Best Hangzhou Dishes You Must Try (with Restaurant Recommendations)

Hangzhou is not only famous for its picturesque West Lake and historic temples, but also for its rich culinary traditions that have been perfected over centuries. From delicate freshwater fish dishes to subtly sweet pastries, the city offers a flavor palette that reflects its cultural heritage and local ingredients. Whether you are a foodie seeking authentic Hangzhou flavors or a curious traveler wanting to taste the city like a local, this guide will introduce you to the must-try dishes and the best restaurants where you can savor them. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through Hangzhou’s unique and unforgettable cuisine.

Famous Hangzhou Dishes

1. Sweet and Sour West Lake Fish
Sweet and Sour West Lake Fish is one of Hangzhou’s most famous traditional dishes, celebrated for its delicate flavor and elegant presentation. Made with fresh grass carp from West Lake, the fish is poached until tender, then topped with a glossy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. The flesh remains tender and juicy, with the sauce seeping into every bite, offering a refreshing taste that is neither greasy nor heavy. Served whole, it is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual representation of Hangzhou’s refined culinary style.

2. Dongpo Pork 
Dongpo Pork is a classic Hangzhou delicacy known for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep savory flavor. This dish features thick cubes of pork belly slowly braised in a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and aromatic spices until the meat becomes incredibly tender and the fat layers turn silky and translucent. The result is a beautifully caramelized, glossy dish that is both hearty and refined, often served with steamed buns or rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, this dish reflects the perfect harmony of simplicity and indulgence in Hangzhou cuisine.

3. Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea 
Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea is a signature Hangzhou dish that perfectly blends the region’s culinary artistry with its rich tea culture. Tender, succulent shrimp are stir-fried with the fragrant, subtly grassy Longjing tea leaves—one of China’s most celebrated green teas grown in the nearby Longjing Village. This dish highlights a delicate balance of freshness and aroma, where the shrimp’s sweetness is enhanced by the tea’s unique flavor, creating a light and refreshing taste. Beyond its deliciousness, the dish embodies Hangzhou’s deep connection to tea, reflecting centuries of tradition where tea is not only a beverage but also an integral ingredient in local cuisine and daily life.

4. Aunt Song Fish Broth 
Aunt Song Fish Broth is a beloved traditional Hangzhou soup known for its delicate and comforting flavor. The dish is named after Song Cui’er, a legendary woman from the Southern Song Dynasty who was famous for her kindness and generosity. According to local tales, she cooked this nourishing fish broth to help feed and support needy families during difficult times. Made with finely minced freshwater fish, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and egg whites, the soup is smooth and light yet full of subtle flavors. This dish not only delights the palate but also carries the legacy of compassion and care from Hangzhou’s history.

5. Beggars' Chicken
Beggars’ Chicken is a legendary dish from Hangzhou, wrapped in both mystery and mouthwatering flavors. The story goes that a poor beggar, without proper cooking tools, ingeniously wrapped a whole chicken in lotus leaves and then sealed it tightly with mud or clay before burying it in hot ashes to cook slowly. This method trapped all the juices and aromas inside, turning the chicken incredibly tender and infused with a smoky, earthy scent. Nowadays, chefs prepare the dish by marinating the chicken in a blend of aromatic spices, herbs, and sauces, then wrapping it carefully in lotus leaves and encasing it in clay or dough before baking. When the hard shell is cracked open at the table, the fragrant steam rises, revealing succulent meat that practically falls off the bone. 

6. Tofu with Eight Delicious 
Tofu with Eight Delicious is a classic dish from Hangzhou celebrated for its subtle taste and elegant appearance. The dish features soft, silky tofu topped with a colorful assortment of eight different ingredients, such as mushrooms, shrimp, bamboo shoots, and vegetables, each contributing unique textures and tastes. Carefully cooked in a light sauce, the combination creates a harmonious balance that highlights the subtlety of tofu while offering rich variety. This dish reflects Hangzhou cuisine’s emphasis on freshness, artistry, and the philosophy of combining diverse elements to create a satisfying whole.

7. Stewed Fish Head with Tofu in Casserole 
Stewed Fish Head with Tofu in Casserole is a comforting Hangzhou specialty that combines tender fish head and silky tofu simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. Traditionally cooked slowly in a clay pot, this method allows the ingredients to meld perfectly, creating a dish that is both nourishing and fragrant. The fish head symbolizes abundance and good fortune in Chinese culture, making this dish popular during family gatherings and festive occasions. The smooth texture of the tofu balances the boldness of the fish, reflecting Hangzhou cuisine’s skillful harmony between flavors and textures.

