Hangzhou Food Guide: The Best Restaurants in Hangzhou
Hi my lovely readers!
Hangzhou gets talked about a lot for 西湖 (Xīhú / West Lake) and its historical beauty, and rightly so. But the food scene here is quietly excellent, and I came away with a list of places I would happily go back for.
Fresh, lighter 浙菜 (zhècài / Zhejiang cuisine) dominates in Hangzhou, and after the bigger, bolder flavours of Shanghai, it lands differently in the best way. It is the kind of food that does not shout, it just tastes very right. Here is every restaurant we tried in Hangzhou.
KCOOKING 概念韩餐 (Gàiniàn Hán Cān) | ⭐ 4.5/5
This was our very first meal in Hangzhou, right after checking into our hotel at 祺悦宋胤酒店 (Qíyuè Sòng Yìn Jiǔdiàn), and it was the perfect landing pad. Sometimes you just want something hearty and familiar before you dive into a new city, and KCOOKING 概念韩餐 (Gàiniàn Hán Cān / Korean Concept Restaurant) hit that spot completely. We walked straight in at 1:30pm on a weekday. Do factor in a queue if you are going during peak hours, as this place is popular.
We had the 经典部队锅 (jīngdiǎn bùduì guō / classic army stew, RMB 138 / SGD 27), a big bubbling pot of vermicelli, spam, sausage, tofu, kimchi, enoki mushrooms, beef, fishcake, and more, cooked in a rich, flavourful broth. The portion is enormous. We also had the 嫩牛肉粒石锅拌饭 (nèn niúròu lì shí guō bànfàn / tender beef cube stone pot rice, RMB 48 / SGD 9) and the 玫瑰芝士年糕 (méiguī zhīshì niángāo / cheese tteok, RMB 48 / SGD 9), both excellent. The 锅巴 (guō bā / crispy rice crust) that forms at the bottom of the stone pot is something else. Mix everything together and every spoonful has that lovely toasty texture.
The banchan (반찬 / small Korean side dishes) that come with the meal are excellent, and refills are free. The mashed potato with its cheesy flavour was our favourite, we kept asking for more.
Must-order: 经典部队锅 (jīngdiǎn bùduì guō / classic army stew) if you are with a group. The 玫瑰芝士年糕 (méiguī zhīshì niángāo / cheese tteok) is a must regardless of group size.
Wish we had ordered: 火山石烤牛五花 (huǒshān shí kǎo niú wǔhuā / volcanic stone grilled beef belly, RMB 78 / SGD 15). It looked incredible at the surrounding tables. We simply had no room.
Tip: The 经典部队锅 (jīngdiǎn bùduì guō / classic army stew) is a lot of food on its own. Think carefully before adding more dishes on top, or you will end up in the same situation as us.
Tip: Three of us came to RMB 229 total, around RMB 76 per head (SGD 15). Really solid value for how much food was on the table.
📍 258 延安路 (Yán’ān Lù / Yan’an Road), 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) C1区 (C1 Qū / C1 Zone), B1F, 上城区 (Shàngchéng Qū / Shangcheng District), Hangzhou 🚇 龙翔桥站 (Lóngxiáng Qiáo Zhàn / Longxiangqiao Station), Metro Line 1, Exit D1 💰 Around RMB 76 per head (SGD 15)
[LINK: Full KCOOKING review] [LINK: Hangzhou In77 Complete Guide] [LINK: 祺悦宋胤酒店 In77 Hangzhou Hotel Review]
霸王茶姬 CHAGEE (湖滨银泰C区店) | ⭐ 5/5
If you are in 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77), do not leave without stopping at 霸王茶姬 (Bàwáng Chájī) in the C3 zone. This is a well-known Chinese tea chain with branches across the country, but here in Hangzhou, you can order the 风荷曲苑浙江限定 (fēng hé qǔ yuàn zhèjiāng xiàndìng / Zhejiang-exclusive seasonal drink), available only in Zhejiang province and nowhere else in the country. It just tastes different knowing you cannot get it anywhere else.
