Suzhou local food and restaurants, what and where to eat
Generally, there are four types of cuisine in China, that include, Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong and Sichuan cuisine that taste different to one another. There is an old saying that, "sour in the east, hot in the west, sweet in the south and salty in the north," and thus Jiangsu cuisine is proclaimed as the the "sweet in the south".
Jiangsu cuisine has great variety. After thousands of years of development, Suzhou foods can be divided into twelve categories, i.e. Jiangsu style dishes, Jiangsu style braised food, Jiangsu style pastry, Jiangsu style cakes, Jiangsu style candy, Jiangsu style confiture, Suzhou snacks and Suzhou rice-cake, among others.
Famous Suzhou dishes include, shrimp in Biluochun Tea sauce and Salted Bamboo Shoot in spring, Chicken in Watermelon and Plain Fried Shrimps in summer, Barb Liver Soup and Hairy Crab in autumn, Stewed Chicken in Marmite and Herring Tail in winter, etc.
Suzhou snacks are famous worldwide. For instance, Sweet Dried Bean Curd, Pine-nut Candy, Rose Melon Seeds, Shrimp-roe Soy Sauce, Sesame Seed Cake with Jujube Paste and Lard New Year cake have all received international praise and are worth tasting.
What Famous Local Food to Eat
Top 1: Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish – A Sweet and Sour Culinary Legend
Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish (Songshu Guiyu) is one of Suzhou’s most iconic traditional dishes, and it was personally named by Emperor Qianlong. The fish is skillfully sliced so that, once deep-fried to a golden crisp, it curls into a shape resembling a squirrel. Its outer layer is crunchy, while the inside remains tender and juicy. A sweet and sour sauce is poured over it, perfectly enhancing the natural flavor of the fish.
The dish is not only named for its squirrel-like appearance, but also because in the Suzhou dialect, 'squirrel' sounds similar to the word for academic success. Additionally, 'Gui' is a homophone for 'noble', symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Because of these auspicious meanings, the dish has become a staple on celebratory banquets in Suzhou."
Top2: Ao Zao Noodles-A Bowl of Broth Holding the Secrets of Kunshan
First created in 1853 during the Qing Dynasty, Ao Zao noodles are named for the “hidden secret” (Ao) in their preparation, with the word suggesting that the delicious mystery lies in the cooking process itself. The broth is simmered from a rich combination of fish bones, meat bones, and other ingredients, creating a deep, flavorful base. The noodles, known as “dragon whisker noodles,” are made from finely milled white flour, giving them a delicate yet chewy texture.
Classic toppings include crispy fried fish (bao yu) and braised duck leg. The two signature variations of Ao Zao noodles are the red oil fried fish noodles (spicy and savory) and the white broth duck noodles (rich and mellow), both offering a true taste of Kunshan's culinary heritage in every bowl.
Top 3: Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab – Autumn’s Gourmet Gift
Yangcheng Lake hairy crab is not only a specialty of Suzhou but also recognized as one of China’s top ten delicacies. In autumn, typically from September to October, the crabs reach peak season, cause their meat tender and their roe exceptionally rich. The golden roe of the female crab is especially prized and often referred to as “edible gold.” Traditionally enjoyed with warm yellow wine, ginger, and vinegar, this seasonal delicacy is considered the ultimate taste of autumn in Suzhou.
Top 4:Pan-fried Pork Buns(Shengjian) — The Shengjian Champion
These famous pan-fried buns often attract long queues. With their thin skin, crispy golden bottom, and tightly packed, juicy-sweet pork filling, they are irresistible. Bite a small opening, and the savory broth bursts out instantly, filling your mouth with rich flavor.
Top 5:Crab Roe Noodles – Golden Delight on the Tip of Your Tongue
Though pricey, the dish is made with genuine, top-quality ingredients. You will realize that the price is more than fair and absolutely worth it, when you see the golden, tempting crab roe and crab paste, meticulously prepared from six Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, generously topping the noodles.
Top 6: Sanxia Noodles – The Freshness of the Season in a Bowl
Though only available in early summer, Sanxia Noodles are a true seasonal delicacy. “Sanxia” refers to three parts of river shrimp—meat, roe, and brain. Prepared in the refined Suzhou style, the shrimp meat is springy, the brain rich and creamy, and the roe fragrant and briny. To make just one bowl, chefs must peel over a hundred shrimp, making it the “Hermès of noodles” and the ultimate expression of river shrimp’s freshness.
