Hangzhou cuisine

Chinese poet Su Shi (1037-1101), also known as Su Dongpo, had a strong liking for Hangzhou cuisine, claiming that Hangzhou's feasts were unmatched anywhere in the world. Some gems of Hangzhou food are Dongpo pork, beggar's chicken, West Lake grass carp in vinegar sauce, Longjing shrimp, Sister Song's fish soup, West Lake water shield soup and braised bamboo shoots.

Local snacks are also worth trying. Visitors' most sophisticated palates will enjoy a huge variety of local delicacies unique to Hangzhou such as congbaohui (fried dough sticks wrapped in thin pancake), Dingsheng cake, xiaolongbao (small steamed dumplings), Wushan pastry, and spring rolls.

Ubiquitous as they are, visitors are encouraged to embark on a walk to seek out their favorite dish or delicacy amid beautiful or along a bustling street. Wandering into Hangzhou Cuisine Museum, people can get a grasp of the evolution of Hangzhou cuisine and choose dishes to find in the city.

Dongpo Pork [Photo/ehangzhou.gov.cn]