8. Fish Balls 
Fish Balls are a beloved traditional snack in Hangzhou, made from finely minced fresh fish that is skillfully shaped into smooth, springy spheres. Often served in a clear broth or as part of noodle dishes, these fish balls showcase the region’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and delicate craftsmanship. In local culture, fish symbolizes prosperity and abundance, so fish balls are not only enjoyed for their satisfying texture and mild flavor but also carry auspicious meanings, especially during celebrations and family meals.

9. Stewed Bamboo Shoots 
Stewed Bamboo Shoots is a traditional Hangzhou dish that highlights the region’s love for fresh, seasonal ingredients and subtle flavors. Tender bamboo shoots are slow-cooked in a savory, fermented rice wine sauce that imparts a gentle tanginess and depth to the dish. Bamboo shoots have long been valued in Chinese culture for their crisp texture and health benefits, symbolizing resilience and growth. This dish reflects Hangzhou’s culinary philosophy of enhancing natural tastes with simple, skillful preparation, creating a comforting and nourishing experience.

10. Osmanthus and Chestnut Soup
Osmanthus and Chestnut Soup is a traditional Hangzhou dessert that beautifully combines the sweet fragrance of osmanthus flowers with the rich, earthy flavor of chestnuts. The delicate osmanthus blossoms, highly prized in Chinese culture for their subtle aroma and association with autumn and prosperity, infuse the smooth, creamy soup with a light floral note. Chestnuts add a natural sweetness and hearty texture, making the dish both comforting and elegant. This soup exemplifies Hangzhou’s culinary tradition of blending seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are as meaningful as they are delicious.

Famous Hangzhou Snacks

1. Victory Cake
Victory Cake is a traditional Hangzhou snack crafted from glutinous rice flour and sweetened with sugar, often enhanced with the delicate fragrance of osmanthus blossoms. Steamed to achieve a soft, chewy texture, this cake delivers a gentle sweetness that is both comforting and satisfying. It is commonly enjoyed as a simple treat during festivals or as a casual snack, reflecting the city’s love for subtle flavors and wholesome ingredients. Widely available in local markets and tea houses, Victory Cake offers a taste of Hangzhou’s rich culinary traditions in every bite.

2. West Lake Lotus Root Powder
West Lake Lotus Root Powder is a smooth, jelly-like dessert made by mixing fine lotus root starch with hot water until it turns translucent and glossy. Lightly sweetened and sometimes infused with osmanthus syrup, it carries a gentle aroma and a naturally mild flavor. In Hangzhou, it has long been enjoyed as a nourishing snack, often served warm in winter for comfort or chilled in summer for refreshment, making it a versatile treat beloved by locals.

3. Crisp Cake
Crisp Cake is a traditional Hangzhou snack known for its thin, crunchy texture and subtle sweetness. Made from simple ingredients like rice flour and sugar, the batter is spread thin and baked or fried until it becomes light and crisp. Often enjoyed as a tea-time treat, Crisp Cake offers a delicate balance of flavors and a satisfying crunch, making it a popular choice among locals looking for a quick and pleasant snack.

The Hangzhou dining scene is composed of Hangzhou cuisine, western cuisine and cuisines from other parts of China, visitors' dining requirements can be fulfilled with thousands of available restaurants in Hangzhou. There is so many restaurants to eat in Hangzhou, that hangzhouprivatetour.com can only present a few top popular restaurants with the local people for your reference.

Where the local people eat? 

Grandma’s Kitchen:
Eight years ago that little noodle shop everyone was addicted to on Macheng road closed up and opened up again as this place. Now Grandma’s Kitchens are all around town. There is a very comprehensive picture menu. If you’re still a bit skeptical about Hangzhou cuisine, this place will cure you. You’ll be shocked by the very reasonable prices considering the environs. Lines for lunch and dinner every day prove that. English menu is available.

Average Cost: CNY65-85

• Grandma's Kitchen, Wen'er Branch
  10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
  330 West Wen'er Rd.
  0571 8892 0725 

• Grandma's Kitchen, Macheng Branch
  11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
  6-1 Macheng Rd.
  0571 8805 1987

• Grandma's Kitchen, Binjiang Branch
  10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
  103 North Jiangbin Rd.
  0571 8715 0780 

• Grandma's Kitchen, Yugu Branch
  10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
  3/F Zhongtian Mansion, 173 Yugu Rd.
  0571 8763 1555 

• Grandma's Kitchen, Xixi Branch
  10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
  511 Xixi Rd
  0571 8797 5201

• Grandma's Kitchen, Guihuacheng Branch
  10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
  458 West Wen'er Rd.
  0571 8847 8585

