Hangzhou Food: Must-eat Dishes and Best Restaurants
Crowned as "the Heaven on Earth" from a very ancient time, Hangzhou is famous for its serene scenery, soft water towns, and, of course, Hangzhou food. The local flavors are gentle, fresh, slightly sweet, and beautifully seasonal, which makes eating here a big part of your Hangzhou travel experience. If you’re planning a foodie trip and want to discover the best food and restaurants in Hangzhou, this Hangzhou food guide walks you through everything.
Hangzhou Cuisine
Hangzhou cuisine—one of the signatures of Zhejiang cuisine, ranked among the eight schools of Chinese cuisine—is known for its delicate flavors. Many dishes lean on river fish, bamboo shoots, and light sauces that highlight the natural sweetness of the ingredients. During your China tours to Hangzhou, you’ll find that Hangzhou food rarely goes heavy or spicy; instead, it focuses on balance, aroma, and that gentle sweetness you’ll remember long after the trip is over.Another hallmark of Hangzhou cuisine is its cooking techniques—sautéing, stewing, simmering, braising, and stir-frying that bring out clean, elegant flavors. You’ll also see a lot of lotus leaves, mellow vinegar, and Longjing tea, which adds an unmistakably Hangzhou-style fragrance. For travelers curious about the stories behind Hangzhou’s famous food, the Hangzhou Cuisine Museum is a fun stop to explore local dishes before tasting them in the city.
>> Recommended 2-day Hangzhou food tour
Best Food in Hangzhou: Top 5 Must-Try Hangzhou Specialties
1. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
This is a famous food in Hangzhou and a must-order for anyone diving into Hangzhou’s traditional food. It is a type of stewed pork named after its creator, the 11th-century master poet Su Dong-po (also known as Su Shi), who referred to himself as "the old gourmand". Chunks of fatty pork are steamed in a sauce of rice wine, soy sauce, and sugar for several hours to a deep reddish brown, richly flavored, and melt-in-the-mouth tender.2. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (西湖醋鱼)
As one of the foods that Hangzhou is famous for, this is a must-try on any Hangzhou food tour. A fresh grass carp is cut in half from head to tail, delicately poached for just a few minutes, then drenched in a glossy sugar-and-vinegar sauce. The first bite is soft, sweet, slightly tangy, and surprisingly close to the flavor of fresh crab — that’s why locals love it.
3. Beggar's chicken (叫花鸡)
It is a true representative of the Chinese food in Hangzhou. The chicken is crammed with fried pork and wrapped with lotus leaves, and then roasted in a whole chicken in a ball of mud. This dish is tender, fresh, juicy, crisp, tasty, and full of the fragrance of lotus. The moment you crack the clay open, the aroma hits you like a warm herbal cloud. So, don’t miss it during your Hangzhou tours.4. Sister Song’s Fish Soup (宋嫂鱼羹)
This soothing fish soup has been loved for nearly a thousand years. The broth is creamy and silky, with shredded fish, bamboo shoots, and just enough ginger to lift the sweetness. If you want to try the more refined side of Hangzhou cuisine, you can’t miss this bowl.5. Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea (龙井虾仁)
Hangzhou’s pride has always been its Dragon Well tea — Longjing, a famous Chinese tea, is basically the city’s signature flavor. An enjoyably different way to savor this tea is in the Hangzhou food Longjing xiaren, or shrimp stir-fried with Dragon Well tea, one of the popular Chinese dishes. Fresh, plump shrimp are shelled, stir-fried, and then coated in a light, translucent sauce highlighted by leaves of the precious tea that imbue the whole dish with subtle flavor and fragrance.
>> Recommended 1-day Hangzhou tea culture tour
Best Restaurants in Hangzhou
Whether you’re craving Hangzhou’s famous food, upscale dining, casual joints, or western restaurants Hangzhou locals love, the city has plenty to explore. Below are some of the best Hangzhou restaurants—including lakeside dining, classic Chinese food, vegetarian picks, and international options.Best Restaurants Near West Lake
If you’re wondering, “Are there restaurants in the West Lake from Hangzhou?” the answer is absolutely yes.1. Louwailou Restaurant
As one of the famous restaurants in Hangzhou, it is perfect for first-time visitors. It’s touristy, but the lake views and the classic dishes make it worth at least one visit.
2. Zhiweiguan Restaurant
A long-standing brand famous for Hangzhou snacks and homestyle dishes. It’s great for sampling classic food to eat in Hangzhou without spending too much.
