Top 10 Local Foods to Try in Suzhou

Suzhou's culinary landscape is a delightful blend of traditions and flavors unique to the region. Here are the top 10 local dishes that you must try when visiting Suzhou:

1. Suzhou-Style Mooncakes

Unlike the sweeter versions found elsewhere, these mooncakes have a savory filling, often featuring pork mince, bamboo shoots, and suet.

2. Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish

A visually stunning dish, this sweet and sour fish has a crispy exterior and tender meat, scored in a way to resemble a squirrel's tail.

3. Biluo Shrimp

Tender and fresh, these shrimps are stir-fried with Biluo Chun tea, adding a unique fragrance and taste that's mildly sweet and refreshing.

4. Whitebait Soup

A delicate and light soup made from fresh whitebait (young fish), usually seasoned with ginger and scallions, showcasing the natural flavors of the fish.

5. Song Shu Gui Yu (Pine Nut Fish)

This dish features a fish coated in flour and eggs, then fried and served with a sweet and sour sauce sprinkled with pine nuts.

6. Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab

A seasonal delicacy, these crabs are known for their sweet meat and rich, creamy roe. They are typically steamed and served with a vinegar dip.

7. Taihu Boat Dishes

A traditional feast prepared on boats over Taihu Lake, offering a variety of local freshwater fish and shrimp cooked in unique styles.

8. Suzhou Noodles

Distinct for their fine, smooth texture, these hand-pulled noodles are served in a rich broth, often accompanied by toppings like shrimp, pork, and vegetables.

9. Wansan Pork Shank

A famous Suzhou dish, this slow-cooked pork shank is incredibly tender, flavored with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and local spices.

10. Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao)

Though common in many parts of China, Suzhou’s version of these buns is unique for its juicy filling, typically made from pork and gelatin cubes that melt when cooked, encased in a soft, yet crispy bun.