Food In Suzhou

Suzhou Food History

Suzhou, a city with over 2,500 years of rich history, is not only known for its classic gardens and silk but also for its distinctive cuisine. Suzhou cuisine, also known as Su cuisine, is one of the eight great traditions of Chinese gastronomy. It is characterized by its sweet and mellow flavors, delicate cooking methods, and elegant presentation. Historically, Suzhou's gastronomy has been shaped by the city's prosperity and its location in the fertile Yangtze Delta, which yields abundant fresh produce and aquatic resources. The region's culinary sophistication is also a reflection of its high societal standards during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was during these periods that many of Suzhou's famous dishes were refined to please the palates of scholarly officials and the wealthy elite.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Suzhou

1. Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab (Non-Veg) - A famed delicacy in Suzhou, the hairy crab from Yangcheng Lake is much sought after for its sweet flesh and creamy roe during the autumn season.
2. Song Shu Gui Yu (Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish) (Non-Veg) - This local favorite features a mandarin fish scored to resemble a pine cone and deep-fried, then served with a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
3. Suzhou-Style Mooncakes (Veg or Non-Veg) - Unlike other regions' mooncakes, Suzhou-style mooncakes have flakier crusts and are sometimes filled with savory meat in addition to the sweet varieties.
4. Guotie (Pan-Fried Dumplings) (Veg or Non-Veg) - Suzhou’s guotie are crispy on the bottom with juicy fillings, commonly including bok choy and minced meat.
5. Fengzhen Noodles (Non-Veg) - A bowl of chewy noodles served in a delicious broth, commonly topped with shredded chicken or duck.
6. Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish (Non-Veg) - An iconic Suzhou dish, where the fish is cut in a way when fried that resembles a squirrel. It's famous for its sweet, sour, and crispy taste.
7. Whitebait Omelet (Non-Veg) - A light and fluffy omelet that incorporates delicate whitebait, offering a unique taste between the sea and the egg.
8. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumpling) (Non-Veg) - Though originally from Shanghai, the nearby Suzhou variant often contains a sweeter pork filling and thinner dough skin.
9. Biluochun Tea (Veg) - A type of green tea that is renowned for its delicate aroma, originating from the Dongting Mountains near Suzhou. It's not a dish but an essential part of Suzhou's cuisine culture.
10. Stewed Chicken with Eight Delicacies (Non-Veg) - A traditional dish with sumptuous fillings, including mushrooms, ham, shrimp, and other local ingredients.

Top Famous Restaurants in Suzhou

De Yue Lou Restaurant (得月楼)

Address: 43 Taijian Nong, Guanqianjie Commercial District, Suzhou

Famous Dish: Song Shu Gui Yu (Sweet and Sour Mandarin to Fish) - Non-Veg

Deyuefang Restaurant (得月坊)

Address: No.43 Taijian Lane, Pingjiang District, Suzhou

Famous Dish: Suzhou-Style Mooncakes - Veg or Non-Veg

Tongdexing Restaurant (同得兴)

Address: 518 Renmin Road, Suzhou

Famous Dish: Whitebait Omelet - Non-Veg

Songhelou Restaurant (松鹤楼)

Address: No.72 Taijian Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou

Famous Dish: Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish - Non-Veg

Wumen Renjia Restaurant (吴门人家)

Address: 109 Dashitou Road, Renminqiao, Suzhou

Famous Dish: Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab - Non-Veg

Nanlin Hotel Restaurant (南林饭店)

Address: 20 Gunxiufang, Shiquan Street, Suzhou

Famous Dish: Guotie (Pan-Fried Dumplings) - Veg or Non-Veg