What to Eat: Top 20 Foods in Hangzhou 2025

Hangzhou, China’s “Paradise on Earth,” isn’t just famous for West Lake—its cuisine, rooted in 5,000 years of Liangzhu culture and refined by Song Dynasty nobility , is a star attraction. Drawing from Dianping’s 2025 top-rated listings ( 大众点评 China’s leading food review platform), this guide breaks down the must-try dishes for travelers: from centuries-old classics to 2025’s viral newcomers, each bite tells a story of Jiangnan’s elegance.

1. Classic Dishes (Time-Tested Icons)

These dishes define Hangzhou’s culinary identity, beloved by locals and tourists alike—all ranking in Dianping’s “Top 50 Traditional Dishes” for 2025.

1. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)

A tribute to Su Shi, Hangzhou’s ancient governor, this braised pork belly is Dianping’s No.1 Hangzhou dish for 2025 . Slow-cooked in rice wine for hours, it’s glossy as agate, melts on the tongue, and tastes rich yet not greasy.

Dianping Top Pick: Hangzhou Restaurant (205 Yan’an Rd) – a 100-year-old spot with 4.8/5 stars.
Pro Tip: Pair with steamed rice to soak up the savory sauce.

2. West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼)

The “face of Hangzhou cuisine,” this freshwater fish is steamed then glazed with a tangy-sweet sauce made from rice vinegar and rock sugar . It’s light, flaky, and carries a subtle umami from the lake’s waters.

Dianping Top Pick: Louwailou (30 Gushan Rd) – the iconic “lake-side” restaurant founded in 1848 (4.7/5 stars).

3. Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁)

A springtime specialty that blends plump river shrimp with fragrant Longjing tea leaves . The tea infuses the shrimp with a floral note, making it crisp, fresh, and uniquely Hangzhou.

Dianping Top Pick: Jiu Jia Ban (128 Nanshan Rd) – 4.9/5 stars for using seasonal, hand-picked tea.

4. Song Sao Fish Soup (宋嫂鱼羹)

Legend has it this silky soup was favored by the Southern Song Emperor . Made with minced fish, bamboo shoots, and egg whites, it’s creamy, savory, and served piping hot.

Dianping Top Pick: Wangrunxing (21 Qinghefang St) – a “city-style” classic with 4.6/5 stars.

5. Bamboo Shoot & Duck Soup (笋干老鸭煲)

A hearty winter staple, slow-simmered with dried bamboo shoots and free-range duck . The broth is golden, umami-packed, and perfect for cooling Hangzhou evenings.

Dianping Top Pick: Xiao Nan Guo (88 Fengqi Rd) – 4.7/5 stars for tender duck meat.

2. Street Snacks (Local Favorites Under $5)

Dianping’s “Street Food Hot List 2025” highlights these affordable bites, found in markets and alleyways.

6. Pian’erchuan Noodles (片儿川)

Hangzhou’s signature noodle soup: alkaline noodles in a savory broth with bamboo shoots, pork slices, and pickled greens . It’s simple, comforting, and a breakfast staple.

Dianping Top Pick: Gao’s Pian’erchuan (56 Hefang St) – 4.8/5 stars, open since 1950.

7. Congbao Kui (葱包桧)

A grilled flatbread stuffed with scallions and fried dough, pressed crisp on a griddle . It’s salty, fragrant, and often eaten as a quick snack.

Dianping Top Pick: Granny Chen’s Stall (near West Lake Scenic Area) – 4.9/5 stars (cash only!).

8. Dingsheng Cake (定胜糕)

A steamed rice cake dyed pink with osmanthus, shaped like a small mountain . It’s sweet, fluffy, and said to bring good luck—popular at festivals.

Dianping Top Pick: Hefang Street Rice Cake Shop (132 Hefang St) – 4.6/5 stars.

9. Clear Soup Fish Balls (清汤鱼圆)

Tender fish balls floating in a clear broth, seasoned only with ginger and scallions . They’re delicate, juicy, and showcase Hangzhou’s love for “original flavor.”

Dianping Top Pick: Yu Yuan Xiao (72 Yan’an Rd) – 4.7/5 stars for fresh daily fish.

10. Mao’erduo (猫耳朵)

Tiny, ear-shaped dumplings made from flour, boiled in a broth with vegetables and shrimp . Cute and comforting, it’s a hit with families.

Dianping Top Pick: Hangzhou Snack House (28 Qinghefang St) – 4.5/5 stars.

