Hangzhou Local Cuisine

Explore the authentic flavors and must-try dishes of Hangzhou

Dongpo Pork
Main Dish
Dongpo Pork

Braised pork belly named after the famous poet Su Dongpo

¥60-120
Lunch or dinner
Common

Best Places:

  • Traditional restaurants
  • Hangzhou restaurants
  • Local eateries

Pro Tip:

The pork should be tender and melt in your mouth

Longjing Tea
Tea
Longjing Tea

Famous green tea from West Lake area, one of China's finest teas

¥50-200 per 50g
Any time
Common

Best Places:

  • Tea houses
  • Tea shops
  • Longjing Village

Pro Tip:

Best in spring when fresh, look for authentic Longjing tea

West Lake Fish
Seafood
West Lake Fish

Fresh fish from West Lake prepared in vinegar sauce

¥80-150
Lunch or dinner
Local specialty

Best Places:

  • West Lake restaurants
  • Traditional eateries
  • Local markets

Pro Tip:

Sweet and sour flavor is characteristic of Hangzhou cuisine

Hangzhou Xiaolongbao
Dim Sum
Hangzhou Xiaolongbao

Soup dumplings with delicate wrapper and rich filling

¥20-40
Breakfast or lunch
Common

Best Places:

  • Dim sum restaurants
  • Local breakfast shops
  • Tea houses

Pro Tip:

Bite carefully to avoid spilling the hot soup

Hangzhou Snacks
Street Food
Hangzhou Snacks

Various traditional snacks including pastries and sweets

¥10-30
Snack time
Very common

Best Places:

  • Hefang Street
  • Food streets
  • Local markets

Pro Tip:

Try the famous Hangzhou pastries and sweets

Beggars Chicken
Main Dish
Beggars Chicken

Chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then baked

¥60-120
Lunch or dinner
Local specialty

Best Places:

  • Traditional restaurants
  • Hangzhou restaurants
  • Local eateries

Pro Tip:

The clay is cracked open at the table for dramatic effect

Hangzhou Food Culture Guide

Dining Etiquette

  • • Use chopsticks properly, don't stick them upright in rice
  • • Try a little of everything when dining with others
  • • It's polite to serve others before yourself
  • • Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation

Ordering Tips

  • • Point at menu pictures if language is a barrier
  • • Ask for "bu la" (not spicy) if you can't handle heat
  • • Street food is generally safe from busy vendors
  • • Don't tip - it's not customary in China