Top 7: Sauce-Braised Pork – A Century-Old Classic of Rich Flavors
The sauce-braised pork has a history of over a hundred years. It uses carefully selected premium pork belly, cut into 4-centimeter square pieces. The meat is then simmered with red yeast rice, star anise, cinnamon, scallions, ginger, sugar, and yellow wine until the skin becomes tender and the meat takes on a rich reddish color. The sauce thickens to a perfect consistency, resulting in a dish that is rich but not greasy, melting delightfully in your mouth.
Top 8: Suzhou Pastries – A Delicate Reflection of Jiangnan
From pan-fried pork buns and Suzhou-style mooncakes to refreshing mung bean soup, crab roe soup dumplings, fresh pork mooncakes, traditional rice cakes, fish-flavored spring rolls, sweet rice wine cakes, and crispy crab shell pastries, Suzhou’s snacks are a true showcase of the city’s refined culinary artistry.
Where to Try Typical Food
The food in the streets of Suzhou is mainly distributed along the Guanqian Street district and Panmen district for the former are also located the famous TaiJian and Bifengfang lane, while the Shiquan and Fenghuang Street for the latter. In addition, there are many famous food streets between the two districts such as Xueshi Street, Ganjiang Road and Shilujinmenshangshi Food Street.
Many traditional snack shops and century-old shops gather at traditional food streets. You can bump into many famous stores like Lu Changxing Noodle Shop, Huang Tianyuan Rice-cake House, Yaba Shengjian, De Yue Lou Restaurant, Songhelou Restaurant and Zhu Hongxing, to enjoy a gourmet feast.
Additionally, there are also many western-style foods and other foods worldwide. The business street in the new area is a Japanese cuisine street, while Xindu Square in Industrial Park has a European and American Style food there. These diverse foods are springing up downtown outside the ancient zone, together with Jiangsu style to spoil you with delicacies.
Top 1: Songhelou Restaurant / 松鹤楼餐馆
With a history spanning over 260 years, Song He Lou is regarded by locals as the quintessential representative of Suzhou cuisine. Its signature dish, the famous Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, is known to every household. The restaurant offers an elegant, traditional setting and exquisitely crafted dishes, winning the hearts of countless diners through its meticulous selection of ingredients and masterful culinary skills.
- Recommended: Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, Stir-Fried River Shrimp, Eel in Hot Oil, Crispy Fried Pork, Suzhou-Style Braised Duck, Crab Roe Tofu, etc.
- Operating Hours: 11:00-13:30 17:00-20:30
- Tel:0512-67272258;021-81722788
- Address: No. 72, Taijian Lane, Guanqian Street, Pingjiang District
Top 2: De Yue Lou Restaurant/ 得月楼餐馆
Founded during the reign of Emperor Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty, De Yue Lou has a history spanning over 400 years. Nestled within a classical garden, the restaurant features an elegant and traditional architectural style. It has long upheld a dedication to perfection in color, aroma, taste, and presentation, ensuring every dish retains its authentic flavor. De Yue Lou is especially renowned for its “boat cuisine”—a style once served on pleasure boats along Suzhou’s waterways.
- Recommended: Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, Stir-Fried River Shrimp, Eel in Hot Oil, Crispy Fried Pork, Suzhou-Style Braised Duck, Crab Roe Tofu, etc.
- Operating Hours: 11:00-13:30 17:00-20:30
- Tel:0512-65222230
- Address: No 43, Taijian Lane, Guanqian Street, Pingjiang District
Top 3: Yaba Shengjian Restaurant/ 哑巴生煎餐馆
Yaba Shengjian restaurant was founded by a deaf-mute couple who poured their heart and soul into perfecting this beloved Suzhou snack. Their pan-fried pork buns have a distinctive hint of sweetness that sets them apart, winning the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Over the years, the name “Yaba Shengjian” has grown into one of the most renowned culinary brands in the Suzhou area.
The shop itself is small but full of charm, with a quaint Jiangnan water-town style and rustic décor that evokes a sense of old Suzhou.
- Recommended: Original pan-fried dumplings, juicy pan-fried dumplings, prawn pan-fried dumplings, beef vermicelli soup, etc.
- Operating Hours: 06:00-19:30
- Tel:0512-67208077
- Address: No. 12, Wenjia'an, Lindun Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province
Top 4: Zhuhongxing Noodle restaurant /朱鸿兴面馆
A Beloved Noodle restaurant in Suzhou. Famed for its Suzhou-style soup noodles, this humble eatery may not boast a century of history, yet it holds a special place in the hearts of locals. For many Suzhou residents, this is the first choice when craving a comforting bowl of noodles. The shop itself is small but spotless, with sturdy wooden Eight Immortals tables that seem to whisper stories from Jiangnan’s past.
