Hangzhou Street Food Every Student Must Try

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is famous for its breathtaking West Lake, rich history, and—most importantly—its incredible street food. For students traveling on a budget, Hangzhou’s street food scene offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, flavor, and cultural experience. Whether you're studying abroad, backpacking through China, or just visiting for a short trip, these must-try street foods will leave you craving more.

The Best Street Food Stalls in Hangzhou

Wu Shan Night Market (Wu Shan Ye Shi)

Located near the historic Wu Hill, this night market is a paradise for food lovers. Open from dusk until late, it’s packed with vendors serving everything from grilled skewers to sweet desserts.

He Fang Street (He Fang Jie)

One of the most famous pedestrian streets in Hangzhou, He Fang Street is a mix of traditional snacks and modern twists. It’s a great place to try authentic Hangzhou flavors while soaking in the old-town atmosphere.

Gongshu District’s Hidden Gems

For those willing to explore beyond tourist hotspots, Gongshu District has small family-run stalls that serve some of the best local bites at unbeatable prices.

Must-Try Hangzhou Street Foods

1. Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes)

A crispy, flaky pancake stuffed with chopped scallions and pan-fried to perfection. Cheap, filling, and available at almost every street corner, this is the ultimate student snack.

Where to Try: Look for small carts near universities—they often sell the freshest ones!

2. Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Unlike their steamed cousins (Xiao Long Bao), Sheng Jian Bao are crispy on the bottom, juicy on the inside, and packed with savory pork. A perfect grab-and-go breakfast.

Pro Tip: Eat them hot—the soup inside can be dangerously delicious!

3. Ding Sheng Gao (Sticky Rice Cakes)

These sweet, chewy rice cakes are a Hangzhou specialty, often filled with red bean paste or crushed peanuts. They’re a great energy boost between classes.

4. Chuan’r (Grilled Skewers)

Skewered meats, tofu, and veggies grilled over charcoal and coated in spicy cumin—this is Hangzhou’s answer to late-night cravings.

Best Pairing: A cold Tsingtao beer or a bottle of Bing Hong Cha (iced black tea).

5. Ci Fan Tuan (Glutinous Rice Rolls)

A breakfast favorite, these rice rolls are stuffed with pickled vegetables, crispy youtiao (fried dough), and sometimes meat. Portable, hearty, and under 10 RMB.

6. Suan La Fen (Hot & Sour Glass Noodles)

A spicy, tangy noodle soup that’s both warming and addictive. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Warning: The spice level can be intense—ask for "wei la" (mild spice) if you’re not used to heat!

7. Long Jing Tea-Infused Dishes

Hangzhou is famous for Long Jing (Dragon Well) tea, and some street vendors incorporate it into snacks like tea-smoked duck or tea-flavored sweets.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Students

• Go Where the Locals Go – Avoid overpriced tourist traps by following students and office workers during lunch breaks.
• Share Portions – Many street foods are large enough to split, making them even more affordable.
• Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases – Simple words like "duo shao qian?" (how much?) and "xie xie" (thank you) go a long way.

Final Bite

Hangzhou’s street food isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing the city’s culture, history, and daily life. From crispy scallion pancakes to fiery grilled skewers, every bite tells a story. So grab your chopsticks, hit the streets, and taste why Hangzhou is a food lover’s dream.