Green Tea:
No place is perfect, and Green Tea is no exception. Despite the name, this restaurant doesn’t really have anything to do with green tea or even Hangzhou, but it is one of those places that would be a shame to miss. It’s just the character of place really. Aside from the food, which is excellent and diverse, and unusual, there isn’t really much to mention. The decor is blond pine and cute in a quaint, hand-cut Norwegian 1990's Hangzhou sort of way; the quality of service is papered over by huge smiles and good intention; and by Hangzhou standards the bathroom and general cleanliness of the place is, like the rest, average. The food is surprisingly superb, and the unusual offering of booze, combined with the disarming informality of Green Tea makes for a laid-back evening kick-off for two or three friends, or a gathering much larger. I don’t forget lunch, Green Tea is a great way to have lunch then settle back with some fresh tea and soak up a little afternoon sun. 

Average Cost: CNY55-70

Bailu Restaurant: (Two branches in Hangzhou Downtown)
This popular restaurant is a good place to go with friends. It has been a staple of Hangzhou for years, as is evidenced by the number of new locations they’re opening around town. The prices are relatively cheap considering the quality. They have the crowd favorites like Hangzhou Duck and West Lake Fish in a massive menu that takes forever to thumb through. In case you were wondering, they have pictures and pinyin to make it easier for the Chinese impaired.

Average Cost: CNY60-70

Lou Wai Lou Restaurant (Tower Beyond Tower):
The most famous restaurant located in Solitary Hill right at the heart of West Lake. It boasts a history of over 100 years of existence, and is the most authentic restaurant in Hangzhou. You must not miss such a good opportunity to savor the superb Hangzhou cuisine while also enjoying the awe-inspiring sight of West Lake. This also means that it is most likely you will have to wait for a table at dinnertime. Specialties include West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce, Fried Shrimps with Long Jing Tea Leaves, and the famous Beggar's Chicken. 

Average Cost: CNY150 

West Lake Spring Restaurant :
As the name implies, it is a restaurant that located by the side of the scenic lake. This information is true, however, it does not really serve Hangzhou cuisine, but Cantonese instead. The Cantonese Pu'er Tea and everybody's favorite Dim Sum are the highly recommended stuff here. The most Hangzhouers' love the sweet Crispy Durian Cakes might be your must try snack dish which is served very hot indeed. There will be an entire shrimp in every piece of the little shrimp dumplings dish. The shrimps are quite soft with so juicy feel to your taste. The fruit taste is full-bodied to the mango pudding.

Average Cost: CNY60-90

Zhiweiguan Restaurant:
Founded in 1913 in Hangzhou. “People stop their cars because of knowing its taste and dismount from their horses when smell its fragrance” and “if you want to know (Zhi) my (restaurant’s) taste (Wei), just see (Guan) the ingredients of my choice” are the main spirits of the restaurant as well as to provide the meaning of its name; and “quality is above all with excellent service” is always its business philosophy. Hangzhou’s well-known traditional dishes and snacks such as West Lake Vinegar Fish, Dragon Well Tea Shrimp, Beggar’s Chicken, West Lake’s Water Shield Soup, Zhiweiguan’s Steamed Buns, Cat’s Ear Noodles and Dingsheng Cakes are loved so much by locals and visitors. 

Average Cost: CNY120-150

Kuiyuanguan:
Founded in 1867 in Hangzhou by an unknown businessman from Anhui Province, the Kuiyuan Restaurant’s characteristic has been maintained despite it reformed a few times; therefore it has been acclaimed at home and abroad for so long. Specialties: Xiabao Shanmian (Noodles with Fried Eel Silces and Shrimps), Pianer Chuanmian (Noodles with Preserved Vegetable and Sliced Pork and Bamboo Shoots in Soup), etc. 

Average Cost: CNY40-60

Most Famous Restaurants in Hangzhou!
(Most famous for it's History as well as dishes)

Jin Sha Restaurant-Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake (We can help you do the reservation)
Hangzhou dining rises to an international calibre in Jin Sha, a high-style Chinese restaurant specializing in traditional Shanghainese, Cantonese and Hangzhounese cuisine with a contemporary spin. The restaurant sources most of its ingredients locally, using free-range chicken and vegetables from nearby farms. Jin Sha is destined to be among Hangzhou’s hottest dining venues. 

Average Cost: CNY 150
Location: No.5 Lingyin Road, Hangzhou
Tel: 86-571-88298888

28 Hubin Road Hangzhou -Hyatt Rengency Hotel Hangzhou (We can help you do the reservation)
On February 24, the list of “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” was announced in Singapore. Hubin 28 Road Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Hangzhou Hotel ranks 33rd in the list, and it is the only restaurant in mainland China to be chosen. 

