Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
In the culinary landscape of Hangzhou – a city celebrated for its misty hills, ancient temples, and the shimmering waters of West Lake – few dishes carry as much cultural weight as West Lake Water Shield Soup (西湖莼菜汤). Known locally as “Chicken and Ham Water Shield Soup” (鸡火莼菜汤), this humble yet elegant dish is…