Hidden Eats of Hangzhou: A Local Street Food Experience

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Hangzhou

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Cheryl

Registered on 3 July 2025

After seven years in the Netherlands and a year in Malaysia, I returned to my beloved hometown of Hangzhou, China. I’m a nature lover who finds joy wandering through forests, hiking mountain trails, and diving into the ocean. Travel is my lifelong teacher: forging heartfelt connections and immersing myself in new cultures enriches my life. Last but not the least, I’m a big foodie and love to host cooking workshop in my spare time. It’s so much fun to exchange food culture and share life stories. My life motto? Follow my heart and live in the moment—because life is too short not to.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Want to eat like a local—and discover how history and agriculture shaped Hangzhou’s food culture?

Zhejiang cuisine (the province of Hangzhou) is one of China’s Eight Great Cuisines—known for its fresh, light, and refined dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation. As the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), Hangzhou embraced imperial influences, creating a rich culinary melting pot.

👣 A Glimpse into Local Lifestyle

We’ll wander through Da Ma Nong, a lively local market lane packed with authentic food stalls, active from early morning and yet not overrun by tourists, it’s a hidden gem. Instead of buying groceries at supermarkets, locals here go to wet markets or street vendors for fresh vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. You might experience cultural shock when it comes to the food variety ;-)

🍡 Sample Street-Food Delights

Get ready to taste Hangzhou street food specialties: savory dumplings, pan-fried scallion pancakes, bamboo-leaf–wrapped sticky rice (zongzi), and local sweets—flavors from childhood that connect generations. I’d be happy to explain how each is made.

🌿 Learn “Food as Medicine”

Curious about traditional Chinese medicine? We’ll stop at Hu Qing Yu Tang, a 150‑year‑old heritage pharmacy. Learn how everyday herbs can balance body and mind, and hear the founder’s inspiring story.

📋 What to Expect

Vegetarian friendly—everyone is welcome!

Storytelling meets flavor—my aim is to create unforgettable taste memories enriched by cultural narratives.

Step back in time—experience the old city’s vibe as if traveling 20 years into the past.

Food connects us beyond borders, language, and race—it carries history, spirit, and human creativity. Let’s take a street-food walk and celebrate this universal bond.

Logistics & Extras

*If you'd prefer a different time, I can adjust accordingly, and pick‑up can be arranged upon your request.

*After the tour, you're perfectly positioned to explore nearby attractions like Hefang Street, Southern Song Imperial Street, Chenghuang Pavilion—or even take a scenic hike.

Looking forward to meeting you! 😊

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

China, Hang Zhou Shi, Shang Cheng Qu, 吴山广场清河坊街鼓楼2楼邮政编码: 310002

We'll meet at Wushan Square Station (Metro Exit D) and I'll hold a red umbrella

Outside visit

Wushan Square

One of Hangzhou’s largest and most vibrant city squares. It's the closest plaza to West Lake and a central hub near Hefang Street, the Southern Song Imperial Street, and Hangzhou Museum.

Outside visit

Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum

Founded in 1874 by the famous Qing Dynasty businessman Hu Xueyan. It is also recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage site and a TCM cultural education base, attracting both domestic and international visitors interested in holistic health.

Outside visit

Da Ma Nong

Da Ma Nong gives an immersive glimpse into Hangzhou’s authentic urban soul: historical, sensory, communal, and alive with tradition. It offers travelers a rare chance to taste the past and experience local life without a filter.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).