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DESTINATIONS china hangzhou Dining

Dining

Hangzhou is famous for its traditional cuisine, hearty yet light on the palate. Some of the signature dishes are Beggar’s Chicken baked in fragrant lotus leaves, West Lake fish, which can be steamed or stewed, and Dongpo Pork stewed in soy sauce, a dish invented and named after ancient China’s most famous poet nine centuries ago. This is a divine dish where the meat is cooked to such tenderness it melts in the mouth.

Zhi Wei Guan / 知味观

Zhi Wei Guan / 知味观

An institution in itself, Zhi Wei Guan proudly claims a history of almost 100 years. There is an old saying that people stop their carriage attracted by aromas from the Zhi Wei Guan restaurant and dismount from their horses. Today, the restaurant still ranks as the top restaurant in …

Lou Wai Lou / 楼外楼

Lou Wai Lou / 楼外楼

Louwailou is located at the foot of Gushan, near the beautiful West Lake. More than 150 years old, Louwailou has served many famous persons in history including China’s most famous revolutionary, Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the late Chinese Premier Zhou …

Zhang Sheng Ji / 张生记

Zhang Sheng Ji / 张生记

Zhangshengji is guided by ancient secret recipes and the principle that “food and medicine have the same origin”. Various artisan dishes are available depending on the season - duck, pork, fish, shrimp and more. It is a combination of ancient food medication and modern culinary arts, provide an authentic experience. It is a rather …

Wai Po Jia / 外婆家

Wai Po Jia / 外婆家

To acquaint yourself with local Hangzhou cuisine, head to one of Grandma's Kitchen's many locales scattered throughout the city. It's a locals' and tourists' favorite, whose picture menu makes it easy to navigate the many unfamiliar words that might sound confusing to the unprepared visitor. From green tea chicken to fresh potherb of the …

Zhongshan Rd. Food Street / 中山路美食

Zhongshan Rd. Food Street / 中山路美食

Visitors are spoiled for choice at Zhongshan Road - walk down the 1400-meter-long foodie street, enjoy the Qing Dynasty style architecture, and select from one of many casual dining restaurants with tables and chairs set up outside. Local Hangzhou flavors abound - most places serve up fresh seafood, noodles, steamed tiny bun and …

Haidilao Hot Pot / 海底捞

Haidilao Hot Pot / 海底捞

One of the many places offering hot pot-style dining, Haidilao has earned itself a reputations for impeccable service and cleanliness. The origionally spicey pot, which came from Sichuan, is adapted to the locals' taste. Select the desired ingredients (from a vast array of products that are normally very well-stocked) and create your very own …

Carbon

Elegantly set directly on the West Lake, Carbon is a restaurant, café and bar that offers a fusion menu with a traceable emphasis on European (French, Italian and Spanish) cuisines. Although the restaurant is supervised by a Michelin one-star chef, the price is acceptable. Some signature dishes are Tuna Potato Lasagna, Périgord Black Truffle …

JiangHu Qian Sushi / 江户前

JiangHu Qian Sushi / 江户前

One of Hangzhou's best picks when it comes to Japanese, the establishment prides itself on the top-notch quality of the ingredients used in meal preparation and attentive service. Buzzing even on an early Monday night, the restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine right by the scenic West Lake. Reservation …

Dong Yi Shun / 东伊顺

Dong Yi Shun / 东伊顺

The Chinese restaurant with a, perhaps, rather uncharacteristic menu (it serves dishes typical of a local Muslim minority group), Dongyishun is the place to go for kebab (lamb, mutton and chicken), as well as yogurt, falafel and hummus. Picture menu …

Sawasdee / 萨瓦迪

Sawasdee / 萨瓦迪

This rather upscale restaurant aims to recreate authentic Thai flavors in a glamorous setting of an upmarket Hangzhou hotel. The menu features the familiar old Thai cuisine classics. Some vegetarian options are available. The staff speak both Chinese and …

Green Tea Restaurant / 绿茶

Green Tea Restaurant / 绿茶

A very popular restaurant that is best visited at odd times to avoid rush hour crowds, this cosy eatery offers a unique ambiance, varied menu and affordable prices. Try the clay pot dishes and do not skip the guilty pleasure of delicate Cantonese dim sum for dessert, numerous kinds are offered, and everyone is …