Shan Wai Shan 山外山 in Hangzhou Botanic Gardens

One of the must-eat places in Hangzhou is this restaurant near the entrance (but within) the Hangzhou Botanic Gardens (杭州植物园). When my friend and I arrived, it was just before 12pm and the place was absolutely packed. To make things more confusing, there was no queue nor system, and neither of us was fortunate enough to spot a vacating table nor aggressive enough to bash our way through the crowds. So we came back just after 1pm, and things appeared a bit more sane. The outdoor tables were still fully taken, but we managed to snag a newly-vacated table.

You order by pointing to pictures and telling the waitress which table you're at.

The fish I didn't get to eat.

Jellyfish with vinegar - around RMB30. I love this dish, which is traditionally ordered in Chinese meals as one of the starters circling around on the lazy susan. It's crunchy with a bite!

My friend ordered this warm walnut drink which was mixed with black rice grains - it had an interesting nutty flavour.

Tiny prawns (around RMB 60) that were supposed to be eaten whole. They were very flavourful, although slightly too salty.

Beggar's Chicken - After finally getting to eat the dish, I didn't see what the hype was all about. It was quite tender and flavourful, but it tasted like ordinary steamed chicken to me.

We ordered this double-boiled (something-宝汤) soup which cost just under RMB50. It had baby abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, dried mushrooms, dried scallop (I think), and was very rich with all the goodness of the sea treasures. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Fish with vinegar, or 西湖醋鱼. This was very nice, and for a non-fish fan, that's pretty high praise. The fish was supposedly a local breed (I forget the name now), and therefore very fresh. The vinegar was mixed with the right amount of sugar which made it possible for the sauce to be slurped up on its own.

The entire meal cost us RMB425, or S$ 85 for 2 people. Although it was a bit more expensive than Grandma's, the food was definitely good, and the surroundings and ambience more than made up for the additional cost. Worth a splurge.

Address: 中国杭州玉泉路8号（植物园内玉泉景区旁）

Tel: 0571-87995866

Website: http://www.shanwaishan.com/