Must-Try Foods in Zhejiang! A Collection of Qiandao Lake Farmhouse Dishes for Authentic Mountain Flavors

Not sure what to eat when traveling in Zhejiang? Don't miss the signature farmhouse dishes of Qiandao Lake, born from its mountains, waters and soil. For generations, local villagers have used fresh, natural ingredients sourced right nearby—no complex seasonings needed—to create authentic Zhejiang cuisine. The signature dish, Qiandao Lake fish head, comes in two styles: milky white broth or chopped chili, both slow-simmered over firewood for a rich, savory flavor. Home-style braised organic fish chunks stewed with dried bamboo shoots are packed with rustic lakeside charm. Tangping cai (clay-pot stew), a Zhejiang intangible cultural heritage dish, features free-range chicken simmered over charcoal in a clay pot for a nourishing, flavorful broth, while sun-dried bamboo shoots braised with pork belly are fragrant and deeply savory. You'll also find wild mountain greens from Qiandao Lake, stir-fried or tossed cold for a refreshing bite, plus wind-dried cured pork and fish from the winter solstice season, salty and mellow. Round it out with corn cakes, steamed sweet potatoes and other whole-grain snacks paired with a fresh mushroom soup. From freshly caught lake fish to seasonal mountain delicacies, there's a rich variety of meat and vegetable dishes. Every plate is rooted in the landscape of Qiandao Lake, offering a natural freshness you simply can't replicate anywhere else—a must-try local specialty when visiting Zhejiang.