Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
1. Suzhou Painted Pork (Suzhou Hu Zhu Yu)
Delicate pork loin marinated with soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, then steamed until tender. A Suzhou signature dish.
- Authenticity: Experience the traditional Suzhou culinary style.
- Flavor: Savor the unique balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
- Presentation: Enjoy the beautiful, colorful presentation of this dish.
2. Dongting Lake Fish (Dongting Hu Yu)
Freshwater fish from Dongting Lake, cooked in various ways showcasing its natural sweetness.
- Freshness: Savor the freshness of locally caught fish.
- Taste: Experience the unique flavor profile of Dongting Lake Fish.
- Culinary Techniques: Learn about the local cooking techniques used to prepare this dish.
3. Suzhou-style Kunfu Noodles (Su Zhou Kun Fu Mian)
Thin noodles tossed with vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce. A quick, delicious meal for tourists on the go.
- Speed: Grab a quick, satisfying meal in minutes.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination of the noodles and sauce.
- Variety: Choose from a variety of toppings and sauces to customize your dish.
4. Lion's Head Meatball (Shi Zhang Yue Rou)
Tender meatballs made from ground pork, served in a flavorful broth. A comforting, hearty dish.
- Comfort: Enjoy a warm, filling meal.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavors of the broth and meatballs.
- Presentation: Admire the large, round meatballs resembling a lion's head.
5. Suzhou-style Steamed Bun (Su Zhou Tang Bao)
Soft, fluffy buns filled with savory pork or shrimp. A popular street food in Suzhou.
- Convenience: Grab a quick and tasty snack on the go.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination of the filling and bun.
- Authenticity: Experience a traditional Suzhou street food.
6. Suzhou-style Fried Dumplings (Su Zhou Guo Jiaozi)
Crispy fried dumplings filled with minced pork and vegetables. A must-try for any visitor.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination of the filling.
- Crunch Factor: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the fried exterior.
- Variety: Try different fillings like vegetable or shrimp.
7. Suzhou-style Spareribs (Su Zhou Ji Xiang Rou)
Tender spareribs cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. A popular dish enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Flavor: Savor the unique balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Tenderness: Enjoy the tender, easily-chewed spareribs.
- Presentation: Admire the beautiful, colorful presentation of this dish.
8. Suzhou-style Fish in Hot Oil (Su Zhou Zhong Guo Yu)
Fish cooked quickly in hot oil to preserve its freshness and natural flavor.
- Freshness: Savor the freshness of locally caught fish.
- Taste: Experience the unique flavor profile of the fish in hot oil.
- Speed: Enjoy a quick, delicious meal.
9. Suzhou-style Steamed Shrimp (Su Zhou Tang Xia Yue)
Fresh shrimp steamed to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce. A light, tasty dish.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination of the shrimp and sauce.
- Freshness: Enjoy the freshness of locally caught shrimp.
- Lightness: Enjoy a light, tasty meal.
10. Suzhou-style Fried Rice Cake (Su Zhou Guo Niangao)
Fried rice cakes served with vegetables and meat. A hearty, filling dish.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination of the rice cake, vegetables, and meat.
- Heartiness: Enjoy a hearty, filling meal.
- Variety: Try different fillings like pork or shrimp.
11. Suzhou-style Stinky Tofu (Su Zhou Chou Dou Fu)
Fermented tofu served with a spicy sauce. A popular street food in Suzhou.
- Taste: Experience the unique, pungent flavor of stinky tofu.
- Crunch Factor: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the fried exterior.
- Convenience: Grab a quick and tasty snack on the go.
12. Suzhou-style Duck (Su Zhou Yu)
Tender duck cooked in a variety of ways showcasing its natural flavor.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor profile of Suzhou-style duck.
- Texture: Enjoy the tender, juicy texture of the duck.
- Variety: Try different cooking methods like roasted or steamed.
13. Suzhou-style Sweet and Sour Pork (Su Zhou Tang Cu Rou)
Crispy pork served in a sweet and sour sauce. A favorite dish for both locals and tourists.
- Taste: Savor the unique balance of sweet and sour flavors.
- Crunch Factor: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the fried pork.
- Variety: Try different sweet and sour dishes like tofu or fish.
14. Suzhou-style Lotus Root Porridge (Su Zhou Li Zhi Gu)
A traditional porridge made from lotus root and rice. A comforting, warm dish.
- Comfort: Enjoy a warm, filling meal.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination of the lotus root and rice.
- Authenticity: Experience a traditional Suzhou dish.
15. Suzhou-style Cold Noodles (Su Zhou Liang Mian)
Cold noodles served with a variety of toppings and a vinegar sauce. A refreshing dish on hot days.
- Refreshing: Enjoy a cool, refreshing meal on hot days.
- Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination of the noodles and vinegar sauce.
- Variety: Try different toppings like cucumber or shredded pork.