Regional Cuisine Overview: Hangzhou is known for its delicious and diverse regional cuisine. Some of the traditional dishes include Dongpo pork, West Lake fish in vinegar sauce, Beggar’s Chicken, Longjing shrimp, and lotus root soup. The city is also famous for its Longjing tea, which is grown in the nearby tea plantations.
Top-10 Restaurants:
1. Lou Wai Lou 🍽️🍲💰💰
Located near West Lake, Lou Wai Lou is a renowned restaurant that offers a panoramic view of the lake while enjoying authentic Hangzhou cuisine. Try their signature dish, West Lake fish in vinegar sauce. The average bill size is expensive, but the experience is worth it.
2. Grandma’s Kitchen 🍽️🍛💰
A popular restaurant chain known for its homestyle cooking, Grandma’s Kitchen serves a variety of dishes from different regions of China. Their menu is extensive, and the prices are affordable, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly meal.
3. Zhang Sheng Ji 🍽️🥟💰
Zhang Sheng Ji is famous for its delicious dumplings and other local snacks. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and offers a wide selection of dumplings, both steamed and fried. The prices are cheap, making it a perfect spot for a quick and affordable bite.
4. Green Tea Restaurant 🍽️🍜💰💰
If you’re a fan of green tea, this is the place to go. Green Tea Restaurant offers a menu filled with dishes infused with green tea, such as green tea noodles and green tea ice cream. The prices are average, and the ambiance is cozy, making it a great spot for a unique dining experience.
5. Wushan Roast Duck 🍽️🦆💰💰
For those craving Peking duck, Wushan Roast Duck is a must-visit. They serve tender and juicy roast duck, accompanied by traditional condiments and pancakes. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the food is excellent.
Budget Places:
1. Food Street in Hefang Street 🍽️🍢💰
Hefang Street is a vibrant and bustling area with numerous food stalls and snack bars. It’s the perfect place to try inexpensive local street food, such as stinky tofu, barbecued skewers, and fried dumplings.
2. Yunhe Tea House 🍽️🍵💰
Yunhe Tea House is a charming teahouse that offers a wide selection of teas at affordable prices. Situated near West Lake, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Vegetarian and Vegan Establishments:
1. Zen Vegetarian Restaurant 🍽️🥦💰💰
Zen Vegetarian Restaurant offers a diverse menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including mock meats and tofu-based dishes. The food is flavorful and creatively prepared. The prices are slightly higher than average but worth it for the quality and variety.
2. Pure Lotus 🍽️🌱💰💰
Pure Lotus is a vegetarian restaurant that combines traditional Chinese flavors with modern culinary techniques. They offer a range of plant-based dishes that are both visually appealing and delicious. The average bill size is expensive, but the dining experience is exceptional.
Cafes with National Desserts:
1. Grandma’s Dessert House ☕🍰💰
Grandma’s Dessert House is a cozy cafe that specializes in traditional Chinese desserts. They offer a variety of sweet treats, including tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), douhua (tofu pudding), and mooncakes. The prices are affordable, and the desserts are delectable.
2. Hangzhou Tianyuan Dessert Shop ☕🍧💰
Hangzhou Tianyuan Dessert Shop is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They serve a wide range of desserts, including shaved ice, custards, and sweet soups. The prices are average, and the desserts are beautifully presented.
Bars and Pubs:
1. JZ Club 🍻🎶💰💰
JZ Club is a popular jazz club in Hangzhou that offers live music performances by talented local and international artists. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
2. Maya Bar 🍻🎵💰
Maya Bar is a vibrant and energetic bar that attracts a young crowd. They have a wide selection of cocktails and play a mix of popular music genres. The prices are average, and it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the nightlife.
Live Music Venues:
1. 9 Club 🎵🎸💰
9 Club is a trendy venue that hosts live music performances by local bands and musicians. The atmosphere is lively, and the music ranges from rock and pop to jazz and blues. The prices are average, and it’s a fantastic place for music enthusiasts.
2. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe 🎵🎷💰
East Shore Live Jazz Cafe is a cozy cafe that showcases live jazz performances. The ambiance is laid-back, and the music creates a relaxing atmosphere. The prices are slightly higher than average, but the experience of listening to live jazz is worth it.
Themed Restaurants:
1. Song Dynasty Town Restaurant 🍽️🏯💰💰
Located in Song Dynasty Town, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its traditional architecture and cultural performances. The menu features dishes inspired by the Song Dynasty era, and the average bill size is expensive.
