Baojong Bao — Review by Blondie in China
Hangzhou, China — Chinese, Hangzhou
The reviewer visits Baojong Bao, a traditional Hangzhou restaurant, to try si huyu, a famous local dish with a notorious reputation for being overly sour. Despite initial skepticism, they discover that this restaurant executes the dish beautifully using premium zu yu fish and a perfectly balanced vinegar sauce, completely changing their perception of the dish.
What was great: The si huyu (West Lake vinegar fish) was exceptional with a delicate zu yu fish, perfectly balanced vinegar-based sauce that is simultaneously sour, sweet, and gingery, and clean delicate flavor that doesn't become tiresome
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of this review is the si huyu, or West Lake vinegar fish, Hangzhou's most famous dish. At Baojong Bao, the restaurant distinguishes itself by swapping the traditional grass carp for zu yu, a fish prized for its cleaner and more delicate flavor profile. The dish arrives with a strong vinegary aroma that immediately makes the reviewer's mouth water. Upon tasting, the fish itself proves remarkably tender and meaty with minimal taste of its own, almost reminiscent of sashimi in texture and delicacy. The accompanying sauce is the real revelation here - it manages to balance vinegar, sweetness, and ginger notes in perfect harmony, creating a complex sauce that doesn't overwhelm the palate or become tiresome with repeated bites. The reviewer pairs the fish with rice, finding that combination to be absolutely excellent.
The Experience
Baojong Bao is described as a very old-style Hangzhou restaurant, fitting for its status as a purveyor of one of the city's signature dishes. The atmosphere appears casual and authentic, focused on delivering quality traditional cuisine rather than modern ambiance.
Value & Pricing
No specific pricing information is mentioned in the transcript.
Notable Moments
It looks really gross. I was expecting to hate it, but honestly, it was love at first smell.
This is worth coming to Hangzhou for. This dish is freaking so good. 10 out of 10. Would come again.
Hangzhou is not a food desert, even just for this dish.
The Verdict
This restaurant completely redeems Hangzhou's most notorious dish and destroys the myth that the city is a food desert. The si huyu here is executed with such precision and care that it becomes a must-try destination dish. Baojong Bao is essential for anyone visiting Hangzhou who wants to experience authentic West Lake vinegar fish prepared properly. The reviewer gives this dish a perfect 10 out of 10 and enthusiastically recommends it.