Hangzhou: My Taste Buds Went There to Die πππ #FoodDesert
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Sure, I'll make the adjustments so that our foreign friends can easily understand it!
Day One of Exploring Hangzhou
No. 1 LΓngyΗn Temple (Lingyin Temple)
Wow! There are tons of worshippers here! The grandeur and magnificence of each hall within this temple really draw you into its historical aura. Looking at those carvings created hundreds or even thousands of years ago, visitors can truly feel like they're stepping back in time to ancient China.
Little fun facts for foreigners: Lingyin Temple is renowned as one of China's most famous Buddhist temples. A wealth of myths and legends surround the Flying Peak (located next to the temple), making the temple shrouded with a layer of mysterious religious mystique.
Secret gossip minutes: Apparently, asking for 'cutting off bad relationships' is incredibly efficacious at Lingyin Temple. If anyone is troubled by such matters, why not give it a try? Haha!No. 2 West Lake
The beauty of the West Lake carries that distinct mildness of Southern Jiangnan region.
Minor cultural knowledge notes: "Jiangnan" refers to the affluent area south of the Yangtze River, known for its picturesque scenery. Many famous ancient poets have written poems about West Lake, adding an abundance of cultural charm to this very body of water. It's almost like a graceful, classical beauty stepping out from a poem, captivating her viewers.Unfortunately, we were too exhausted to wait until night to see the legendary 'bustling night scene that sparkles with lights and music'. But alas, the most regrettable thing ever, we couldn't meet the 'one and only' in areas where lights are few and far between (just joking around though!)
Lastly, I must strongly criticize the quality of food!
The food was just average... perhaps because recent experiences elsewhere had raised my culinary expectations, and now Hangzhou's local dishes seem somewhat inferior in comparison.
I even believe that I ate better 'Hang-style cuisine' (the local unique type of dishes) in other cities compared to what I feasted on in Hangzhou itself!
However, there was an unexpected surprise: today's best lunch experience by far was the vegetarian meals served at Lingyin Temple. A bowl of simple vegetarian noodles paired with a side dish, although basic-looking visually, was actually deliciously delightful and left a lingering aftertaste, truly amazing!
(Sidenote: Just joking around here, but todayβs roast duck - oh boy, sacrificed in vain
π€¬) #HangzhouTravel -
The quality of Hangzhou cuisine really does correlate with price. Since it doesn't rely on heavy oils or strong spices to mask flavors, the quality of ingredients and cooking techniques are paramount. You're bound to have a delightful experience at restaurants averaging 300+ RMB per person.
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If you need to spend over 300 RMB per person to find good food in a place, then there's definitely an issue. The average person's living standard isn't that high. Shouldn't delicious food be something commonly found on the streets and in local spots?
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It's a fact that Hangzhou has few snacks, and not many of them are particularly good. However, to say Hangzhou cuisine itself is bad is purely a matter of personal preference, especially if you're used to heavily oiled and spicy food. I've eaten at many restaurants in Hangzhou and actively seek out good food when I travel to other cities; I don't find its stir-fried dishes any worse. Besides, I believe 90% or more of people aren't true gourmets and can't really discern the nuances of a dish's appearance, aroma, or taste. They simply haven't had a 'wow' experience and then just repeat what others say. By the way, Hangzhou's braised duck is actually very good.
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When people call Hangzhou a 'food desert,' I've encountered two particularly odd individuals. One had never even been to Hangzhou. I mentioned high-end restaurants (500-600 RMB per person) and argued that West Lake Fish in Vinegar isn't actually bad, but he insisted it was terrible no matter the price. It turned out he was just echoing online opinions without ever visiting. The other person had a terrible fast-food meal at the train station, supposedly left the city overnight, and then proclaimed Hangzhou a food desert. Honestly, train station fast food is rarely good in any city, right?
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Hangzhou cuisine is predominantly home-style, light in flavor, and emphasizes the natural taste of the ingredients. If you're looking for bolder, spicier dishes, you should try cuisine from Tonglu, Jiande, or Chun'an. These areas are closer to Quzhou, so their food tends to be spicier.
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Just trading their mom for internet traffic.
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More than just their mom; it's like they're rotten wood [beyond hope].
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I find everything I casually eat here delicious. Maybe this place just isn't a good fit for you. Best not to come then.
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Some people always think that if it doesn't have chili, it's not 'strong-flavored'.
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To be fair, Hangzhou isn't really considered a top food city, even within our Zhejiang province.
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Indeed, it's disgustingly bad.
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Then go ahead, nobody's stopping you.
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Just eat instant noodles then.
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You just didn't spend enough money. Of course, it's a 'food desert' for you then.