The broth is rich and aromatic, the noodles fine yet springy, and the toppings come in a tempting variety — from delicate stewed meats to seasonal specialties. Every bowl is a taste of home, served with the quiet charm that defines Suzhou’s culinary soul.
- Recommended: Fried pork noodles, braised pork trotter noodles, Sanxia noodles, soup dumplings, wontons, etc.
- Operating Hours: 07:30-20:30
- Address: No. 31 Taijian Lane, Gusu District, Yujiantiandi F1
Top 5: Tongdexing Restaurant/ 同得兴餐馆
On par with the famed Songhelou, Tongdexing is another time-honored name beloved by generations of diners. Founded during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, it has been drawing crowds for nearly two centuries with its distinctive flavors and meticulous craftsmanship.
Signature dishes like Fengzhen grand noodles and shredded pork noodle soup showcase the rich depth of Suzhou-style broths and the silky, springy texture of its handmade noodles.
- Recommended: Fried fish noodles, Braised pork noodles in white soup, Fengzhen pork noodles, Braised duck noodles, Eel paste noodles, Fried eel noodles, Shrimp noodles, etc.
- Operating Hours: 7:00-13:00;16:30-19:00
- Tel:0512-67208077
- Address: No. 624 Shiquan Street, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province
Top 6: Jiangnan Yachu restaurant/江南雅厨
Jiangnan Yachu restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in the charm of Jiangnan culture. The restaurant’s setting is filled with delicate, garden-like scenes at every turn, creating a serene atmosphere that reflects the region’s refined aesthetics. Situated near Jinji Lake, guests can enjoy beautiful lake views while savoring their meal, accompanied by attentive and thoughtful service.
- Recommended: Stir-fried pork paste with black truffle and chicken mushroom, steamed crab meat cake, braised yellow eel, sautéed shrimp, Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, etc.
- Operating Hours: 11:00-13:30,17:00-20:30
- Tel:0512-67079887
- Address: Building 16, Phase 3, Ligongdi, Siji Road, Suzhou Industrial Park
Gourmet Food Recommendation of Wuzhong District
1. Mutton in the Town of Books in Suzhou Wuzhong District
The mutton in the Town of Books in the Suzhou Wuzhong district well known all over the country. Mutton is a hybrid variety of East Caucasian Tur and mutton sheep imported form Australia, tasting fresh.
The institutions in the town assesses the Star rating of mutton restaurants with Bronze medal embedded in front of the door. The highest level of 3-star occupies seven to eight restaurants, with the prices almost the same but slight higher than non 3-star. It is said that seven people with RMB 200 Yuan can have a nice dinner.
Recommended Restaurants: The Old Qingtai Mutton Restaurant is located in the busy area of the Town of Books, the first one under the big sign hung on the Mutton Food City gate of Town of Books. It is said that the Old Qingtai has a history of more than 100 years, whose owner is fifth generation. Consumption in Old Qingtai is according to the table, from RMB 148, 188 up to 588.
Transit Routes: To achieve the restaurant, you can take the midibus from the bus station of Wuzhong District to Guangfu town, or take coach of Guangfuchuan Food Street or Zhenhu Town at Suzhou south bus station. In fact, the buses you can take are frequent and every ten minutes or less, which pass through the Town of Book, with a traveling time of 20 minutes and a fare of 3 RMB.
Eat Crabs in Suzhou
It is become increasingly popular to eat crab in Suzhou in the season when crabs are in the market. Various species of crabs can be selected including, the Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs that are also cheap and good Taihu Lake crabs.
The main locations to eat crab in Weiting Town in Suzhou Industrial Park, Street of Taihu Lake Dinning Ship in Ancient Town of Guangfu, or East Mountain and West Mountain.
1. Weiting Town: Being the lake side town with the largest water area, it is a major production area of authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs. A new catering street was completed there recently, with hotels and restaurants that have different levels.
The Weiting crabs appear on the market from September to December every year, weighing 500 grams for three crabs while 250 grams for the bigger one and 500 grams for the largest .
Transit routes: You can drive along the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway for 65 kilometers to the Suzhou industrial park, going from the exit for 2 kilometers to get the Weiting Town, within an hour drive from Shanghai.
2. The street of Taihu Lake Dining Ship. It is the place for happy farmhouse, existing almost 15 dining ships with basic food of Taihu Lake crabs. As for the weight of crabs, it is not suggested to order the big crab with a weight of 3-4 tales rather than 4-5 tales due to the bigger one growing rapidly and leading to its meat relatively soft. Generally, approximately 3 tales for a female crab and 3.5 tales for male one is available, pricing it at 25 RMB which is reasonable.

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