of aquatic plant), chicken, and ham, this soup has a delicate, refreshing flavor and is known for its smooth texture.
Sister Song Fish Soup
A traditional Hangzhou fish soup with a rich history dating back to the Song Dynasty. It’s made with tender fish, ham, and bamboo shoots in a delicate broth.
Snacks
Fresh Meat Soup Dumplings
These small dumplings have thin skins filled with pork and soup. When bitten into, they release a flavorful broth.
Happiness Twin Buns
Sweet buns that come in pairs, symbolizing happiness and togetherness. They’re filled with various sweet ingredients and are a popular treat.
Cat’s Ears
Named for their shape, these noodles are made by hand and have a distinctive texture. They’re often served in a savory broth with various toppings.
Glutinous Rice Vegetarian Roast Goose
A vegetarian dish shaped like roast goose, filled with red bean paste. It has a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior.
Shrimp and Eel Noodles
Noodles topped with shrimp and eel, served in a rich broth. This dish combines the freshness of seafood with the heartiness of noodles.
Liniang Snack
Pan-fried buns filled with pork and soup, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
These dishes and snacks represent just a small sample of Hangzhou’s rich culinary heritage. The city is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and beautiful presentation, making it a paradise for food lovers.