Signature Dishes: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (Xi Hu Cu Yu): Freshwater fish in savory-sweet sauce, Hangzhou's most famous dish. Longjing Shrimp (Longjing Xia): Shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves, aromatic and delicate. Hangzhou Noodles (Long Xu Mian): Hand-pulled noodles in shrimp soup. Dongpo Pork: Braised pork belly in soy sauce, melt-in-mouth texture. Bamboo Shoot Dishes: Spring delicacy, fresh and tender.
Dining Experiences: Fine Dining: Government-approved restaurants with Michelin recognition. Dishes highlight local ingredients. 150-400 RMB per person. Mid-range Restaurants: Quality food in casual settings. Extensive Longjing shrimp and fish options. 60-120 RMB per person. Street Food: Dumplings, noodle stalls, tea snacks. 10-30 RMB per item.
Drinking Culture: Tea is primary beverage. Local beer brands Qingdao and Snow popular. Rice wine (huangjiu) traditional. Coffee culture growing in cosmopolitan areas. Tap water not potable; bottled water widely available.
Dining Tips: Restaurants open 11 AM-2 PM (lunch), 5 PM-10 PM (dinner). Lunch cheaper than dinner. Many restaurants only serve during meal times. English menus available in major restaurants. Pointing at other tables' dishes works. Tipping not customary. Eating while walking considered impolite.