Palate-cleansing Jiangsu cuisine (also known as Su Cai), captures – and in many ways epitomizes - the flavors of the lower Yangtze River. Suzhou cuisine is one of three Su Cai sub-groups, the other two being Nanjing and Zhenjiang cuisines. Suzhou local cuisine distinguishes itself from other regional dishes for its tendency towards sweetness, and for its stronger, more robust tastes. Its soups are particularly legendary with broths that are clear but not thin. Freshwater fish, pork and chicken feature heavily as mains. Among the specialties that Suzhou locals are particularly keen to tell you about is Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish: like so many Chinese dishes, there' s a tale attached – and eating it is a spectacular and delicious experience. Among the most famous of Suzhou' s local cuisine restaurants is the Songhelou, which carries the Emperor Qianlong' s good housekeeping seal of approval. Taihu Lake boat dishes hark back to the tranquil experience of dining on pleasure boats: several restaurants, such as the Huxianlou, offer this trip into the past.
 

 

The curious and the indecisive can head down to Guanqian Gourmet Street, where Suzhou' s most renowned eateries are located. Another foodie magnet is Phoenix Gourmet Street. Keep your eyes open for local snacks like sesame cake with mashed date or Suzhou-style noodles: for the latter, try Tongdesing Noodle Restaurant or Zhonghongxing Noodle Restaurant. Finally, when you need a break from what China has to offer, there are plenty of international food options for the homesick traveller. After dark – and after dinner – Suzhou' s bar scene has plenty to offer, as a walk down Shiquan Jie will confirm. During the day, if you' re looking for a quiet spot to relax, try one of Suzhou' s famout teahouses: one of the best-known is Qiantang Charen Teahouse.

Guanqian Gourmet Street
Guanqian Street is one of the busiest in Suzhou and has become the city' s dining epicenter. Dynastic-period buildings and shops that line the street include century-old establishments such as DaoXiangCun, QianTaiXiang and HuangTianYuan, Songhelou and Wangsi.
Add: Guanqian Jie, Pingjiang District, Suzhou

Phoenix Gourmet Street
This neon-lit ''gourmet street'' is home to over 40 local restaurants and bars. Bustling with pedestrians on the prowl for a satisfying meal, Phoenix Street is lined with eateries featuring cuisines from all over the country.
Add: Fenghuang Jie, Canglang District, Suzhou

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