Jan

Lou Wai Lou, West Lake

TikkoSS on January 5th, 2012

Lonely Planet used to be one of my best companions when I travel abroad. Not because I am lonely but it helps to locate scenic locations and recommended delicacies in foreign places.

To avoid myself from associated with the word “lonely”, Google turns out to be my best buddy. Instead of flipping the book, I can easily acquire valuable information by gently touch my wife, iPhone :p

Every corner of the world has their own specialties. It is like a “must try” delicacy. For example: Tapas in Spain, Tom Yum in Thailand, Laksa in Penang and bla bla bla.

No exception for Hangzhou, the largest city of Zhejiang Province in Eastern China. Over here, you “MUST TRY” few famous dishes in Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼), the most authentic restaurant in West Lake.

Like many tourists, I enter this restaurant with a hope to try every recommend dishes here. So I started to speak to the waitress in my broken Mandarin. Honestly, I have no clue 9 out of 10 words she said.

Thanks to the pictorial menu that bridge the communication gaps. I ordered Long Jing Cha (龙井茶) , the famous tea for only 12 RMB (~RM 6) each. If you are intending to add a little fat, go for Tong Po Rou, (东坡肉).

If you ask me, I didn’t know that Hangzhou is famous with beggar’s chicken. The only time that I came across with this dish is in “So, the Begger” movie. I thought it is just a mythical dish.

Right now, I get to try it myself. Many claim that this restaurant serves the most original version of beggar chicken. So, don’t be surprise if more than 90 % of customer here ordered this too.

While happily enjoying my meal, all of the sudden, a kitchen crew brings a pail with this ugly creature. Gosh.. totally spoil my taste. I am like, “What are you doing?”

This fish is about to sacrifice itself to feed my stomach. In few minutes, this fish turned out to be West Lake fish in Vinegar Gravy, one of the chef recommendations in this restaurant.

When I call for bill, I nearly get a heart attack as this lunch cost me RMB 445.40 (~RM 200 ish). Until now, I still try to justify that this lunch is worth the money. The dishes are quite unique but I have to go on diet for few days after that