What Food To Try in Hangzhou and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Hangzhou for 2025.
National currency: Yuan Renminbi, symbol — ¥ (international currency code CNY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Hangzhou cafes and restaurants
$4.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.49
$34.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $20.74
$4.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.15
What to Try in Hangzhou
Must-try Dishes
Steamed Buns - 包子 (Baozi) - These fluffy, pillowy buns are filled with pork, mushrooms, or vegetables and steamed to perfection. Locals often grab these quick bites from street vendors for breakfast or a snack on the go.Shredded Fish with Vinegar - 醋溜鱼 (Cù Liū Yú) - This dish features delicate slices of fish cooked in a tangy vinegar sauce, giving it a perfect balance of sweet and sour. It’s commonly enjoyed during lunch family gatherings, often accompanied by rice.
West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy - 西湖醋鱼 (Xī Hú Cù Yú) - Fresh fish from West Lake is poached and dressed in a savory-sour sauce, typically served hot. This is a celebratory dish often served at dinners, showcasing local culinary pride.
Scallion Pancakes - 葱油饼 (Cōng Yóu Bǐng) - Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, these savory pancakes are made with fresh scallions. You’ll find locals indulging in them as street food, often paired with a cup of soy sauce for dipping.
Smoked Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry - 熏笋 (Xūn Sǔn) - This seasonal favorite features tender smoked bamboo shoots stir-fried with fresh vegetables, bringing out a unique flavor profile. It’s usually enjoyed during the spring season when the shoots are at their peak.
Cucumber Salad - 拍黄瓜 (Pāi Huángguā) - This refreshing dish combines smashed cucumbers with garlic and vinegar, creating a surprisingly bold taste. Often served as a side, it’s a common mistake for visitors to think it's just a light snack when it's quite filling.
Dragon Well Shrimp - 龙井虾仁 (Lóngjǐng Xiārén) - Tender shrimp are stir-fried with fragrant Dragon Well tea leaves, offering a unique combination of flavors. Typically savored for dinner, this dish reflects Hangzhou’s tea culture beautifully.
Red Braised Pork - 红烧肉 (Hóngshāo Ròu) - Fatty pieces of pork belly are braised in a sweet soy sauce mix until tender and glossy. Often served at family meals, this dish brings locals together over hearty conversations at dinner.
Desserts & Drinks
Longjing Tea - 龙井茶 (dragon well tea) - A fragrant green tea known for its flat leaves and vegetal taste, typically brewed with spring water. Locals enjoy this tea throughout the day, often sipping it during business meetings or social gatherings, appreciating its delicate flavor with a side of sunflower seeds or melon seeds.Blood Orange Juice - 血橙汁 (seasonal citrus juice) - Freshly squeezed blood oranges blended into a tangy, refreshing drink that's perfect for hot days. This juice is a favorite during the winter months when blood oranges are in season, often enjoyed at street stalls after a stroll through West Lake.
Shaoxing Wine - 绍兴酒 (rice wine) - Made from fermented rice, this traditional Chinese wine has a rich, nutty flavor and is often served warm. It's typically consumed during festive occasions, especially when sharing a meal, enhancing the food's taste while providing a warm comfort on cool evenings.
Mocha Coffee - 摩卡咖啡 (coffee with chocolate) - A delicious blend of rich coffee, chocolate, and steamed milk, making it a popular choice among youth in trendy cafes. Many locals enjoy this drink as an afternoon pick-me-up and often accompany it with a small piece of cake or pastry.
Sweet Osmanthus Cake - 桂花糕 (floral jelly dessert) - A delicate, slightly chewy cake made with sweet osmanthus flowers and glutinous rice flour, often served chilled. It's a popular treat during the Mid-Autumn Festival, enjoyed as a symbol of family reunions and harmony, bringing a delightful floral aroma that lingers in the air.