Uniquely designed with a residential ambience, 28 HuBin Road is among the most famous restaurants in Hangzhou and is the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant serving traditional dishes from Hangzhou, as well as specialties from surrounding cities. The restaurant also offers the only hotel wine cellar with a collection of more than 2,500 wines.

Average Cost: CNY140
Location: 28 Hubin Road, West Lake, Hangzhou
Tel: 86 - 571- 87791234-2828

Guiyu Shan Fang
Guiyu Shan Fang is located near West Lake in the scenic area of Manjuelong, a place named after the abundance of osmanthus trees covering the hills. The restaurant’s interior is elegantly simple and traditional, creating a serene atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy their meal. During dining, a skilled tea master performs the traditional tea-pouring ceremony at each table, filling the room with the soothing fragrance of freshly brewed tea.

The chefs carefully select seasonal ingredients from across China to interpret Zhejiang cuisine with creativity and authenticity. For example, the Crispy Red Plum Chicken is made from premium Qingyuan chicken sourced from Guangdong, marinated and smoked with Hangzhou black tea, resulting in crispy skin, tender meat, and a subtle, warm tea aroma. Another must-try dish features fresh river fish cooked with salted vegetables and shredded bamboo shoots, highlighting the region’s fresh flavors.

Visiting in autumn offers a special experience as diners can enjoy their meal in the beautiful garden while appreciating the blooming osmanthus flowers that fragrance the entire hillside. Guiyu Shan Fang perfectly blends natural beauty, traditional culture, and exquisite cuisine for a memorable dining experience in Hangzhou.

Average Cost: CNY640
Open Time: 10:30-14:00, 16:30-21:00
Location: 2-1, Manjuelong Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Tel: 0571-87977677

Yihen Yue
Yihen Yue offers an elegant ambiance where vintage chandeliers complement European-style cabinets and ornate mirrors, creating a refined and charming atmosphere. The menu is a creative fusion of ingredients and cooking techniques from across China, resulting in unique and flavorful dishes. Notably, the sauce-marinated Spanish mackerel features thinly sliced, air-dried fish paired with a sweet and savory sauce rich in Jiangnan flavors. Another highlight is the slow-braised veal, simmered gently to release its full gelatinous richness. The carefully curated tea list includes over one hundred varieties of Chinese tea, with expert pairings available to enhance the dining experience. Due to its popularity and intimate setting, early reservations are highly recommended.

Average Cost: CNY230
Open Time: 11:00-13:30, 16:30-20:30
Location: No. 701 Fuchun Road, Unit L628, Level 6, Hangzhou MixC Mall, Hangzhou
Tel: 0571-89701688

Hangzhou Restaurant
Founded in 1921 under the name Gao Changxing Wine and Dishes House, Hangzhou Restaurant first gained fame for serving aged Shaoxing yellow wine alongside flavorful local dishes. It was renamed in 1951 and has since become one of the most recognized names in traditional Hangzhou cuisine. Throughout its long history, the restaurant has been home to many celebrated chefs whose mastery of authentic flavors has drawn politicians, cultural icons, and gourmets from near and far. Today, it continues to win over diners with signature dishes such as creamy and sweet cheese-braised pumpkin, tender and tangy sauerkraut fish, spicy yet melt-in-the-mouth roasted pork knuckle, silky shredded tofu served in a generous portion, and its playful, tableside-presented version of Beggars’ Chicken.

Average Cost: CNY90
Open Time: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-20:30
Location: 205 Yan’an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou
Tel: 0571-89701688

Xin Rong Ji
Xin Rong Ji in Hangzhou is designed in the style of a traditional Chinese courtyard, offering a serene and elegant dining atmosphere. Although located deep within the Xixi National Wetland Park, its remote setting has never deterred food lovers from making the journey. The restaurant’s signature dishes, such as the crispy golden hairtail with its tender, flavorful flesh and the golden-skinned young pigeon with juicy, succulent meat, leave lasting impressions. Diners will also find an impressive selection of both river and seafood, with staff happy to recommend the best preparation methods. While the menu focuses on classic Taizhou cuisine, it also features a few Hangzhou specialties, including the tender and rich Hangzhou-style braised pork intestine, which balances savory, sweet, and mildly spicy notes. The combination of refined cooking, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a peaceful garden setting makes it a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors.

