What Food To Try in Suzhou and Food Prices

Egg Pancakes - 蛋饼 (savory breakfast treat) - Thin, crispy pancakes filled with egg and often scallions or other vegetables, cooked on a flat skillet. Locals grab these for breakfast on busy mornings, easily eaten on the go.

Sticky Rice Rolls - 糍粑 (chewy street snack) - Glutinous rice flour steamed into a tube, filled with various fillings like minced pork or red bean paste, and then rolled in sesame seeds. Vendors sell these from stalls in the street, providing a hearty bite for foodies exploring the city.

Suzhou Style Noodles - 苏州拌面 (main course favorite) - Fresh wheat noodles tossed with a savory sauce of soy, garlic, and seasonal vegetables, often topped with ground pork. This dish is a staple for lunch, where locals enjoy it in cozy noodle shops while chatting with friends.

Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish - 松鼠桂鱼 (local specialty) - Whole fish marinated, fried, and then dressed in a tangy sauce with crushed walnuts and a splash of vinegar. Savored during celebratory meals, it celebrates the region’s freshwater fish and culinary finesse.

Hot Chili Peppers with Pork - 辣椒猪肉 (surprising combination) - Slices of pork stir-fried with fresh hot chili peppers creating a surprising heat balanced by savory flavors. A real crowd-pleaser found at family dinners, this dish often leads to fiery but satisfying mealtime discussions.

Fresh Watermelon Stir-Fry - 炒西瓜 (seasonal variation) - Surprisingly, diced watermelon stir-fried with shrimp and a dash of garlic, transforming its sweetness into a savory dish. This quirky dish is enjoyed in summer, ideal for those hot days when locals crave something refreshing yet filling.

Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots - 炒竹笋 (light yet filling side) - Crisp, tender bamboo shoots quickly sautéed with garlic and soy sauce, making for an earthy main option without being heavy. This is often eaten in spring when bamboo shoots are at their peak, reflecting the locals’ appreciation for seasonality.

Sheng Jian Bao - 生煎包 (pan-fried dumplings) - These are delicious, crispy-bottomed pork dumplings filled with juicy meat and savory broth. Locals often enjoy them for breakfast, lining up at street stalls while sipping their morning tea; a lovely start to the day!

Su Xiao Gong - 苏小功 (green tea) - A refreshing, light green tea with a distinct aroma, often prepared with water just off the boil for the perfect infusion. It's a common afternoon ritual, enjoyed in small cups while snacking on local pastries, especially during gatherings or casual meet-ups.

Huangjiu - 黄酒 (yellow rice wine) - Made from fermented glutinous rice, this mildly sweet alcoholic drink is typically served warm and often accompanies celebrations or family dinners. Locals enjoy it during festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival, savoring its complexity with rich Suzhou dishes—or just to wind down after a long day.

Moon Cake - 月饼 (traditional festival pastry) - These round pastries, filled with lotus seed paste and sometimes salted egg yolks, are a highlight during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They're usually enjoyed with family while watching the moon, and their sweetness is perfectly complemented by a cup of tea.

Double-Skin Milk - 双皮奶 (chilled milk dessert) - This creamy, smooth dessert combines milk, sugar, and egg whites, served cold and often topped with fruit or red bean paste. It's a beloved treat especially during hot summers that you can find at dessert shops, making for a delightful way to escape the heat.

By the way, if you're looking to explore Suzhou, remember that local drinks and desserts are best enjoyed slowly—it's all about taking your time to savor each experience!