Hangzhou’s Top 20 Must-Try Delicacies: A Foodie’s Paradise 🍜🍃 Are You Ready to Dive In?，From the legendary West Lake to the bustling streets, Hangzhou is a culinary haven. Explore 20 must-try dishes that will make your taste buds dance. 🥡✨
1. Dongpo Pork: The King of Hangzhou Cuisine 🐷
Let’s start with the granddaddy of them all—Dongpo Pork. This slow-cooked pork belly is so tender it melts in your mouth. Legend has it that Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo invented this dish to win over the hearts of the people. 🍗💡
Tip: Pair it with a steaming bowl of white rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. 🍚
2. West Lake Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce: A Taste of Paradise 🐟
Picture this: a plump, freshly caught fish from West Lake, drenched in a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is not just a feast for the palate but also a visual delight. 🌺🍽️
Fun fact: The fish is usually a grass carp, known for its delicate flavor and firm texture. 🐟🌿
3. Longjing Shrimp: Tea and Seafood, a Match Made in Heaven 🍤🍵
Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing tea, and what better way to enjoy it than in a dish? Longjing Shrimp combines succulent shrimp with the fragrant aroma of Longjing tea leaves. 🍜🍃
Pro tip: Savor each bite slowly to fully appreciate the harmony of flavors. 🍽️
4. Beggar’s Chicken: A Royal Feast Wrapped in Clay 🍗🧱
This dish is a true showstopper. A whole chicken is marinated with spices, wrapped in lotus leaves, and then encased in clay. When cracked open, the aroma is heavenly. 🌟：
Legend has it that this dish was invented by a beggar who couldn’t afford a proper pot, so he used clay to cook the chicken. 🕊️🧱
5. Stinky Tofu: Love It or Hate It, It’s a Hangzhou Classic 🧀🧂
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the infamous stinky tofu. The smell might be off-putting, but the taste is surprisingly delicious. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s a must-try for any foodie. 🧀🔥
Warning: Don’t eat this on a first date unless you’re confident in your breath mints. 😅
6. Lotus Root Stuffed with Sticky Rice: Sweet and Nutty 🍠🌸
This dish is a perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness. Lotus root is hollowed out and filled with sticky rice, then steamed until tender. It’s a delightful surprise with every bite. 🍯🌱
Fun fact: Lotus root is considered a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture. 🍀
7. Wuxi-style Spare Ribs: Sweet and Savory 🦴🍯
These spare ribs are marinated in a sweet soy sauce and slow-cooked until they fall off the bone. The combination of sweet and savory is irresistible. 🍝🍖
Tip: Try dipping them in a bit of chili sauce for an extra kick. 🌶️
8. Fried Shrimp with Green Onion: Simple and Fresh 🍤🧅
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the best. Fresh shrimp are quickly fried with green onions, creating a dish that’s light yet full of flavor. 🍳🌿
Perfect for a summer evening or a quick lunch. 🌞
9. Braised Eel: Rich and Flavorful 🦆🍲
Eel might sound intimidating, but when braised with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it becomes a rich and flavorful dish. The meat is tender and the broth is deeply satisfying. 🍲🐟
Fun fact: Eel is a popular ingredient in Hangzhou due to its abundance in local rivers. 🌊
10. Steamed Fish Head with Diced Pork: A Hearty Delight 🐟🍖
This dish combines the richness of pork with the freshness of fish. The fish head is steamed with diced pork, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. 🍜🐟
Perfect for sharing with friends or family. 🍽️👨👩👧👦
11. Dragon Well Tea Eggs: A Sweet and Savory Snack 🥚🍵
These eggs are boiled with Longjing tea, soy sauce, and spices, giving them a unique flavor. They’re a popular snack and a great way to enjoy the local tea. 🍵🥚
Fun fact: The longer you boil the eggs, the deeper the flavor. 🕒
12. Steamed Mandarin Fish: Delicate and Elegant 🐟🥢
Mandarin fish is a delicacy in Hangzhou, and when steamed with ginger and scallions, it becomes a dish fit for royalty. The fish is so fresh, you can almost taste the lake water. 🌺🐟
Perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. 🍽️💑
13. Pan-fried Lotus Root Cake: Crispy and Sweet 🍠🍰
This cake is made from grated lotus root, mixed with flour and sugar, and pan-fried until golden brown. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a hint of sweetness. 🍯🍳
Great as a dessert or a snack. 🍪
14. Braised Bamboo Shoots: Fresh and Earthy 🥦🍲
Bamboo shoots are a staple in Hangzhou cuisine, and when braised with soy sauce and spices, they become a dish that’s both fresh and earthy. The texture is crunchy and the flavor is deep. 🌿🍲
Fun fact: Bamboo shoots are a symbol of resilience