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'Prayer Path' pilgrimage to find good dining

By Xu Wenwen | March 25, 2013, Monday | Print Edition

PEACH trees are in bloom; willows are turning green; the sun is shining on tea bush groves; and thatch reeds rustle in the breeze. This is the idyllic spring scene that can be found at Maojiabu in Hangzhou.

Nestled southwest of the West Lake, its attractions include a lake, tea bushes - extending from Longjing tea village - and beautiful flowers and trees around Yanggong Causeway.

In the past, before Maojiabu was developed, it was a quay at the West Lake where thatch reeds grew. These gave the area its name - Maojiabu, literally means thatch family quay.

It was on the only route to the famed Lingyin Temple - one of the biggest Buddhist temples in the country. Travelers would take a boat at the West Lake's urban side, disembark at Maojiabu, have some food there and then set out on the "Prayer Path" to Lingyin.

The route was lined with small temples, vegetarian restaurants and numerous stores. However, these disappeared once a bus service from urban Hangzhou to Lingyin Temple was launched in the 1940s.

Today the thatch reeds that gave Maojiabu its name remain, trees and flowers have been planted and stone pathways laid, along which visitors can stroll to ponds and the West Lake.

Maojiabu is not large, and can be traipsed in an afternoon. And while there, be sure to stop for cup of tea and sample some Hangzhou cuisine at small farmer-run eateries, which are numerous, or at restaurants.

Shanghai Daily introduces three restaurants among the tea slopes and flowers of Maojiabu.

Hunabusa Restaurant

Creepers climb over the black tiled roof, draping down onto the white exterior walls of the restaurant. And as a quirky touch there is small glass gate to further entice visitors.

But walk-ins are few at Hunabusa, because it is hidden away so well that anyone driving on Longjing Road could easily miss it.

However, regular customers like to bring friends, and that's why the hard-to-find eatery never worries about customer numbers.

The pleasant environment of Hunabusa is a big attraction for those in the know. Tables near French windows boast views of tea groves, some producing tea for the restaurant, and peach trees,

Other tables, while without the view, are in a pleasing European-style setting, with the white walls and ceiling setting off black sofas and tables, plus bright decoration.

Like many restaurants around West Lake, Hunabusa specializes in creative Hangzhou cuisine. Recommendations include Hunabusa shrimp in coconut milk and mince meat fried with chestnut mushrooms - cha shu gu, literally "tea tree mushrooms").

Address: 4 Longjing Road

Tel: (0571) 8797-3759

Tip: No afternoon tea though it makes nice juices.

No. 7 Longjing Road Garden Restaurant

As the name indicates, the restaurant is at No. 7 Longjing Road - making it less difficult to find than Hunabusa. Standing at the crossroads of Longjing Road and Lingyin Road, it comprises two small buildings - one for private boxes, one for other diners - and a sizeable garden.

The restaurant's specialty is coffee and tea, though snacks and staples are also provided. The prices are average but the portions are not large.

The view from No. 7 Longjing Road is of the entire slope of a tea slope, and customers can enjoy the view while sipping a brew.

Address: 7 Longjing Road

Tel: (0571) 8797-9123

Tip: 10 percent service charge is required.

Long Tang Li Restaurant

A longtang is the typical old-fashioned neighborhood, fondly remembered by millions of people in south China. Long Tang Li Restaurant takes this as its theme, seeking to evoke the rich folk flavor of Hangzhou cuisine.

It opened this branch at the head of the Prayer Path last year, soon proving a big hit with customers.

Standing at a crossroads, the view is nothing special, but the restaurant seeks to create its own green space; trees can be found in front of almost every window.

In keeping with its name, the restaurant resembles an old longtang - complete with wooden pillars, black tiles, stone sculptures and carved window lattices.

Along one wall is a line of wood burning stoves, on which different foods - such as radishes, pig's feet, duck and chicken feet - are braised with soy sauce.

It also offers a barbecue option, while a selection of dishes for 9 yuan make for an inexpensive meal.



Address: 18 Longjing Road

Tel: (0571) 8808-3178

Hangzhou


 

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