Pan-fried baozi filled with pork (Photo/Shanghai Daily)
The name of Huimin Road originated from an episode about Su Dongpo, the famed writer, artist, pharmacologist, gastronome and statesmen who was the mayor of Hangzhou during the Song Dynasty (960–1279).
The city was suffering from both a plague and crop failure during his serving term. Su ran a pharmacy and did not charge the poor. He was also credited with helping develop a prescription that helped save locals from the plague.
The road's name, literally meaning "to benefit people," was taken from that pharmacy once located on the road. With the help of a doctor friend, Su developed remedies which he provided free of charge to local citizens.
Huimin Road is located in one of the oldest surviving urban block of Hangzhou, which was built 1,000 years ago and has several cross streets. It housed a palace of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) when Hangzhou was made the capital.
However, along with city construction, the old road needs revamping in order to match with the city's new appearance. Now, demolition work is underway. Since the road is famous for a series of popular snack shops and restaurants, many locals are worried that the delicacy might vanish along with the road.
But worry not, foodies, a part of these eateries and restaurants have already moved to nearby streets and lanes. Shanghai Daily finds their new address and recommends some stores deserving a visit.
This noodle store is easy to be overlooked with its low-profile façade. However, it has been an indispensable part of the neighborhood during the past 10 years. The small eatery is always packed with diners during rush hours, so we recommend you to come early.
It serves more than 10 varieties of noodles, with the most popular being eel and pig liver noodles.
Eel noodle is topped with shrimps and fried mud eels. A nice eel noodle features both fresh shrimps and eels with a resilient texture and original umami flavor.
All eels are killed and immediately lightly boiled, while the slicing procedure is done after the boiling, so the eels' muscle remains tight.
As for the shrimp, they are lightly fried with pork skin to absorb the animal grease, yet eels are stir-fried in peanut oil or rapeseed oil.
A touch of sesame oil is used on top of the cooked noodles.
Pig liver noodles are served with sliced pig liver and vegetables. One may turn up their nose at the thought of this meal, however, foodies love the dish for its mix of textures.
Address: 220 Xihu Ave.
Tel: (0571) 8782-2750