Must-order: The 风荷曲苑浙江限定 (fēng hé qǔ yuàn zhèjiāng xiàndìng / Zhejiang-exclusive seasonal drink). Full stop.
📍 258 延安路 (Yán’ān Lù / Yan’an Road), 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) C3区 (C3 Qū / C3 Zone), B1F, 上城区 (Shàngchéng Qū / Shangcheng District), Hangzhou 🚇 龙翔桥站 (Lóngxiáng Qiáo Zhàn / Longxiangqiao Station), Metro Line 1
知味观 (Zhīwèi Guān), Heritage Pastries | ⭐ 4/5
知味观 (Zhīwèi Guān) has been a Hangzhou institution for over a hundred years. Head to a branch near 西湖 (Xīhú / West Lake) or inside 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) and pick up the pastries. The pink flower pastry and the sunflower pastry are really beautiful, delicate, not too sweet, and perfect for eating while you walk along the lake.
Must-order: The pink flower pastry and the sunflower pastry. These are the ones that look as good as they taste.
Tip: The 龙井 (lóngjǐng / Longjing tea) cake is fine if you specifically love bitter flavours, but the flower pastries are the highlight by a long way. Start there.
📍 Multiple branches. Look for one near 西湖 (Xīhú / West Lake) or inside 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77), Hangzhou
绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng), Green Tea Restaurant | ⭐ 5/5
Our favourite meal in Hangzhou, just edging ahead of 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home) next door. 绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng / Green Tea Restaurant) serves fresh, light 浙菜 (zhècài / Zhejiang cuisine) done really well, and the In77 branch inside 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) is convenient, well-run, and reasonably priced. Go early or book ahead, this place fills up.
Must-order: The 粉丝裹虾 (Fěnsī Guǒ Xiā / Vermicelli Wrapped Prawns, RMB 52 / SGD 10) was our favourite. Topped with 面包诱惑 (Miànbāo Yòuhuò / Bread Temptation, RMB 35 / SGD 7) for dessert. This was the best.
Tip: Either book ahead on Meituan (美团, Měituán) or arrive before 12pm for lunch and before 6pm for dinner to avoid a wait.
📍 255 延安路 (Yán’ān Lù / Yan’an Road), 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77), 上城区 (Shàngchéng Qū / Shangcheng District), Hangzhou 🚇 龙翔桥站 (Lóngxiáng Qiáo Zhàn / Longxiangqiao Station), Metro Line 1
[LINK: Full 绿茶餐厅 review]
外婆家 (Wàipójiā), Grandma’s Home | ⭐ 4/5
Right next door to 绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng / Green Tea Restaurant) in 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) is 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home), and here is a practical tip: if the queue at one is long, walk straight into the other. Both serve Hangzhou homestyle food and both are excellent.
外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home) is reliable, comforting, and affordable. We waited about 15 minutes on a weekday evening, which is nothing for how good the food is.
Must-order: Classic 杭帮菜 (hángbāng cài / Hangzhou cuisine). Look for 西湖醋鱼 (Xīhú cùyú / West Lake vinegar fish) and 东坡肉 (Dōngpō ròu / Dongpo braised pork) if they are on that day.
📍 255 延安路 (Yán’ān Lù / Yan’an Road), 1F, 银泰in77B区 (Yíntài in77 B Qū / In77 B District), 上城区 (Shàngchéng Qū / Shangcheng District), Hangzhou 📞 0571-85127677 🚇 龙翔桥站 (Lóngxiáng Qiáo Zhàn / Longxiangqiao Station), Metro Line 1 🕐 Around 15 minutes wait on weekday evenings 💰 Around RMB 60-80 per head (SGD 12-15)
[LINK: Full 外婆家 review]
牛鲜天贵州黄牛肉酸汤火锅 (Niú Xiān Tiān) | ⭐ 3/5
Honest mention. 牛鲜天贵州黄牛肉酸汤火锅 (Niú Xiān Tiān Guìzhōu Huángniú Ròu Suāntāng Huǒguō / Niu Xian Tian Guizhou Yellow Beef Sour Soup Hotpot) is Guizhou-style 酸汤火锅 (suāntāng huǒguō / sour soup hotpot), and it just was not our thing. That is not a knock on the food, it is very specific to Guizhou palate preferences and we were just not the right audience for it. We ended up ordering Mixue (蜜雪冰城, Mìxuě Bīngchéng) delivery via Meituan (美团, Měituán) to the table to round off the meal.