2. Future Space Cafe ☕🚀💰
Future Space Cafe is a futuristic-themed cafe that immerses visitors in a sci-fi atmosphere. The decor is sleek and modern, and they serve a variety of coffee and snacks. The prices are average, and it’s a fun place to visit for science fiction enthusiasts.
Local Markets:
1. Wushan Night Market 🍽️🌭💰
Wushan Night Market is a bustling market that comes alive in the evenings. It offers a wide array of street food, including local delicacies like stinky tofu and fried dough sticks. The prices are cheap, and it’s a great place to experience the vibrant street food culture of Hangzhou.
2. Qinghefang Ancient Street 🍽️🍡💰
Qinghefang Ancient Street is a historic street lined with shops selling local specialties and snacks. It’s a great place to try traditional Hangzhou snacks like beggar’s chicken and lotus root starch cakes. The prices are average, and the atmosphere is charming.
Culinary Workshops:
1. Hangzhou Cuisine Academy 🍽️👩🍳💰💰
Hangzhou Cuisine Academy offers cooking classes where tourists can learn to prepare traditional Hangzhou dishes. The classes are taught by experienced chefs, and participants get hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. The average bill size is expensive, but it’s a unique opportunity to learn about the local cuisine.
2. Lotus Tea House 🍽️🍵👩🍳💰
Lotus Tea House organizes tea ceremonies and workshops where visitors can learn about Chinese tea culture. Participants get to taste different types of tea and learn the proper brewing techniques. The prices are average, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the tea traditions of Hangzhou.
Seasonal Food Festivals:
1. West Lake Fish Festival 🍽️🐟🎉
The West Lake Fish Festival celebrates the local delicacy of West Lake fish. During the festival, various restaurants and stalls offer special fish dishes and promotions. It’s a great opportunity to try different preparations of this iconic Hangzhou dish.
2. Longjing Tea Festival 🍽️🍵🎉
The Longjing Tea Festival celebrates Hangzhou’s famous Longjing tea. Tea enthusiasts can participate in tea picking activities, tea tastings, and cultural performances. The festival showcases the rich tea culture of Hangzhou and offers a chance to try different types of Longjing tea.
Ethical and Eco-friendly Establishments:
1. Green Kitchen 🍽️🥗💰
Green Kitchen is a vegetarian restaurant that focuses on using locally sourced organic ingredients. They support sustainable agriculture and aim to minimize their environmental impact. The prices are average, and the food is both healthy and delicious.
2. Farm-to-Table Restaurant 🍽️🥦💰💰
This farm-to-table restaurant partners with local farmers to provide fresh and organic produce. They prioritize sustainability and offer a menu that changes seasonally. The average bill size is expensive, but the quality of the food and the commitment to ethical practices are commendable.
Cafes with a View:
1. Vineyard Cafe ☕🍷🌅
Vineyard Cafe is situated in the picturesque vineyards of Hangzhou. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. The prices are slightly higher than average, but the view is worth it.
2. Gushan Pavilion Tea House ☕🏞️
Gushan Pavilion Tea House is located on Gushan Mountain, offering panoramic views of West Lake. It’s a tranquil place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The prices are average, and it’s a great spot for nature lovers.
Family Restaurants:
1. Grandma’s Family Restaurant 🍽️👨👩👧👦💰
Grandma’s Family Restaurant is a family-friendly establishment that offers a variety of dishes suitable for all ages. They have a kids’ menu and a play area to keep children entertained. The prices are affordable, and it’s a great option for a family meal.
2. Hangzhou Children’s Restaurant 🍽️👶💰
Hangzhou Children’s Restaurant is designed specifically for children, with a colorful and playful atmosphere. They offer a range of child-friendly dishes and activities to keep kids engaged. The prices are average, and it’s a fun place for families with young children.
Visiting Tips:
– It’s recommended to make reservations for popular restaurants, especially during peak tourist seasons.
– Hangzhou is known for its beautiful scenery, so try to visit cafes or restaurants with a view to make the most of your dining experience.
– Cash is widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry some local currency.
– Be open to trying local street food and snacks, as they offer a unique taste of Hangzhou’s culinary culture.
– Familiarize yourself with the local etiquette, such as using chopsticks and respecting the tea-drinking traditions.
