10 Must-Try Hangzhou Dishes: English Food Guide for Foreign Tourists

Hangzhou Must-Try Dishes English Guide for Foreign Tourists

Most foreign tourists struggle to order food in Hangzhou. Menus are in Chinese only. Local dish names sound strange. This is where a Hangzhou must-try dishes English guide for foreign tourists becomes your best travel tool.

Last year, my friend Liam from Australia visited Hangzhou. He wanted to try local food but picked a random dish. It was too sweet for his taste, and he wasted ¥68. That’s a common pain point—but it’s easy to fix.

As the founder of DolphinUnion, having helped over 1,000 foreign travelers plan their China trips, I’ve tested all 10 must-try Hangzhou dishes. This guide shares simple ordering tips and honest reviews. You’ll eat like a local, no guesswork needed.

Hangzhou Must-Try Dishes English Guide – 10 Iconic Picks

1. West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼 – Xihu Cucuyu)

This is Hangzhou’s most famous dish. It uses tender steamed grass carp, topped with sweet-sour vinegar glaze. It balances rich umami with a light tang.

Liam tried this first. He was nervous about fish bones, but the waiter told him it’s filleted neatly. He said, “The sweet-sour sauce is addictive—way better than I expected.”

To order: Just say “West Lake Vinegar Fish” to the waiter. If they don’t understand, use DolphinUnion’s free translation card (in our China Travel Toolkit). It has the Chinese name + pinyin for easy showing.

2. Pian Er Chuan (片儿川 – Pian’erchuan)

It’s a beloved noodle dish. Chewy handmade noodles sit in a rich broth, with sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and pickled greens. It’s savory and slightly tangy.

A Japanese traveler I met loved this. She said, “The pickled greens cut the richness perfectly. It’s warm and comforting.”

Pro tip: Ask for “less oil” if you prefer lighter flavors. Most restaurants will adjust it for you.

3. Cong Bao Hui (葱包烩 – Congbaohui)

This is a crispy street snack. Scallion-filled pancakes are grilled flat, served with sweet-sour dipping sauce. It’s savory and tangy.

Liam bought this from a street stall near West Lake. He said, “It’s crunchy outside, soft inside. The sauce makes it pop.”

To order: Point to the stall and say “Cong Bao Hui.” Street vendors know this name well.

4. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉 – Dongpo Rou)

A classic Hangzhou dish. Melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly, slow-cooked in soy sauce, rice wine, and aromatics. It’s rich, tender, and glossy.

A French traveler I guided tried this. He said, “The pork melts in my mouth. It’s sweet but not cloying.”

Pro tip: Order a small portion (¥48) if you’re with 2 people. It’s very filling.

5. You Bao Xia (油爆虾 – Youbaoxia)

A quick-fried shrimp dish. Shrimp are cooked in hot wok until crispy, then tossed in sweet-savory soy glaze.

Liam loved this. He said, “The shrimp are crispy even with the shell on. The glaze is perfect.”

To order: Say “You Bao Xia” – it’s a popular dish, so waiters know it.

6. Ning-Style Eel Stir-Fry (宁式鳝丝 – Ningshi Shansi)

Silky shredded river eel, cooked with garlic, bamboo shoots, and Shaoxing wine. It’s tender and packed with umami.

A Malaysian traveler I helped tried this. She said, “The eel is so smooth. The sauce is rich but not heavy.”

Pro tip: If you don’t like eel, skip this. It’s an acquired taste.

7. Fermented Rice Balls (酒酿圆子 – Jiuniang Yuanzi)

A sweet dessert. Chewy glutinous rice dumplings in warm fermented rice wine broth, garnished with osmanthus blossoms.

Liam tried this after dinner. He said, “It’s sweet and floral. Perfect to end a heavy meal.”

To order: Say “Fermented Rice Balls” – most restaurants serve it as a dessert.

8. Stuffed Oil Cakes (油墩儿 – Youdun’er)

A classic Jiangnan street snack. Crispy golden shells stuffed with shredded radish, pan-fried to crunch. It’s savory with earthy sweetness.

A Canadian traveler I met bought this from a local market. He said, “It’s crunchy outside, soft inside. The radish adds freshness.”

Pro tip: Eat it hot – it’s best right after frying.

9. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐 – Chou Doufu)

With origins in late Qing Dynasty. Made with non-GMO soybeans from Northeast China. It has a crispy shell and molten-soft center.

Liam was brave enough to try this. He said, “It smells strong, but tastes salty and creamy. I kind of like it.”

To order: Say “Stinky Tofu” – street stalls near Hefang Street sell it.

10. Hangzhou Rolled Chicken (杭州卷鸡 – Hangzhou Juanji)

Tianmu bamboo shoots wrapped in Sixiang dried tofu skin, with mushrooms and other vegetables. It uses “triple-frying and double-braising” to get crispy outer layer and tender bamboo shoots.

A Korean traveler I guided loved this. She said, “It’s light and flavorful. The tofu skin is crispy.”

Pro tip: It’s a vegetarian option – great if you don’t eat meat.

Why This Guide Works (My DolphinUnion Promise)

I’ve eaten all 10 dishes at 15+ Hangzhou restaurants. I checked prices (¥10–¥68 per dish), portion sizes, and how easy they are to order for foreigners.

Liam used this guide for 4 days in Hangzhou. He tried 8 dishes and texted me: “Every meal was great. The translation card saved me from pointing at menus like a fool.”

This guide isn’t just a list. It’s the result of years of helping travelers enjoy China’s food without stress. DolphinUnion’s free translation cards cover all these dishes, so you’ll never misorder.

Exclusive DolphinUnion Benefits for Your Hangzhou Trip

1. Free Dish Translation Cards: Download our “China Travel Toolkit” (free PDF) to get cards for all 10 Hangzhou must-try dishes. Show them to waiters – no more misorders.
2. Hangzhou 96-Hour Guide: Our “Hangzhou Travel Guide – The Ultimate 96-Hour Lakeside & Heritage Itinerary” includes these food spots + one-click Amap navigation. It costs $9.99 – buy 2 guides for 20% off.
3. Private Transport: Need a ride to West Lake or Hefang Street for street food? Get a quote here: https://www.dolphinunion.com/transportation-services-chinaContact us:
   • WhatsApp: +15715728786
   • WeChat: DolphinUnion
   • Email: hansong@dolphinunion.com

Ready to Eat Like a Local in Hangzhou?

Download the China Travel to get your dish translation cards. Bring them to any Hangzhou restaurant – you’ll order the best food, no guesswork, no wasted money.

Your perfect Hangzhou food experience starts now!