Hangzhou food and restaurants (part two)

“Lou Wai Lou” is Hangzhou’s oldest, most authentic and best restaurant. It is said any trip to the city must include a visit to this Hangzhou restaurant, if only to sample the great atmosphere of the place. The restaurant is located at the lake side and has great views over the West Lake. It is lit up like a beacon at dusk, a symbol of the restaurant’s superb status.

Address: Solitary Island, West Lake, Hangzhou

“Yao Bu De” restaurant is a specialty shop selling fried buns. The bun’s bottom part is slightly burned and crispy, while the upper part soft. The most interesting aspect is the bun is very juicy. When you take a bite, the juice, very hot, splashes in all directions from your mouth. You have to be careful and skillful eating it. That is why the restaurant is named “Yao Bu De’”, meaning not to bite. But then you find the whole eating experience memorable.

The making of such buns has a long history. It was said to be a favorite food of the Emperor of Gao Zhu in Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). In Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, it became popular in the region of Shanghai, Hangzhou and their neighboring areas.

Address: Wen Er Road