Located in the picturesque Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is a city that blends natural beauty with a rich cultural and culinary heritage. Known for its scenic West Lake, traditional tea culture, and historical significance, Hangzhou also boasts a vibrant and sophisticated food scene. The city is celebrated for its elegant yet flavorful cuisine, which features a wide range of dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients and reflects the region’s culinary philosophy of balance, subtlety, and harmony. Hangzhou’s food is known for being light, refreshing, and full of delicate flavors.
In this article, we will explore some of the most famous dishes of Hangzhou, providing insight into the culinary traditions that make this city a must-visit destination for food lovers. From steamed fish to longjing tea-infused dishes, Hangzhou’s culinary scene offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who appreciates high-quality ingredients, centuries-old cooking techniques, and regional specialties.
1. Introduction to Hangzhou’s Culinary Culture
Hangzhou’s food is deeply rooted in the rich agricultural traditions of the Yangtze River Delta. The cuisine of Hangzhou belongs to the broader category of Zhejiang cuisine, one of China’s eight major regional cuisines. Zhejiang cuisine is known for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on light and delicate flavors that are not overly oily or heavy. The cuisine balances sweet, salty, sour, and savory flavors, with a preference for natural ingredients that highlight their freshness and inherent tastes.
The city’s long history, coupled with its position as a cultural hub and former capital, has played a significant role in shaping its food culture. Hangzhou has always been a center of commerce, and as such, its food reflects the influence of different regions, both inside and outside China. Its proximity to the East China Sea also ensures an abundant supply of fresh seafood, which features prominently in local dishes.
Throughout Hangzhou, food is not just about sustenance; it is an integral part of the social fabric. Meals are often shared, and dining experiences are meant to bring people together to celebrate the joys of eating and communal life. From family dinners to gatherings at tea houses and street stalls, food is an essential part of daily life.
2. Famous Dishes of Hangzhou
a. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (西湖醋鱼)
West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, or Xi Hu Cu Yu, is perhaps the most famous dish associated with Hangzhou. This iconic dish is made from fresh fish, typically grass carp or black bass, caught from the scenic West Lake. The fish is lightly steamed and then bathed in a sweet and tangy vinegar-based sauce, often enhanced with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sugar. The result is a delicate balance of sour, sweet, and savory flavors, with the tender fish providing the perfect base for the flavorful sauce.
The dish’s origins date back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and it has been a beloved dish in Hangzhou ever since. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy is traditionally served during festivals and special occasions, and it is considered a symbol of Hangzhou’s culinary excellence.
The key to this dish’s success is the freshness of the fish, which is carefully chosen to ensure it is tender and moist. The vinegar sauce gives the dish its signature flavor, while the addition of ginger and sugar adds complexity and depth. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic, with a slight sweetness that complements the tanginess of the vinegar.
b. Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁)
Longjing Shrimp, also known as Longjing Prawns, is a dish that highlights the best of Hangzhou’s culinary heritage. The dish is made with fresh shrimp, stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves (Dragon Well tea), a variety of green tea that is famous worldwide. The delicate tea leaves lend a fragrant, herbal aroma to the dish, which pairs beautifully with the sweet and tender shrimp.
Longjing tea is an important part of Hangzhou’s cultural identity. Grown in the Longjing Village near West Lake, the tea is considered one of China’s top ten teas and has been cultivated for centuries. The use of Longjing tea in cooking is an example of how the region’s ingredients and cultural elements are woven into the cuisine. This dish showcases the perfect balance of Hangzhou’s culinary influences, incorporating both the region’s famous tea and the freshness of local seafood.
To prepare Longjing Shrimp, the shrimp is first stir-fried with a minimal amount of seasoning to preserve its natural sweetness. The Longjing tea leaves are then lightly sautéed, infusing the dish with a fragrant and refreshing flavor. The result is a dish that is both elegant and subtle, with a delicate balance of flavors that highlight the freshness of the ingredients.
c. Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡)
Beggar’s Chicken is a traditional dish that has its origins in Hangzhou and dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). According to legend, a beggar found a chicken and wrapped it in leaves before burying it in the ground to roast. The method of cooking, involving wrapping the chicken in lotus leaves and then encasing it in mud, results in incredibly tender, flavorful meat with a smoky aroma.
The dish involves whole chicken marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese wine, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. After marinating, the chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves, sealed in clay, and slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a juicy and fragrant chicken with a complex depth of flavors.
Beggar’s Chicken is often served at family gatherings, festivals, and banquets, making it a dish that represents both the history and warmth of Hangzhou’s food culture. The unique cooking technique and its association with local folklore make Beggar’s Chicken a beloved and iconic Hangzhou dish.
d. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
Dongpo Pork is a beloved dish that has its roots in Hangzhou’s historical and cultural legacy. The dish is named after the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who is said to have invented it. According to legend, Su Dongpo cooked pork with soy sauce, wine, sugar, and ginger for his friends and presented it in a special way, making the dish famous throughout the region.
The dish is made by slowly braising pork belly until it becomes tender and infused with a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. The pork is usually served in large, succulent pieces, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The sauce, made with a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese wine, sugar, and spices, coats the pork and adds a complex, umami-rich flavor to the dish.
Dongpo Pork is often served as a main course at banquets or special occasions. The dish’s rich flavor, tender meat, and historical significance make it one of Hangzhou’s most cherished specialties.
e. Hangzhou-style Spring Rolls (杭州春卷)
Hangzhou-style Spring Rolls are a popular snack and appetizer in the region. These spring rolls are filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or shrimp, and are often served with a light, tangy dipping sauce. Unlike the crispy spring rolls found in other regions of China, Hangzhou’s spring rolls are usually soft and moist, making them a delicious alternative.
The filling is typically made with fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and sometimes with pork or shrimp for added flavor. After being wrapped in thin rice paper, the spring rolls are lightly steamed or fried to achieve the perfect balance of softness and crispiness. The rolls are often served with a light soy-based dipping sauce or vinegar, giving them a refreshing taste.
Hangzhou-style spring rolls are often eaten during festivals or as a light meal. They are known for their freshness, lightness, and delicate flavors, making them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
3. Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure in Hangzhou
Hangzhou’s cuisine is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, its connection to the land, and its ability to blend the old with the new. From iconic dishes like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy and Longjing Shrimp to traditional recipes like Beggar’s Chicken and Dongpo Pork, Hangzhou offers a diverse and flavorful culinary landscape that is deeply tied to the region’s natural resources and historical legacy.
Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Hangzhou’s culinary delights offer a window into the soul of the city. The dishes are crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and cooked using time-honored techniques that bring out the best in every bite. A visit to Hangzhou is incomplete without indulging in its famous dishes, each one offering a unique flavor experience that will leave you wanting more.
