Joanna James
Whether you’re an experiential traveller, digital nomad, or on a bleisure excursion with family, this whimsical city of imperial glamour and nature-kissed poetry is atmospheric to impress even the most blasé globetrotter. The unique flavour profile of Hangzhou cuisine, combining fresh ingredients and light condiments, makes it a joy to the palate and a chief lure for footloose foodies! Here’s all you need to know before tucking in.
Exuding an artistic authenticity that rivals the showstopping eclectic fusion of the Shanghai skyline and Beijing’s oriental opulence, Hangzhou, with its 2,200-year-old history, majestic surroundings, and era-defining architecture is full of delicious opportunities for beauty-hungry sojourners. If you’ve planned a busy day of exploring this dynastic cityscape, make sure you breakfast like royalty, whether trying out the iconic latte made of purple sweet potato at Homestead Coffee alongside a plate of Korean-style delicacies or a heap of fruit-topped waffles with your caffeinated brew at Maan Coffee. However, if you want to start off your day like a local, head straight to You Bu Soy Milk where you can choose between savoury or sweet soybean milk served with fried dough sticks.
You can’t stay long in Hangzhou without experiencing the magnetic pull of its fabled West Lake, whether you’re frequenting the assortment of aesthetically pleasing restaurants with windows opening onto the moody waters, exploring old Sino-Western villas set in lush water gardens, strolling through the storybook scenes of Songcheng Park, or hiking ancient tea paths. One of the most satisfying ways to savour this legendary UNESCO-listed wonder is to feast on succulent sweet and sour fish fresh-caught from the West Lake. Ample eateries serve this iconic dish, but you can’t go wrong with Lou Wai Lou, especially with its enchanting view of the lake itself.
If you’re enamoured by lantern-lit heritage streets, fascinating boutique museums, exquisite artisan enclaves, and elegant celebrity residences featuring traditional and modern motifs, Hangzhou will satisfy your craving for heritage-riddled expeditions. If you’re excited to try out the aromatic jade-hued brew known as Dragon Well Tea (Long Jing), you can’t miss a day trip to Meijiawu Tea Village, where you steep in gorgeous pastoral panoramas and admire expressive old-world architecture. However, if you don’t have time to visit this picturesque plantation, you can still sip this luxurious liqueur said to taste like buttery, roasted chestnuts at the antique Qing Zhu Tea House. Here, you can settle on a traditional tatami mat and unwind with your green tea and an assortment of complimentary figs, pomegranates, dates, and Chinese tea eggs. You can also try another spin on this pungent flavour at Lou Wai Lou in the scrumptious guise of crunchy river shrimp tossed in Long Jing tea leaves. If you’re looking for accommodation in Hangzhou located near the city’s gastronomic hotspots, venture no further than lyf Mid-Town Hangzhou.
Whether you’re excited to hunt for quaint little hidden-gem eateries or prefer to stick with high-rated restaurants boasting stunning vantage of the lake and its romantic surrounds, there’s one thing you’re unlikely to miss from the menu—Beggar’s Chicken! Despite its name, this mouthwatering Hangzhou staple is a lavish medley of flavours, consisting of a whole chicken wrapped in lotus sleeves and roasted in a mud oven until it’s addictively tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can enjoy this slow-cooked sensation at Hangzhou Restaurant and Lou Wai Lou.
From the rejuvenating combination of Osmanthus and Chestnut Soup to the plush pink layers of ‘Victory Cake’, Hangzhou’s unique yet exquisite desserts must not be overlooked! However, if you want the ultimate confection to serenade your sweet tooth, stop at Zhiwei Guan and try their speciality pastry stuffed with sweet bean paste, candied fruit, and nuts.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