Average Cost: CNY750
Open Time: 11:30-13:30, 17:30-20:30
Location: Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou, China
Tel: 0571-88863777

Jie Xiang Lou
Located within the Zixuan Resort at Bapanling near West Lake and surrounded by serene bamboo groves, this Hangzhou Xin Rong Ji branch combines tranquil natural scenery with an interior of traditional Chinese elegance. The chefs skillfully integrate contemporary Western cooking techniques into refined Jiangnan cuisine, resulting in beautifully plated dishes that delight both the palate and the eyes. Highlights include the “Eight Flavors Exquisite Box,” featuring four meticulously crafted signature appetizers, and the Aunt Song’s East Sea Fish Fillet Broth, made with tender and flavorful small yellow croaker from the East China Sea. A seasonal menu, refreshed monthly, ensures that diners can always experience the freshest ingredients and innovative creations.

Average Cost: CNY750
Open Time: 11:00-13:30, 17:00-20:30
Location: No. 1 Bapanling Road, Zixuan Resort, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Tel: 0571-88867778

Pushu
Pusu is located at the entrance of Qingzhiwu by Qingliutang, housed in a three-story standalone building featuring a waterside terrace, winding pavilions, and open courtyards. Among Hangzhou’s 2,883 restaurants, it holds an impressive overall rating of 4.4, ranking 39th in the city. The décor blends traditional whitewashed walls and black tiles with natural wood tones and modern glass structures. The second-floor lobby features a unique coin-decorated wall, and each floor offers terraces furnished with wooden tables and chairs.

Specializing in creative Hangzhou cuisine, Pusu preserves traditional cooking techniques while adding innovative touches. Signature dishes include the golden braised beef ribs, Pusu’s take on Kung Pao tofu, sizzling bullfrog, slow-cooked Qianlong fish head casserole, and creamy baked pumpkin with cheese. The restaurant provides a variety of dining options including scenic seating, outdoor tables, private rooms, parking, WiFi, and card payment. With an online menu and afternoon tea service, it is well-suited for business dinners, family gatherings, and romantic dates. A minimum spending requirement applies.

Average Cost: CNY110
Open Time: 11:00-13:30, 17:00-21:00
Location: No. 61-1 Yugu Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Tel: 0571-87203383

Vegetarian Restaurant

PUZHU
Located beside Xiangji Temple, this standalone villa exudes the charm of a Jiangnan water town with a serene and elegant layout that invites relaxation. The head chef sources seasonal ingredients from across China and presents refined vegetarian dishes using a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western culinary techniques. The restaurant offers only two set menus, a classic menu featuring popular signature dishes and a seasonal menu updated quarterly, both requiring advance reservations. Highlights include a tangy and refreshing tree tomato soup enriched with seaweed from the waters of Xiapu, delivering a briny umami depth. During the meal, attentive staff share insights into the health benefits of each ingredient, adding a thoughtful and engaging touch to the dining experience.

Average Cost: CNY970
Open Time: 9:30-21:30
Location: No. 122 Dadou Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou
Tel: 13067888989

PUMEN
Nestled within a tranquil garden near Lingyin Temple, this restaurant offers guests a peaceful setting to enjoy vegetarian dishes and healthful beverages at a leisurely pace. The cuisine is eclectic, blending traditional Chinese flavors with Southeast Asian influences, and places great emphasis on carefully selected seasonal and organic ingredients. For example, the silky hazelnut brown rice milk is made from rice grown using natural farming methods. Be sure to try their handmade dim sum, such as organic graphite rye wontons served with house-made chili oil, which adds a unique and flavorful touch to the meal.

Average Cost: CNY108
Open Time: 11:00-21:00
Location: No. 181 Baile Bridge, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Tel: 0571-87975777

Hangzhou Snack Streets ! 

Hangzhou Hefang Food Street
Quaint, quiet Hefang Street is located at the foot of Wushan Mountain, in Hangzhou's old district. Here you'll find plentiful snacky offerings, such as Top Scholar's Cake, Black Sesame Paste, Eight-treasure Porridge and Lotus Root Starch. All the food here would charge no more than CNY10 per each, you can have a little bit of every snack to have a good experience of the local snacks. There are some other kinds of stores on the street.

Sheng Li He Food Street:
Many restaurants has gathered here, here you can find cuisines from all over China. All the restaurants just located on both sides of the Shengli river as well as the Grand Canal. The buildings in this area are all built in the ancient chinese style. This is one of the new food streets where the local people like to spend their time with friends and relatives. Especially, when the night falls, a lot of people stroll around the river, do excercises. You can experience the peaceful life here in hangzhou. 

Jing Zhou Lu Snack Street:
This is a new snack street in Hangzhou, it is located in the western part of Hangzhou. Some restaurants are decorated in different styles and they are famous for their flavor dishes. There is one thing that the transportation is not convenient to get there.