As someone who grew up in China and has explored food across the country, I thought I knew Chinese cuisine pretty well. But it wasn’t until I spent real time traveling through Zhejiang that I truly understood the art of subtlety in flavor. Known for its refined elegance and seasonal freshness, Zhejiang food — or “Zhe cuisine”—gave me a whole new perspective on what it means to eat well in China.

What Makes Zhejiang Cuisine So Unique?

Zhejiang is located along China’s southeast coast and boasts a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. Its food is known for its light, fresh, and mellow flavors. Unlike the bold spiciness of Sichuan or the sweetness of Cantonese dishes, Zhejiang dishes emphasize balance and natural flavor. Every bite is a poetic experience—subtle yet deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re savoring the crisp sweetness of Longjing shrimp or the deep umami of Dongpo pork, every meal here tells a story of centuries-old culinary mastery.

8 Famous Dishes You Must Try in Zhejiang

Here are eight iconic dishes that capture the heart of Zhejiang food. Each dish has a rich cultural story and a unique flavor that makes it unforgettable.

1. West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼)

Sweet, tangy, and silky, this dish uses grass carp from Hangzhou’s West Lake. It perfectly balances vinegar and natural fish flavor.

2. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)

Named after Su Dongpo, this pork belly is slow-braised in Shaoxing wine and soy sauce until rich, soft, and flavorful.

3. Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁)

This light and elegant dish pairs river shrimp with fragrant Dragon Well tea leaves—delicate, refreshing, and unique to Hangzhou.

4. Beggar’s Chicken (叫化童鸡)

Aromatic chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay. Legend has it this dish was first cooked by a hungry beggar.

5. Three Shreds Fish (三丝敲鱼)

A Wenzhou classic with thin fish slices hammered by hand, combined with shredded chicken, ham, and mushroom.

6. Clear Broth Yue Chicken (清汤越鸡)

A Shaoxing delicacy made from local Yue chicken simmered in a pure, clear soup with ham, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.

7. Stewed Turtle in Rock Sugar (冰糖甲鱼)

This Ningbo favorite is slow-cooked turtle with Shaoxing wine and rock sugar—sweet, savory, and packed with nutrients.

8. Song Sister Fish Soup (宋嫂鱼羹)

Silky and rich like crab soup, this Hangzhou classic uses shredded steamed fish in a thick golden broth—pure elegance in a bowl.

My Personal Favorites from Zhejiang Cuisine

Of all the dishes I tried, Dongpo Pork left the deepest impression. The pork belly was braised to perfection in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and rock sugar. Each bite was savory, sweet, and utterly divine. And then there was the Longjing Shrimp, which was a lesson in elegance—subtle tea fragrance met with the freshness of river shrimp.

Dining in Zhejiang is not just about taste—it’s a cultural immersion. Every dish has a story, a historical reference, or a poetic name. The elegance of its food mirrors the calm beauty of Hangzhou’s West Lake and the gentle rhythm of life in Shaoxing and Ningbo.

Where to Eat Authentic Zhejiang Food

To truly experience authentic Zhejiang food, head straight to the source. Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Ningbo offer an abundance of local restaurants that serve traditional recipes passed down through generations. Here are some of my favorites:

• Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼), Hangzhou – Iconic restaurant near West Lake, known for West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork.
• Wang Run Xing (王润兴), Shaoxing – Offers classic Shaoxing cuisine including Clear Broth Yue Chicken.
• Shipu Seafood Street, Ningbo – The best place to explore Ningbo’s rich seafood dishes like Stewed Turtle in Rock Sugar.

Signature cuisine from Zhejiang province

Why Zhejiang Food Deserves Global Attention

Zhejiang food isn’t just about exquisite ingredients or clever techniques—it’s about balance, beauty, and tradition. In a world where fast food dominates, Zhejiang cuisine offers a refreshing reminder of how food can connect us to nature, heritage, and ourselves.

It’s no surprise that many of Zhejiang’s dishes are included in the official list of China’s classic dishes. The region continues to gain recognition for its culinary finesse, drawing food critics and chefs from around the world.

Ready to Taste Zhejiang Food?

If you’re planning a trip to China or simply want to explore new flavors from your kitchen, start with Zhejiang cuisine. Try making Dongpo Pork at home, or visit your nearest Chinese specialty restaurant and order a plate of West Lake Vinegar Fish. Trust me—it’s worth it.

If you’re ready to explore the softer, more poetic side of Chinese food, Zhejiang cuisine is your perfect gateway.

📚 This guide on Zhejiang cuisine is now referenced in the Wikipedia article on Zhejiang, under the Cuisine section.