Top 6: Hangzhou

Hangzhou cuisine places emphasis on fresh sea or river produce, and the seasonings are all lighter than strong northern preferences. You will never see a dish covered in sticky brown sauce, or heavily spiked with star anise or cumin.

The natural flavors of the ingredients are carefully nurtured on the plate, and that is why it is such an attractive culinary choice in these days of health and safety concerns.

Visitors enjoy local Hangzhou cuisine at a Hangzhou food festival.

Related: Hangzhou's drunken cuisine