Top Suzhou Dishes You should Try
Renowned for classical gardens and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Suzhou is a city that is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. The culinary scene here is a reflection of the city's historic opulence and its embrace of both tradition and innovation. In this article, we dive into a few must-try Suzhou top foods that will ignite your palate with their complex flavors and rich history.
Pan-fried Pork Bun
Pan-fried pork buns, known as shengjianbao, are a beloved culinary delight from Suzhou, China. These delightful buns are characterized by their crispy, golden-brown bottoms and fluffy tops, creating a perfect contrast in texture. Filled with juicy, seasoned pork and a savory broth, each bite delivers a burst of flavor. Often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item, shengjianbao is best savored hot and fresh, typically served with a side of vinegar for dipping. This iconic dish captures the essence of Suzhou's rich culinary heritage and is a must-try for any food lover visiting the region.
Squirrel-shaped Fried Fish
Squirrel-shaped fried fish is a well-known dish from Jiangsu cuisine, originally from Suzhou. It is prepared by deboning and carving a mandarin fish into an ornamental squirrel-like shape, then deep-fried it before being drizzled with sweet and sour sauce. When soaked with hot juice, it will make a squeaky sound, like a squirrel screaming. Without a doubt, it is very popular for its color, fragrance, flavor and shape. Travelers have the opportunity to taste this famous dish in March and April every year.
Sweet Suzhou-style mooncakes
Sweet Suzhou-style mooncakes are very popular when the Mid-Autumn Festival arrives. Unlike Guangdong mooncakes, Suzhou-style mooncakes have a sweeter, more indulgent filling and a flaky crust. Initially served to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, these delicacies have captured hearts all year round. Their intricate patterns symbolize harmony and unity, making them an edible display of Suzhou's cultural heritage.
Shrimp with Biluochun Tea
Shrimp with Biluochun tea is a delightful Suzhou delicacy, showcasing an elegant blend of reddish-pink shrimp and dark green Biluochun tea. The dish features the fresh meat of live river prawns, coated in egg white and starch, then fried in lard at medium-low heat for 15 seconds. Once they turn reddish-pink, the prawns are drained and quickly stir-fried over high heat with boiling infused Biluochun tea, resulting in an aromatic and light flavor.
Be that as it may, the mouthfeel of Suzhou cuisine is characterized by being soft, but not too soft or crumbly. The above mentioned dishes are the most famous dishes in Suzhou for reference.