3. Desserts & Drinks (Sweet Endings)

Dianping’s “2025 Dessert Ranking” spotlights these treats, often infused with osmanthus or tea.

11. West Lake Lotus Root Starch (西湖藕粉)

A smooth, creamy pudding made from ground lotus roots, sweetened with osmanthus honey . It’s light, fragrant, and served warm in winter or chilled in summer.

Dianping Top Pick: Lianxiang Lou (98 Nanshan Rd) – 4.8/5 stars for homemade starch.

12. Osmanthus Cake (糖桂花糕)

Soft rice cake layered with sweet osmanthus syrup . The floral aroma is irresistible, and it pairs perfectly with tea.

Dianping Top Pick: Osmanthus Garden (near Solitary Hill) – 4.7/5 stars (seasonal, Sept-Nov).

13. Longjing Tea Latte (龙井拿铁)

A 2025 viral fusion: creamy milk mixed with freshly brewed Longjing tea . Less sweet than Western lattes, it’s a favorite at local cafes.

Dianping Top Pick: M Stand (156 Wulin Rd) – 4.9/5 stars for premium tea leaves.

14. Red Bean Paste Buns (豆沙包)

Steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste, often dotted with osmanthus . Fluffy and not overly sweet—great for breakfast.

Dianping Top Pick: Xiangji Steamed Bun (64 Fengqi Rd) – 4.6/5 stars.

15. Mung Bean Cake (绿豆糕)

Crumbly cakes made with mung bean flour and lard . They’re buttery, slightly sweet, and a classic souvenir.

Dianping Top Pick: Zhang Xiaoquan (188 Hefang St) – 4.7/5 stars (famous for traditional pastries).

4. 2025 New Favorites (Dianping’s Viral Bites)

These innovative dishes blend tradition with modern flavors, topping 2025’s “Trending Food” list.

16. Longjing Shrimp Tart (龙井虾舫)

A crispy tart shell filled with Longjing-infused shrimp mousse . It’s a fancy twist on the classic, popular at Instagram-worthy cafes.

Dianping Top Pick: The West Lake Bistro (22 Gushan Rd) – 4.9/5 stars.

17. Crab Roe & Bamboo Shoot Dumplings (蟹粉笋干烧卖)

Juicy dumplings stuffed with crab roe and tender bamboo shoots . Rich and seasonal (Oct-Dec), they’re a Dianping “Must-Try” for 2025.

Dianping Top Pick: Crab House (89 Yan’an Rd) – 4.8/5 stars.

18. Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Balls (桂花汤圆)

Chewy rice balls filled with black sesame paste, served in osmanthus syrup . A sweet, warming treat for cold days.

Dianping Top Pick: Tangyuan Story (36 Hefang St) – 4.7/5 stars.

19. Braised Pork Ribs with Tea Leaves (茶香排骨)

Pork ribs slow-cooked with Longjing tea leaves, giving them a smoky, floral flavor . Fall-off-the-bone tender and less greasy than traditional ribs.

Dianping Top Pick: Tea & Meat (112 Wulin Rd) – 4.9/5 stars (new in 2025!).

20. Stuffed Lotus Root with Glutinous Rice (糯米藕)

Lotus root stuffed with sweet glutinous rice, sliced and drizzled with osmanthus honey . A refreshing, healthy dessert that’s gone viral on Dianping.

Dianping Top Pick: Lotus Root House (near West Lake Museum) – 4.6/5 stars.

Pro Tips for Foodies (Using Dianping Like a Local)

Find the Best Spots: Search for the dish name + “Dianping 4.5+ stars” to filter top-rated restaurants.
Check Real Photos: Locals post food pics—avoid places with only stock photos!
Ask for “Xiaocai”: Many restaurants offer small side dishes (like pickled cucumbers) for free.
Seasonal Eats: Visit in spring for Longjing shrimp, autumn for osmanthus treats, and winter for duck soup.

Final Thought

Hangzhou’s food is more than sustenance—it’s a taste of its history, from Song Dynasty banquets to 2025’s viral fusions. Whether you’re savoring Dongpo pork at a century-old restaurant or grabbing a Congbao Kui from a street stall, every bite tells a story of Jiangnan’s grace.

Want more Hangzhou travel tips—like how to pair these dishes with West Lake sightseeing? Head to gotochina.guide for our complete Hangzhou travel guide and other Chinese food secrets!