Food and Groceries in Hangzhou
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.95 |
| Bananas | $1.78 |
| Oranges | $1.42 |
| Potatoes | $0.92 |
| Apples | $2.01 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.65 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.86 |
| Imported Beer | $2.24 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $10.3 |
| Milk 1L | $2.3 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $13.91 |
| Chicken | $4.6 |
| Cigarettes | $3.11 |
| Rice | $1.09 |
| Local Cheese | $20.82 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the vibrant streets of Hangzhou, you can't help but notice how locals prioritize fresh ingredients and well-timed meals. It's common for families to gather for dinner around 6:30 PM to 8 PM, right after work, enjoying the social aspect of eating together. This habit emphasizes the importance of shared meals in Chinese culture, something that often gets overlooked by visitors who may be accustomed to more fragmented dining experiences.
In terms of pricing, you’ll find a wide range based on the area. In the bustling West Lake district, a filling dinner can run you about 120 to 200 RMB per person if you choose a mid-range restaurant. Over in the more local neighborhoods, you could enjoy a satisfying meal for just 30 to 50 RMB at a small eatery, showing just how diverse the culinary options are.
The popular dining areas, particularly around Wushan Square and the historic Hefang Street, offer a plethora of choices but can get crowded during peak meal times, especially on weekends. Lunchtime, from around noon to 1:30 PM, sees a heavy influx of office workers grabbing quick bites, making it wise to either time your visit pre- or post-lunch rush.
When it comes to payments, most places accept mobile wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay, often favoring cashless transactions. I've found it's fairly common for restaurants to expect these forms of payment, particularly in urban areas. Cash isn't as frequently used anymore, though some small vendors might still prefer it. Tipping is not customary in Hangzhou either; you're more likely to confuse the staff than show appreciation with a tip.
One distinct local custom that stands out is the practice of serving tea with meals, a nod to Hangzhou's rich tea culture, particularly with Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Expect your meal to start with a warm cup, which not only complements the food but also serves as a conversation starter.
If you’re planning to dine out, making reservations is a good idea if you’re eyeing popular spots, especially on weekends or during festivals when locals flood to their favorite restaurants. This practice can help ensure you secure a table without unnecessary waits.
As seasons shift, dining patterns adapt significantly; for instance, during the warm summer months, many people avoid heavy meals and prefer lighter options like cold dishes or refreshing salads. As temperatures drop, heartier meals, such as noodle soups, become much more appealing.
In short, Hangzhou’s food scene is as varied and rich as its cultural heritage, and paying attention to meal times, payment customs, and local dining habits can greatly enhance your culinary experience here.
In terms of pricing, you’ll find a wide range based on the area. In the bustling West Lake district, a filling dinner can run you about 120 to 200 RMB per person if you choose a mid-range restaurant. Over in the more local neighborhoods, you could enjoy a satisfying meal for just 30 to 50 RMB at a small eatery, showing just how diverse the culinary options are.
The popular dining areas, particularly around Wushan Square and the historic Hefang Street, offer a plethora of choices but can get crowded during peak meal times, especially on weekends. Lunchtime, from around noon to 1:30 PM, sees a heavy influx of office workers grabbing quick bites, making it wise to either time your visit pre- or post-lunch rush.
When it comes to payments, most places accept mobile wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay, often favoring cashless transactions. I've found it's fairly common for restaurants to expect these forms of payment, particularly in urban areas. Cash isn't as frequently used anymore, though some small vendors might still prefer it. Tipping is not customary in Hangzhou either; you're more likely to confuse the staff than show appreciation with a tip.
One distinct local custom that stands out is the practice of serving tea with meals, a nod to Hangzhou's rich tea culture, particularly with Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Expect your meal to start with a warm cup, which not only complements the food but also serves as a conversation starter.
If you’re planning to dine out, making reservations is a good idea if you’re eyeing popular spots, especially on weekends or during festivals when locals flood to their favorite restaurants. This practice can help ensure you secure a table without unnecessary waits.
As seasons shift, dining patterns adapt significantly; for instance, during the warm summer months, many people avoid heavy meals and prefer lighter options like cold dishes or refreshing salads. As temperatures drop, heartier meals, such as noodle soups, become much more appealing.
In short, Hangzhou’s food scene is as varied and rich as its cultural heritage, and paying attention to meal times, payment customs, and local dining habits can greatly enhance your culinary experience here.