Hilton Garden Inn Hangzhou Fuyang Fuchun

At a remove from the city, this rustic place set amid tea fields is run by a husband-and-wife team. He is a fishing enthusiast, and freshwater fish from nearby lakes and rivers is the main event here. The braised dark sleeper with salted potherb mustard and bamboo shoot impresses with its silky meat and a gingery kick. Try the sautéed free-range chicken from local tea farms. To avoid disappointment, pre-order seasonal dishes, as availability is limited.

The owner-chef opened this tiny gem in 2011, naming it after his unique hairstyle. The locals come in droves for his authentic Hangzhou-style noodles – browse the chalkboard for the 30-plus varieties on offer. All the noodles are cooked on the spot and tossed in sauces or served in soup. Springy noodles tossed in a glaze with wok-fried river shrimps and eel are loaded with lardy richness, deep umami and soy sauce flavour.

For over a decade, this tiny noodle joint has been packed with diners, despite higher prices than its competitors. An array of noodle soups and blanched noodles tossed in sauces are offered with a choice of toppings, all in generous portions and made with quality ingredients. Try the blanched noodles topped with stir-fried pork liver and kidney. Stir the curly hand-rolled noodles in the sauce well and enjoy their springy texture.

Fast food

Fast food

Fast food

Fast food