Hangzhou Canal Haixin Hotel

The owner, who hails from Shaoxing, insists on driving back to his hometown every other day to source the freshest ingredients for his restaurant – which explains why the menu is handwritten on a white board and different every day. That said, the must-try stinky tofu is a permanent fixture: made with 20-plus-year-old fermenting brine from his family, it has rich deep flavours that complement the lamb brain it is steamed with. Try the river fish, too.

Always jam-packed at mealtimes thanks to tasty dishes at bargain prices, this dinky shop is a favourite with the locals! Wonton and shao mai are the main draws, available in an array of fillings and served in soup or tossed in sauces. Examples include shao mai with juicy pork, diced bamboo shoot wrapped in a paper-thin skin and an exquisitely folded, oversized wonton with salted egg yolk and pork filling. The menu also features tossed noodles.

This shop may lack a snazzy decor, and nobody gets a table to themselves, but there are always queues eager to be cooked for by the self-proclaimed "noodle king". The signature tomato sauce noodles with scrambled eggs are tangy and appetising, best enjoyed with a sprinkle of pork cracklings. All made-to-order, the delicious toppings are served piping hot – try the deep-fried carp. Those with a big appetite can even get extra noodles for free.

Since 1987, diners have been flocking here for authentic traditional Hangzhou food. The head chef excels at preparing river fish, such as river shrimps in Huadiao wine, a feast of runny roe, briny-sweet meat and mesmerising aromas. With a bit of luck, you will get to savour the tender oily flesh of steamed river eel with Chinese ham – best enjoyed with their home-brewed bayberry wine. Ask the servers about the daily specials.

This bustling spot serves barbecue in Texan, Brazilian and Argentinian styles. With a wood-fired smokery and ovens on site, the place exudes intoxicating smells. Try slow-smoked beef brisket, either grain-fed from the U.S. or grass-fed from New Zealand: the former is richer, the latter leaner. Pronounced smoky notes complement the beef perfectly. Grilled pineapple in banana walnut sauce for dessert cuts through the richness. The wine list is worth exploring.

Adjacent to Xiangji Temple, this Jiangnan-style villa stands in a manicured garden with a bamboo grove, a rockery and water features. There are no à la carte options and diners pre-order either the classic or seasonal set menu. Nationwide sourced produce is deftly finessed with Chinese and Western techniques into dishes with potential health benefits. Their winter melon and glasswort soup is slowed cooked for two hours and nicely perfumed in pine nut oil.

After renovation, this hub dedicated to Chinese tea, art and all things Zen befits Hangzhou’s moniker as a cultural jewel. Its adjoining eatery still serves vegetarian food with Zhejiang twists; all-time favourites like soy-marinated walnuts, fresh tofu skin in thick broth and red braised stinky tofu are still on the menu. Thickly sliced lurid bolete sautéed with green chillies stands out with aroma and toothsome texture.