Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Changshu, Jiangsu, China

1. Dongting Lake Fish (东亭湖鱼)

Delicious fish dish made from fresh catch of Dongting Lake, known for its mild flavor and tender texture.

Freshness: Sourced directly from the lake, ensuring maximum freshness.
Local Specialty: A traditional dish unique to Changshu and surrounding areas.
Cooking Style: Steamed or deep-fried, showcasing simple yet flavorful preparations.

Tender and flavorful pork belly dish slow-cooked in a rich soy sauce and spice broth.

Cooking Technique: Slow-braising allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Local Flavor: A popular dish in Changshu, showcasing the region's culinary style.
Presentation: Served in a clay pot, keeping the dish warm and maintaining its flavor.

Stir-fried noodle dish with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, and pickled mustard greens.

Versatility: Customizable with a variety of proteins and veggies.
Local Ingredients: Includes pickled mustard greens, a local specialty in Changshu.
Speedy Preparation: Quickly prepared for a quick and tasty meal on-the-go.

Soft rice noodles served with a variety of toppings like pickled vegetables, sliced meat, and soy sauce.

Taste Profile: Savory and tangy due to the pickled vegetables and soy sauce.
Local Tradition: A traditional street food in Changshu with a long history.
Nutritional Value: Made from rice noodles, providing carbohydrates and essential nutrients.

Delicate steamed buns filled with various fillings such as pork, vegetables, or red beans.

Variety of Fillings: Offers a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes.
Culinary Skill: Skilled artisans create the perfect balance between filling and dough.
Quick Snack: Ideal for a quick, portable meal or snack.

Soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with a savory pork filling.

Tangy and crunchy pickled mustard greens served as a side dish or added to noodle dishes.

Local Ingredient: Sourced locally, these pickles are an integral part of Changshu cuisine.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to noodle dishes for extra flavor.
Health Benefits: Provides essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.

Delicious dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, deep-fried to a golden crisp.

Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior and soft, juicy interior make for an enjoyable bite.
Local Flavor: A traditional dish in Changshu with a unique flavor profile.
Easy Portability: Ideal for on-the-go snacking or as an appetizer before a meal.

Traditional soy milk served warm or cold, often enjoyed as a breakfast beverage.

Nutritional Value: Rich in protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
Local Tradition: A popular breakfast drink with a long history in Changshu.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed warm or cold, and sometimes sweetened with sugar.

Flavorful fried rice dish prepared with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and pickled mustard greens.

Versatility: Customizable with a variety of proteins and veggies.
Local Ingredients: Includes pickled mustard greens, a local specialty in Changshu.
Quick Meal: A quick and easy meal option for those on-the-go.

Sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, often served with a sweet syrup.

Steamed buns filled with savory pork and topped with crunchy fritters.

Texture Contrast: The soft, tender bun contrasts with the crispy, crunchy fritter.
Local Specialty: A traditional dish in Changshu with a unique flavor profile.
Quick Snack: Ideal for a quick, portable meal or snack.

Fermented tofu dish with a strong, pungent smell and soft, creamy texture.

Unusual Flavor: The strong, pungent flavor is an acquired taste.
Local Specialty: A popular street food in Changshu with a unique flavor profile.
Spicy Option: Can be served spicy for those who enjoy a kick.

Sticky rice cake served with a savory sesame paste and soy sauce.

Rice balls made from glutinous rice flour served in a hearty soup.

Texture: Soft, slightly chewy texture of the rice balls.
Warm and Comforting: Ideal for a warm, comforting meal on a cold day.
Versatile Soup: The soup can be customized with various ingredients like pork, vegetables, or mushrooms.