If Guizhou sour soup hotpot is something you already love, it is worth a try. But if you have limited meals in Hangzhou and are not sure, spend those slots at 绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng / Green Tea Restaurant) or 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home) instead.
📍 学士路31号 (Xuéshì Lù 31 Hào / 31 Xueshi Road), 上城区 (Shàngchéng Qū / Shangcheng District), Hangzhou
If You Are Travelling Solo
Hangzhou is a very comfortable food city for solo travellers, especially if you are basing yourself near 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77). The mall setting means restaurants are easy to navigate, well-lit, and calm for solo diners at any time of day.
My top picks for solo meals here: 知味观 (Zhīwèi Guān) pastries while exploring 西湖 (Xīhú / West Lake), KCOOKING 概念韩餐 (Gàiniàn Hán Cān) for a solo lunch where the 嫩牛肉粒石锅拌饭 (nèn niúròu lì shí guō bànfàn / tender beef cube stone pot rice) plus the 玫瑰芝士年糕 (méiguī zhīshì niángāo / cheese tteok) makes a satisfying meal at around RMB 96 (SGD 18), and either 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home) or 绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng / Green Tea Restaurant) for dinner where two dishes is plenty.
Solo Female Tip: The 延安路 (Yán’ān Lù / Yan’an Road) and 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) area is safe and busy at all hours. The lakeside paths near 西湖 (Xīhú / West Lake) are well-lit and popular with locals well into the evening. For anywhere further afield after dinner, use DiDi (滴滴, Dīdī) rather than walking alone. [LINK: Is Hangzhou Safe for Solo Female Travellers?] [Is Shanghai Safe for Solo Female Travellers?]
Before You Go, Meituan and WeChat
Same rule in Hangzhou as in Shanghai: check Meituan (美团, Měituán) before you pay for anything. Almost every restaurant in the 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) complex has Meituan (美团, Měituán) deals, and the savings add up quickly over a multi-day stay.
For KCOOKING 概念韩餐 (Gàiniàn Hán Cān), you can choose between a Meituan (美团, Měituán) deal or ordering à la carte. We found the à la carte approach gave us more flexibility to get exactly what we wanted. For 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home) and 绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng / Green Tea Restaurant), the Meituan (美团, Měituán) deals are reliable savings.
Every restaurant in this guide accepts WeChat Pay (微信支付, Wēixìn Zhīfù). Full setup guide here [LINK: Essential Apps to Download for China] and a full payments guide here [LINK: How to Pay for Things in China].
Handy Mandarin Phrases for Restaurants
- 服务员！(fúwùyuán!): how you get a waiter’s attention.
- 招牌菜是什么？(zhāopái cài shì shénme?): What is the must-order dish?
- 我要这个 (wǒ yào zhège): I want this one.
- 一个／两个／三个 (yī gè / liǎng gè / sān gè): one / two / three.
- 少放盐 (shǎo fàng yán): less salt please.
- 不要辣 (bù yào là): no spice. Or if you want it: 要辣 (yào là).
- 少辣 (shǎo là): a little spice only, if you can handle a small amount.
- 买单 (mǎidān): the bill please. 微信支付 (Wēixìn Zhīfù): WeChat Pay.
