Hangzhou’s culinary traditions are more than just a feast for the senses—they are a living chronicle of Jiangnan’s storied past. As the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), the city’s iconic dishes carry echoes of imperial legacies, cultural innovation, and the rhythms of daily life along the West Lake.
Take Dongpo pork, a melt-in-the-mouth delicacy named after the Song Dynasty poet-official Su Shi. Legend has it that Su created the dish while organizing a dredging project to save the West Lake from silting, using it to reward hardworking locals. Today, it remains a symbol of communal resilience and ingenuity.
Equally emblematic is West Lake vinegar fish, a dish once served in Southern Song imperial courts. Its sweet-and-sour profile reflects the refined tastes of the era, while Longjing shrimps—cooked with tea leaves from Hangzhou’s famed Dragon Well plantations—embody the region’s deep connection to tea culture. Together, these flavors weave a tapestry of Jiangnan’s history, balancing aristocratic elegance with grassroots charm.
For travelers, historians, and food enthusiasts alike, a meal in Hangzhou is a journey through time. Each bite tells a story of dynastic triumphs, artistic patronage, and the enduring spirit of a region that has shaped China’s cultural identity for millennia.
