Just back from Hangzhou! And my advice is...

[Tanya Bogisich IV]

Listen up, friends visiting Hangzhou! I want to give you an earnest dining recommendation!

• If you're looking for genuine local flavors, you must venture into the "fly-infested cafes" which are frequented by the locals!
  • Don't be misled by their small storefronts or slightly outdated appearances. The taste they offer is remarkable – a true reflection of everyday life among the local citizens.
  • While upscale restaurants in beautiful malls may provide a pleasant ambiance, they are not the best choice if you're seeking distinctive Hangzhou cuisine.

Warning! Friends, pay attention!

• Hangzhou's celebrated dish: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy: This famous dish is considered one of the top representatives of Hangzhou cuisine, being mentioned almost everywhere that introduces the city's culinary delights, especially due to its association with the famous West Lake scenic area.
  • However! Listen to me, resist any temptation to order this dish when any friend suggests it.
  • Why? This dish has very demanding requirements for cooking temperature and seasoning. Many restaurants, particularly those popular with tourists, fail to meet these standards, leading to overcooked fish meat and even off-tasting sauces with an unappealing sweet and sour flavor. Numerous out-of-towners as well as some young locals have voiced how difficult it can be to appreciate this dish. Trying it could be like stepping into a potential tourist trap.
  • What can you do then? If your curiosity gets the better of you and you still wish to try, go ahead. Just prepare yourself with a tempered expectation, or seek advice from seasoned local food enthusiasts about their trusted establishments serving this dish satisfactorily. Otherwise, spending money on this may be somewhat frivolous in hindsight.

[Bonnie Beatty]

Are these spots close to the city center?

[Orville DuBuque]

They're right in the city center, haha!

[Jermaine Satterfield]

I'm actually curious to find out just how bad the West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy is.

[Dr. Danny Bayer]

It's not bad at all!

[Jo Douglas]

Any food recommendations?

[Ms. Thelma DuBuque-Rolfson]

So, what do you think? Is it still worth staying near in77, or do you have any other suggestions?

[Rosemarie Sawayn PhD]

@PotatoEatsRatChips This is the one who told me to eat it.