Hangzhou

๐Ÿ›’

Markets and Food Halls

Sections

1. Overview of Markets and Food Halls in Hangzhou

Hangzhouโ€™s markets and food halls are a reflection of its rich history, local culture, and modern development. They range from traditional wet markets and street food hubs to upscale food courts in shopping malls. These places are ideal for sampling local delicacies, buying fresh produce, and experiencing the cityโ€™s food culture.

2. Popular Markets and Food Halls in Hangzhou

A. Traditional Markets

  1. Hefang Street (ๆฒณๅŠ่ก—)

    • What to Expect: A historic pedestrian street lined with shops, food stalls, and restaurants. Itโ€™s a great place to try traditional Hangzhou snacks and buy local specialties.
    • Types of Food:
      • Beggarโ€™s Chicken (ๅซ่Šฑ้ธก)
      • West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce (่ฅฟๆน–้†‹้ฑผ)
      • Sweet Osmanthus Cake (ๆก‚่Šฑ็ณ•)
      • Fried Dough Twists (ๆฒนๆก)
    • Price Range: Snacks range from ยฅ10โ€“ยฅ30; meals at restaurants cost ยฅ50โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
    • Tips: Visit in the evening for a lively atmosphere. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

  2. Hangzhou Farmersโ€™ Markets

    • What to Expect: Local wet markets where residents buy fresh produce, seafood, and meats. These markets are less touristy but offer an authentic glimpse into daily life.
    • Popular Locations:
      • Wushan Market (ๅดๅฑฑๅ†œ่ดธๅธ‚ๅœบ): Known for fresh seafood and local ingredients.
      • Longxiang Market (้พ™็ฟ”ๅ†œ่ดธๅธ‚ๅœบ): A smaller market with a variety of fresh produce.
    • Price Range: Fresh produce starts at ยฅ5โ€“ยฅ20 per kilogram; seafood prices vary depending on the type.
    • Tips: Bargaining is not common, but you can ask for discounts if buying in bulk. Bring cash, as many vendors may not accept mobile payments.

B. Food Halls and Upscale Food Courts

  1. In77 (ๆน–ๆปจ้“ถๆณฐIN77)

    • What to Expect: A modern shopping mall with a high-end food court offering a mix of local and international cuisines.
    • Types of Food:
      • Hangzhou specialties like Dongpo Pork (ไธœๅก่‚‰)
      • International options such as Japanese sushi, Korean BBQ, and Western fast food
    • Price Range: ยฅ50โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
    • Tips: Use mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, as they are widely accepted. English menus are often available.

  2. Raffles City Hangzhou (ๆญๅทžๆฅ็ฆๅฃซๅนฟๅœบ)

    • What to Expect: A trendy shopping and dining destination with a diverse food hall.
    • Types of Food:
      • Local dishes like Xiaolongbao (ๅฐ็ฌผๅŒ…) and noodles
      • Fusion and international cuisines
    • Price Range: ยฅ60โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Tips: Visit during lunch hours for set meal deals. The food court is family-friendly and has vegetarian options.

  3. Hangzhou Tower Food Court (ๆญๅทžๅคงๅŽฆ็พŽ้ฃŸๅนฟๅœบ)

    • What to Expect: A mid-range food court located in a popular shopping center.
    • Types of Food:
      • Local snacks and desserts
      • Chinese regional cuisines (e.g., Sichuan, Cantonese)
    • Price Range: ยฅ40โ€“ยฅ120 per person.
    • Tips: Peak hours are around 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, so plan accordingly to avoid long lines.

3. Types of Food Available

Hangzhou is famous for its Zhejiang cuisine, which emphasizes fresh ingredients, light flavors, and a balance of sweet and savory. Here are some must-try dishes and snacks:

  • Longjing Shrimp (้พ™ไบ•่™พไป): Shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves.
  • Hangzhou-Style Noodles (็‰‡ๅ„ฟๅท): A noodle dish with pork, bamboo shoots, and greens.
  • Scallion Pancakes (่‘ฑๆฒน้ฅผ): Crispy and flaky pancakes with a savory scallion filling.
  • Street Snacks: Grilled skewers, stinky tofu (่‡ญ่ฑ†่…), and sugar-coated hawthorn (็ณ–่‘ซ่Šฆ).

4. Price Ranges

  • Street Food and Snacks: ยฅ5โ€“ยฅ30 per item.
  • Casual Dining: ยฅ50โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
  • Upscale Restaurants: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ500 per person.

5. How to Navigate Markets and Food Halls

  • Language: Most vendors speak Mandarin, and English is not widely spoken. Learn a few basic phrases or use a translation app like Pleco or Google Translate.
  • Payment: Mobile payment apps (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are the most common. Cash is still accepted, but credit cards are rarely used in markets.
  • Timing: Markets are busiest in the morning, while food halls are more active during lunch and dinner hours.
  • Hygiene: Street food is generally safe, but choose stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness.

6. Cultural Tips for Dining and Shopping

  • Dining Etiquette:
    • Sharing dishes is common in Chinese culture. Order a variety of dishes to share with your group.
    • Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.
    • Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation for the food.
  • Shopping Etiquette:
    • Bargaining is not common in food markets but may be acceptable in souvenir shops.
    • Be polite and patient when interacting with vendors.

7. Other Considerations

  • Seasonal Foods: Hangzhouโ€™s cuisine is influenced by the seasons. For example, try lotus root dishes in summer and chestnut-based snacks in autumn.
  • Sustainability: Bring your own reusable shopping bags or containers to reduce waste, as plastic bags may incur a small fee.
  • Accessibility: Most food halls are wheelchair-friendly, but traditional markets may have uneven surfaces.

8. Enhancing Your Experience

  • Food Tours: Join a guided food tour to learn more about Hangzhouโ€™s culinary history and discover hidden gems.
  • Cooking Classes: Some markets, like Wushan Market, offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare local dishes.
  • Photography: Markets are vibrant and photogenic, but always ask for permission before taking pictures of people or their goods.

By exploring Hangzhouโ€™s markets and food halls, youโ€™ll not only enjoy delicious food but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cityโ€™s culture and traditions. Happy dining!