Global Major Cities Guide

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Spring Delicacies

Spring in Hangzhou is a time of renewal, and the cuisine reflects this with fresh, tender ingredients.

1. West Lake Water Shield Soup (西湖莼菜汤 - Xīhú Chúncài Tāng)

Best Time to Enjoy: Late spring to early summer.
Cultural Significance: Water shield, a local aquatic plant, is a symbol of Hangzhou’s connection to its lakes and waterways. The dish is light and refreshing, embodying the essence of spring.
Preparation: The soup is made with water shield leaves, which have a slippery texture, combined with shredded chicken or egg whites in a clear broth.
Typical Cost: Around 30–50 RMB per serving in local restaurants.
Where to Try:
- Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼): A historic restaurant near West Lake, famous for traditional Hangzhou dishes.
- Zhi Wei Guan (知味观): Known for its authentic Zhejiang cuisine.

2. Bamboo Shoots (春笋 - Chūnsǔn)

Best Time to Enjoy: Early spring.
Cultural Significance: Bamboo shoots are a prized ingredient in Hangzhou, symbolizing vitality and growth. They are often used in a variety of dishes.
Preparation: Fresh bamboo shoots are stir-fried, braised, or used in soups. A popular dish is Braised Spring Bamboo Shoots (油焖春笋), where the shoots are cooked in soy sauce and sugar for a savory-sweet flavor.
Typical Cost: 20–60 RMB depending on the preparation and restaurant.
Where to Try:
- Louwailou (楼外楼): Their braised bamboo shoots are a must-try.
- Local markets: You can also purchase fresh bamboo shoots to cook yourself if you have access to a kitchen.

Summer Delicacies

Summer in Hangzhou is hot and humid, and the cuisine focuses on cooling, hydrating, and light dishes.

3. Lotus Root Dishes (莲藕 - Lián’ǒu)

Best Time to Enjoy: Mid to late summer.
Cultural Significance: Lotus roots, often harvested from West Lake, are a symbol of purity and resilience in Chinese culture.
Preparation: Lotus roots are used in both savory and sweet dishes. A popular summer dessert is Sweet Osmanthus Lotus Root Stuffed with Glutinous Rice (桂花糯米藕), where the root is stuffed with sticky rice, steamed, and drizzled with sweet osmanthus syrup.
Typical Cost: 25–50 RMB per dish.
Where to Try:
- Zhi Wei Guan (知味观): Their sweet osmanthus lotus root is highly recommended.
- Street vendors near West Lake often sell variations of this dish.

4. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (西湖醋鱼 - Xīhú Cùyú)

Best Time to Enjoy: Year-round, but especially refreshing in summer.
Cultural Significance: This dish is a hallmark of Hangzhou cuisine, showcasing the city’s love for fresh, local ingredients.
Preparation: A fresh grass carp is poached and served with a sweet and sour vinegar-based sauce.
Typical Cost: 80–150 RMB depending on the size of the fish and the restaurant.
Where to Try:
- Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼): Their version of this dish is iconic.
- Zhang Sheng Ji (张生记): Another excellent choice for authentic Hangzhou cuisine.

Autumn Delicacies

Autumn in Hangzhou is a time of harvest, and the cuisine highlights rich, earthy flavors.

5. Hairy Crab (大闸蟹 - Dàzháxiè)

Best Time to Enjoy: Late autumn (October to November).
Cultural Significance: Hairy crabs are a seasonal delicacy in eastern China, prized for their rich roe and sweet meat.
Preparation: The crabs are typically steamed and served with a dipping sauce made of vinegar and ginger.
Typical Cost: 100–300 RMB per crab, depending on size and quality.
Where to Try:
- Jin Sha (金沙): A high-end restaurant offering premium hairy crab dishes.
- Local markets: You can also buy live crabs to steam at home.

6. Osmanthus Desserts (桂花糕 - Guìhuā Gāo)

Best Time to Enjoy: September to October, during the osmanthus blooming season.
Cultural Significance: Osmanthus flowers are a symbol of autumn in Hangzhou, and their sweet fragrance is infused into many desserts.
Preparation: Osmanthus cakes are made with glutinous rice flour and sweet osmanthus syrup, creating a soft, fragrant treat.
Typical Cost: 10–30 RMB per serving.
Where to Try:
- Zhi Wei Guan (知味观): Famous for their osmanthus desserts.
- Street vendors near West Lake.

Winter Delicacies

Winter in Hangzhou calls for hearty, warming dishes that nourish the body.

7. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉 - Dōngpō Ròu)

Best Time to Enjoy: Winter, though available year-round.
Cultural Significance: Named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, this dish is a symbol of Hangzhou’s culinary artistry.
Preparation: Pork belly is braised in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar until tender and flavorful.
Typical Cost: 50–100 RMB per serving.
Where to Try:
- Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼): Their Dongpo Pork is legendary.
- Grandma’s Home (外婆家): A popular chain offering affordable and authentic Hangzhou dishes.

8. Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡 - Jiàohuā Jī)

Best Time to Enjoy: Winter, though available year-round.
Cultural Significance: This dish has a storied history and is a symbol of ingenuity and rustic charm.
Preparation: A whole chicken is marinated, wrapped in lotus leaves, and baked in clay, resulting in tender, aromatic meat.
Typical Cost: 150–300 RMB depending on the restaurant.
Where to Try:
- Louwailou (楼外楼): Known for their authentic preparation.
- Jin Sha (金沙): Offers a refined version of this dish.

Local Customs and Considerations

Seasonal Eating: In Chinese culture, eating seasonally is believed to harmonize the body with nature. Locals highly value fresh, seasonal ingredients, so be sure to ask about the freshest dishes when dining.
Sharing Dishes: Meals are typically shared family-style. Order a variety of dishes to experience the full range of flavors.
Tea Pairing: Hangzhou is famous for Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, which pairs beautifully with many local dishes. Be sure to try it, especially in spring when the tea is freshly harvested.
Dining Etiquette: When dining with locals, wait for the host to start eating and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as this resembles incense used in funerals.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy Hangzhou’s seasonal delicacies in their most authentic and delicious forms. Bon appétit (or as they say in Chinese, 慢慢吃 - màn màn chī, meaning “eat slowly and enjoy”)!

Hangzhou

Seasonal Delicacies