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Comprehensive Guide to Desserts and Sweets in Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, which reflects the city’s historical and cultural significance. While Hangzhou is famous for its savory dishes like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce and Dongpo Pork, its desserts and sweets are equally noteworthy. Hangzhou’s desserts are often light, subtly sweet, and deeply connected to the region’s tea culture and natural ingredients. Below is a detailed guide to help you explore the world of desserts and sweets in Hangzhou.

1. Popular Desserts and Traditional Sweets in Hangzhou

1.1. Dragon Well Tea Pastries (龙井茶点 - Lóngjǐng Chádiǎn)

Description: These desserts are infused with the famous Dragon Well (Longjing) green tea, a specialty of Hangzhou. Common forms include tea-flavored cakes, cookies, and pastries. The desserts have a delicate, slightly bitter tea aroma balanced by mild sweetness.
Cultural Significance: Longjing tea is a symbol of Hangzhou’s identity and is often used in local cuisine to highlight the city’s tea culture.
Where to Find: Many tea houses around West Lake (Xī Hú) serve these desserts, such as the Longjing Manor (龙井山庄) or Hupanju Teahouse (湖畔居茶楼).
Cost: Around 20–50 RMB per serving, depending on the location and type of dessert.

1.2. Osmanthus Cake (桂花糕 - Guìhuā Gāo)

Description: A soft, jelly-like cake made from glutinous rice flour and flavored with osmanthus flowers, which are known for their sweet, floral fragrance.
Cultural Significance: Osmanthus flowers are a symbol of autumn in Chinese culture and are often associated with good fortune and prosperity.
Where to Find: Look for osmanthus cakes at traditional snack shops like Zhiweiguan (知味观) or at street vendors in the Hefang Street (河坊街) area.
Cost: 10–20 RMB per piece.

1.3. Sweet Osmanthus Soup (桂花糖藕 - Guìhuā Táng ǒu)

Description: A dessert made from lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice, slow-cooked in a sweet osmanthus syrup. The dish is chewy, fragrant, and slightly sticky.
Cultural Significance: This dessert is often served during festivals and family gatherings as a symbol of unity and sweetness in life.
Where to Find: Available at traditional restaurants like Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼) or Zhiweiguan (知味观).
Cost: 30–60 RMB per serving.

1.4. Begonia Cake (海棠糕 - Hǎitáng Gāo)

Description: A pan-fried pastry made from glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, and sugar. It is shaped like a begonia flower and has a crispy exterior with a soft, sweet filling.
Cultural Significance: This dessert is a popular street food in Hangzhou and is often enjoyed as a snack while exploring the city.
Where to Find: Street vendors on Hefang Street or at local markets.
Cost: 5–15 RMB per piece.

1.5. Green Rice Balls (青团 - Qīngtuán)

Description: These are glutinous rice balls dyed green with mugwort or other herbs, filled with sweet red bean paste or black sesame paste.
Cultural Significance: Traditionally eaten during the Qingming Festival, these treats are now available year-round in Hangzhou.
Where to Find: Local bakeries, snack shops, or supermarkets like Wumei (物美).
Cost: 5–10 RMB per piece.

1.6. West Lake Lotus Root Starch (西湖藕粉 - Xīhú Ǒu Fěn)

Description: A warm, silky dessert made from lotus root starch, mixed with sugar, osmanthus syrup, and sometimes nuts or dried fruits.
Cultural Significance: Lotus root starch is a traditional health food in Hangzhou, believed to have cooling and nourishing properties.
Where to Find: Available at tea houses, traditional restaurants, or as a packaged product in souvenir shops.
Cost: 20–40 RMB per serving at restaurants; packaged versions cost 30–80 RMB.

2. Where to Find Desserts in Hangzhou

2.1. Hefang Street (河坊街)

A historic pedestrian street lined with traditional snack shops, tea houses, and street vendors. It’s an excellent place to sample a variety of local desserts, including osmanthus cake, begonia cake, and green rice balls.

2.2. Zhiweiguan (知味观)

A famous restaurant chain in Hangzhou specializing in traditional Hangzhou cuisine and snacks. Their dessert menu includes osmanthus soup, lotus root starch, and other local specialties.
Locations: Multiple branches, including one near West Lake.

2.3. Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼)

One of Hangzhou’s oldest and most prestigious restaurants, located near West Lake. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy high-quality traditional desserts in a scenic setting.

2.4. Tea Houses

Tea houses like Hupanju Teahouse (湖畔居茶楼) and Longjing Manor (龙井山庄) not only serve premium Longjing tea but also offer tea-infused desserts.

2.5. Local Markets

Visit local markets like Hangzhou Wushan Night Market (吴山夜市) for affordable and authentic street desserts.

3. Tips for Enjoying Desserts in Hangzhou

Timing: Many dessert shops and street vendors operate during the afternoon and evening. If you’re visiting tea houses, plan for a leisurely afternoon tea session.
Sharing: Desserts in Hangzhou are often served in small portions, making them perfect for sharing. This is a great way to try multiple items without overindulging.
Tea Pairing: Many desserts are designed to complement Hangzhou’s famous teas, especially Longjing tea. Pairing desserts with tea enhances the overall experience.
Seasonal Availability: Some desserts, like green rice balls, are seasonal. Check availability if you’re visiting during a specific time of year.
Packaging for Souvenirs: Desserts like osmanthus cake and lotus root starch are available in beautifully packaged forms, making them excellent gifts or souvenirs.
Cash or Mobile Payment: Most vendors accept mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay. If you’re using cash, bring small denominations.
Respect Local Customs: When purchasing desserts from street vendors, it’s polite to wait your turn and avoid touching the food directly. Use the provided utensils or packaging.

4. Approximate Costs

| Dessert/Sweet | Approximate Cost (RMB) | |-----------------------------|------------------------| | Dragon Well Tea Pastries | 20–50 | | Osmanthus Cake | 10–20 | | Sweet Osmanthus Soup | 30–60 | | Begonia Cake | 5–15 | | Green Rice Balls | 5–10 | | West Lake Lotus Root Starch | 20–40 (serving) |

5. Final Thoughts

Hangzhou’s desserts and sweets are a reflection of the city’s natural beauty, tea culture, and culinary artistry. Whether you’re strolling along West Lake, exploring Hefang Street, or relaxing in a tea house, indulging in these treats is a must for any visitor. By understanding the cultural significance and knowing where to find these desserts, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Hangzhou’s rich heritage. Enjoy your sweet journey!