Hangzhou Mutton Soup Restaurant: Proceed with Caution If You Can't Stand the "Gamey" Smell

Hangzhou Lamb Soup Restaurant was the best choice for lamb dishes back when I lived in Hangzhou. There actually aren’t many restaurants in the city that specialize in lamb, and not many people choose to eat it either. Most locals still prefer pork, chicken, or beef, unless it’s a hotpot place where lamb is more common. Another reason is that many people are afraid of the strong lamb smell, though that also depends on personal taste.

That’s why my friend and I ended up discovering this restaurant while searching for somewhere that served lamb. Lamb Soup Restaurant is also an old, established brand. But there were never many customers when I visited. Most of the diners were older; young people rarely dared to step inside—probably because they caught a whiff of that distinctive aroma at the entrance!

For those who can accept the gamey flavor, this place is worth trying. Personally, I think the lamb soup and lamb shumai both taste quite good, especially when paired with vinegar—it makes the flavor even richer. Whether you just drink a bowl of lamb soup or have it with noodles, it’s quite satisfying.

However, don’t expect much in terms of service. The environment has improved a bit compared to the past, but the hygiene used to be somewhat lacking. Most of the customers seem to be regulars who come often—they really feel like they belong there.