3. Four Seasons Hangzhou’s Jin Sha Restaurant at West Lake
This Three-Diamond Black Pearl Restaurant is a refined, lakeside restaurant in Hangzhou serving beautifully plated Hangzhou food with a modern touch. It’s the place you book when you want to impress someone on your food tours of China — ambience, service, and flavors all feel effortlessly polished.
Authentic Chinese Restaurants in Hangzhou
1. Green Tea Restaurant, Hangzhou
A super popular chain among young locals thanks to its casual vibe and reliable, good-value dishes. The menu mixes traditional Hangzhou food with playful modern dishes, so it’s great for groups and easy, no-pressure meals.
2. Grandma’s Restaurant, Hangzhou
A beloved chain restaurant in Hangzhou that’s almost always packed — people love it for its homestyle dishes, friendly prices, and cozy, no-frills atmosphere.
3. Kuiyuan Restaurant
Known for handmade noodles and that “local diner” atmosphere. It’s casual, quick, and totally down-to-earth—ideal for a real Hangzhou food experience.
>> Recommended 3-day Hangzhou family tour
Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Hangzhou
1. Qingchun Pumen Vegetarian
A calm, earthy-style vegetarian spot that leans into clean flavors and beautifully plated dishes. The whole place feels soothing — the kind of Hangzhou restaurant where you slow down without trying.
2. Suchunzai Vegetarian
One of the time-honored vegetarian restaurants in Hangzhou with a loyal local following. The flavors are simple, comforting, and surprisingly hearty — great for anyone who wants plant-based Hangzhou food that still feels satisfying.
3. Faxiang Vegetarian
A popular restaurant in Hangzhou, China providing a peaceful atmosphere and vegetarian cuisine that feels almost meditative. It’s a great stop after visiting nearby temples or other Hangzhou attractions.
Western & International Dining in Hangzhou
1. PICATAPA
A lively Spanish-style spot that does tapas the fun way — small plates, good drinks, and a warm, social vibe that makes you want to linger. The flavors of this Hangzhou western restaurant are bold but not heavy, perfect for laid-back evenings with friends.
2. Fine Restaurant & Bistro
A cozy Western bistro with clean flavors and beautifully balanced Hangzhou food — the kind of place you go when you want something refined but not overly formal.
3. Mamala
A bright, modern café-style restaurant in Hangzhou serving fresh, global-inspired dishes with a healthy twist. It’s very popular among locals who love brunch — the plates are colorful, light, and surprisingly satisfying.
Famous Hangzhou Food Streets & Street Food
Hefang Street
Hefang Street is where old Hangzhou vibes meet nonstop snacking. The stone walkway, the lanterns, the tea shops — it all feels a bit nostalgic in the best way. Vendors cook right on this Hangzhou food street, so you catch the smell of sesame cakes and sizzling treats before you even spot the stalls.Dama Lane
Dama Lane mixes cafés, bistros, and snack stalls in a cozy network of alleys. It’s where young locals go for a chill evening, grabbing milk tea in one hand and skewers in the other.
Wulin Night Market
If you’re after street food in Hangzhou at night, Wulin Night Market is where everything sizzles. Skewers, rice noodles, grilled squid, dumplings, fried buns—each stall has a smell that pulls you closer. It’s chaotic, loud, and irresistibly delicious.Shengli River Food Street
This 460-meter-long street is packed with Hangzhou restaurants specializing in seafood, stir-fries, and late-night dishes. From braised river fish to sizzling iron-plate dishes, everything feels hearty and satisfying. It’s a great place to experience the “everyday” side of Hangzhou food culture.Laxi Street
Laxi Street is modern, colorful, and full of young crowds. Think street snacks, bubble tea, fried chicken, skewers, and creative desserts. It’s less traditional but absolutely a fun Hangzhou food street to explore between sightseeing stops.
>> Recommended 2-day Hangzhou culture tour with local snacks
Iconic Street Snacks You Must Try
Scallion Pancake Roll
The scallion pancake roll is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and wrapped around marinated gluten. The mix of sweetness and onion aroma hits instantly. It’s one of the most famous foods in Hangzhou markets—simple but unforgettable.Xiao Long Bao
Xiao Long Bao is one of the signature dishes of authentic Chinese food and popular street foods in China. These soup-filled steam buns are delicate and comforting. Break the skin gently, sip the broth, then enjoy the bite. You’ll find them almost everywhere when traveling in Hangzhou, and they make a perfect warm-up before hitting more Hangzhou street food stalls.Dingsheng Cake
It’s a soft, pink-tinted rice cake filled with red bean paste. This Hangzhou food looks cute, tastes even better, and pairs beautifully with Longjing tea. They’re often sold warm, which makes the texture incredibly soft and satisfying.