FAQ — Best Restaurants in Hangzhou
What is Hangzhou famous for food? Hangzhou is the home of 浙菜 (zhècài / Zhejiang cuisine), known for its fresh flavours, delicate sauces, and light touch. The two most iconic Hangzhou dishes are 西湖醋鱼 (Xīhú cùyú / West Lake vinegar fish) and 东坡肉 (Dōngpō ròu / Dongpo braised pork). Both are worth trying at least once while you are here.
Where is the best place to eat in Hangzhou? The 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) complex on 延安路 (Yán’ān Lù / Yan’an Road) is the most convenient cluster for eating well. 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home), 绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng / Green Tea Restaurant), 知味观 (Zhīwèi Guān), and 霸王茶姬 (Bàwáng Chájī) are all within a short walk of each other inside or near the complex.
Is 外婆家 (Wàipójiā) worth visiting in Hangzhou? Yes, absolutely. 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home) serves reliable, affordable Hangzhou homestyle food and a short queue is normal. It is a solid choice for any meal and the portion sizes mean you leave full without overspending.
What is the difference between 绿茶餐厅 and 外婆家 in Hangzhou? Both serve Zhejiang-style homestyle cooking in the same area of 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77). 绿茶餐厅 (Lǜchá Cāntīng / Green Tea Restaurant) edges ahead slightly on freshness and presentation in my experience. 外婆家 (Wàipójiā / Grandma’s Home) is slightly more reliable for walk-ins during peak hours. If one has a long queue, walk straight into the other.
How much does a meal in Hangzhou cost? Most local restaurants cost between RMB 50-100 (SGD 10-19) per person. Fine dining will be higher. Checking Meituan (美团, Měituán) before ordering is the easiest way to save money, and it works at the vast majority of restaurants in the 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) area.
Can I drink the 霸王茶姬 (CHAGEE) Zhejiang exclusive anywhere else in China? No. The 风荷曲苑浙江限定 (fēng hé qǔ yuàn zhèjiāng xiàndìng / Zhejiang-exclusive seasonal drink) is only available in Zhejiang province. If you are visiting Hangzhou, this is the one to order at 霸王茶姬 (Bàwáng Chájī).
Do Hangzhou restaurants have English menus? Most restaurants in the 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) area either have English menus or photo menus accessible via WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) QR code at the table. Smaller local spots outside the mall may not, but pointing at dishes and using the Mandarin phrases above will get you far.
Is Hangzhou safe for solo female travellers? Very much so. The city is safe and easy to navigate as a solo female traveller. The In77 area and the lakeside paths around 西湖 (Xīhú / West Lake) are busy and well-lit at all times of day and into the evening. [LINK: Is Hangzhou Safe for Solo Female Travellers?]
What is 部队锅 (budae jjigae) and is it worth ordering in Hangzhou? 部队锅 (bùduì guō / army stew) is a Korean comfort food dish, a rich bubbling hotpot of vermicelli, spam, sausage, tofu, kimchi, mushrooms, and more, all cooked together in a flavourful broth. The version at KCOOKING 概念韩餐 (Gàiniàn Hán Cān) in 银泰in77 (Yíntài in77) is very good and the portion is enormous. Worth ordering, just be aware of how much food it is before adding more dishes on top.
Have you eaten your way through Hangzhou yet? Which spot would you add to this list? Drop me a comment below, I always love hearing where my readers end up eating!
[LINK: The Ultimate Shanghai Guide & Hangzhou Travel Guide]
[LINK: Shanghai Food Guide]
[LINK: Hangzhou In77 Complete Guide]
[LINK: 祺悦宋胤酒店 In77 Hangzhou Hotel Review]
[LINK: Is Hangzhou Safe for Solo Female Travellers?]
[Is Shanghai Safe for Solo Female Travellers?]
[LINK: Essential Apps to Download for China]
[LINK: How to Pay for Things in China]
[LINK: Full KCOOKING review]
[LINK: Full 绿茶餐厅 review]
[LINK: Full 外婆家 review]
