Tasty treats near Hangzhou’s major transport stops

(Source: Internet)

As G20 is to be held in Hangzhou next Sunday till September 6, the city is restricted and/or closed off for the event. The affected area include major portion of the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area.

Some parts of Hangzhou's major roads including Fengqi Road, Qingchun Road and Xihu Avenue will be closed.

Till August 31, workers must scan their national ID cards to enter the affected areas. Others must go through a security check with their ID or passports in order to enter. Cars without a G20 transportation pass or whose owners do not live within affected areas will be denied entrance.

From September 1 to 6, no outside access is allowed. Only those who reside or work within restricted areas will be allowed access after a security and ID check. Only cars with G20 passes will be allowed access.

Public transport is suggested if you stay in Hangzhou lately, and remember always carry your passport, residence permit and proof of residence (registration) with you.

But nothing will stop a foodie's heart, plus large supermarket, shopping malls, and large restaurants will still open during September 1 to 7 whilst most Hangzhou residents are given an extra holiday.

To get to West Lake, we can take subway, and the stops closest to the water is Fengqi Road Metro stop and Longxiangqiao Metro stop, which are actually two blocks of restaurants.

If you are still in Hangzhou, bring your passport, pass the subway security check and hunt for foods there.

The Metro station on Fengqi Road houses eateries, stores and a gallery underground.

Strolling in the station's long air-conditioned strip offers a comfortable respite from the scorching weather outside. And then, of course, comes to the food. Here you can find everything from desserts and pancakes to Japanese donburi.

For a fast grab-and-go meal, the danbing (egg pancake) is a great option. Youlanda Pancake makes "healthy, clean and fancy danbing that are different from those seen on street corners," says chef Xiao Wang.

But what exactly are these differences? For one thing, oil is avoided. And the eggs come from free-ranged hens. The cooks wear hats, masks and gloves. There are also more filling options here than your ordinary danbing vendor.

The process of making danbing is quite similar to making a French crepe. Pour flour liquid onto a round heated iron plate, spread it out onto a round sheet and then add filling ingredients. While crepes are usually filled with sweet fruits and honey, danbing are often filled with salty pickled vegetables, fried chips, sausage or ham.

The fried chips are necessary to produce a pleasing crunch texture. Unique stuffing ingredients at Youlanda Pancake includes sautéed beef, chicken fillet, cheese and bacon. Drinks include soy bean, and sweet white fungus soup.

Next to Youlanda, eatery Seven Green commands attention with its shelf full of vegetables. The greens are not placed, but growing on the shelf — a technique from Japan.

The white plastic shelf features a layer filled with soil, above which are holes for the plants. Once a grown vegetable is picked, a fresh seed is planted. Thus, the salads are literally from shelf to table.

Seven Green also offers over 20 kinds of fruit and vegetable juices.

Opposite to Seven Green, there's Pork Kungfu making Japanese-style rice with pork, the franchise Zensho known for its donburi, and a place selling Taiwan-style snacks such as fried chicken fillet and sausages.

When you walk out of the station, the nearby Kerry Centre contains the high-end yet still affordable Cheng Zhong restaurant, Starbucks Reserve, fashionable InWe Tea, Mr Choi for desserts, and lots of other popular local restaurants.

This bustling station located just a few hundred meters from the northeast bank of West Lake is home to many restaurants serving Hangzhou cuisine.

The most famous is Zhi Wei Guan Restaurant on Renhe Road. Founded in 1913, the restaurant flaunts its splendid history by dishing up local delicacies and snacks, ranging from wonton soup and xiaolongbao (small steamed buns), to noodles, desserts and lip-smacking dim sum.

The first floor is reserved for snacks, while the second floor is a full-on restaurant. Traditional dishes from the area, such as West Lake fish in vinegar gravy, Longjing tea shrimp, Beggar's chicken, West Lake water shield soup and Zhi Wei Guan's steamed buns are served here.

Located south of the subway stop's C exit, you'll find Hangzhou Restaurant which was founded in 1921 and rebuilt a few years ago.

The restaurant features both chic and traditional decor and offers local dishes at great prices including some found in recipe collections written 1,000 years ago.

Long lines are common at both restaurants. If you don't want to queue, go from Wushan Road E. to Yan'an Road. Here's a strip where one side is a newly-built department store, while the other contains older, small restaurants enjoyed by locals.

One popular restaurant is Zheng's Beef, known for its tasty, al dente boiled beef. It also makes classical Hangzhou foods such as Dongpo pork and West Lake vinegar fish.

A popular local fast-food joint on the road is Wushan Grilled Chicken. It sells tender chicken grilled with honey, shitaki mushrooms and scallions. The crispy brown skin, juicy meat and savory smell will make your mouth water.

There are almost always lines of customers here waiting for the chicken. Most diners can get their bird in just a matter of minutes though, making it worth the wait.