Food In Lion Grove Garden

Food History of Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou, China

Lion Grove Garden, or Shizilin Garden, is a historical garden located in Suzhou known for its intricate rockeries, serene ponds, and classical Chinese architecture. The culinary history associated with the garden is reflective of Suzhou's rich gastronomic culture. Suzhou cuisine, part of Jiangsu's culinary tradition, features delicate, slightly sweet flavors, and an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The city is renowned for its dim sum and pastries, traditionally enjoyed by scholars and officials who frequented gardens like the Lion Grove for inspiration and leisure.

Suzhou style dishes often make use of the region's abundant aquatic resources like fish and shrimp, while also incorporating a variety of vegetables, making it adaptable for those who prefer vegetarian options. Tea culture is also significant, as visitors historically would partake in tea ceremonies within the tranquil settings like that of the Lion Grove Garden.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou, China

• Songshu Guiyu (Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish) - Non-Veg: This Suzhou classic involves a mandarin fish scored in a crisscross pattern, fried until crispy, and served in a sweet and sour sauce.
• Suzhou Style Mooncakes - Veg: Unlike the Cantonese version, Suzhou style mooncakes have a flaky crust and are often filled with sweetened bean paste, making them a popular vegetarian treat.
• Biluo Shrimp - Non-Veg: Named after the Biluo tea, this dish is made from fresh river shrimp cooked with Biluo Chun green tea leaves.
• Suzhou Shi Zi Tou (Lion's Head Meatballs) - Non-Veg: Despite the name, these pork meatballs are large and tender, often braised with vegetables.
• Stewed Lotus Root - Veg: Stuffed with sweet sticky rice and slowly stewed until tender, this dish is a delightful vegetarian option with a hint of sweetness.
• Whitebait Soup - Non-Veg: A delicate clear soup that highlights the fresh, light flavor of whitebait, a tiny fish local to Suzhou's waters.
• Fried Gluten Puffs - Veg: Gluten puffs are light and spongy, absorbing the flavors of the stews or sauces in which they are cooked.
• Xiang You Shan Hu (Fragrant & Crunchy Eel) - Non-Veg: Diced eel is stir-fried with spices until crispy, boasting a unique texture and flavor.
• Suzhou Fermented Glutinous Rice & Osmanthus Flowers - Veg: Often served as a dessert or a sweet soup, it combines the fragrant osmanthus with the slightly alcoholic fermented rice.
• Steamed Juicy Pork Buns (Xiaolongbao) - Non-Veg: A famous dish throughout the Jiangsu region, these small steamed buns are filled with savory pork broth that bursts in your mouth.

Top Famous Restaurants in Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou, China

SongHe Lou (Pine and Crane Restaurant)

Address: 72 Taijian Nong, Gusu District, Suzhou

Famous for: Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish (Non-Veg)

DeYueLou Restaurant

Address: 43 Taijian Nong, Gusu District, Suzhou

Famous for: Suzhou Shi Zi Tou (Lion's Head Meatballs) (Non-Veg)

Wumen Renjia Restaurant

Address: 15 Zhenghang Xiang, Gusu District, Suzhou

Famous for: Biluo Shrimp (Non-Veg)

Vegetarian Lifestyle

Address: 27 Gongyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou

Famous for: A variety of vegetarian dishes and mock meats (Veg)

Note: The restaurants listed above are not necessarily located within the boundaries of Lion Grove Garden but are representative of the iconic dishes and culinary experiences Suzhou city offers. Visitors might want to venture outside of the garden to these establishments to enjoy the local cuisine.p>