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Hangzhou is a city in eastern China that's known for its beautiful West Lake, vibrant culture, and delicious food. As someone who loves exploring new cuisines and flavours, I was delighted to live in Hangzhou and try some of its famous dishes. Here are some of my favourite foods that I discovered during my time in Hangzhou:
Dongpo Pork: Dongpo Pork is a local specialty that's named after the famous poet and scholar Su Dongpo. It's a hearty dish that consists of braised pork belly that's cooked in soy sauce, rice wine, and spices for hours until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender. The dish is often served in small portions, with a side of steamed buns or rice.
West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy: Another signature dish in Hangzhou is the West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy. It's a light and flavourful dish that's made with tender freshwater fish that's cooked in a savoury broth of vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and sugar. The dish has a delicate sour and sweet flavour that pairs well with steamed rice.
Beggar's Chicken: Beggar's Chicken is a famous Hangzhou dish that has a unique cooking method. A whole chicken is stuffed with herbs and spices, wrapped in lotus leaves and mud, and then baked in a clay pot for several hours until it's tender and juicy. When the chicken is served, the mud is cracked open, revealing the aromatic and flavorful meat inside.
Longjing Tea Shrimp: Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing tea, which is a type of green tea that's grown on the hills around West Lake. Longjing Tea Shrimp is a popular dish that's made by stir-frying fresh shrimp with Longjing tea leaves, garlic, and spices. The tea leaves infuse the dish with a delicate aroma and a refreshing taste.
Fried Rice Cakes: Fried Rice Cakes are a popular street food in Hangzhou that's made by pan-frying slices of glutinous rice cakes with vegetables, eggs, and spices. The rice cakes have a chewy texture that's slightly crispy on the outside, and the dish is often served with soy sauce or chili sauce.
Overall, Hangzhou is a food lover's paradise with a wide range of delicious dishes to try. From savoury braised pork to delicate tea-infused shrimp, There's something for everyone to enjoy. If you ever find yourself in Hangzhou, don't miss the opportunity to sample some of its famous cuisines! Do you have any other favourite Hangzhou food? Comment below and let us know!
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