Joanna James
From ancient neighbourhoods repurposed for modern recreation to lush storybook gardens and massive vintage markets vying with mammoth mega-malls, China is full of stimulating experiences, and its authentic cuisine tops the list. Here are some delectable street bites to tantalise your tastebuds.
Whether it's the imperial glamour and old-world enticements of ultra-modern Beijing or the picturesque canal streets and cutting-edge skyline of Suzhou, it's clear that the commercial hubs of China are full of vivid and irresistible contrasts. Suzhou's Pingjiang Road, for instance, is a treat for all five senses, selling the picturesque, aromatic, and piquant in multitudes, from penguin-shaped dumplings and stinky tofu to frozen yoghurt ice cream and puddings with endless choices of toppings. You can munch to your heart's content while watching boats floating past on this ancient and artistic cobblestoned street. However, the real show-stealer in Chinese cuisine is none other than the Bao bun; soft melt-in-the-mouth steamed dough stuffed with juicy meat and vegetables.
On your way back from watching the ethereal sunset on a Suzhou Grand Canal cruise or after a late dusky prowl through the dreamy canal districts, stop at an atmospheric marketplace like Shantang Street or Pingjiang for a piping hot Chinese-style broth that is likely to wake you up and get you roaming again! This flavoursome nightcap is known for its addictive aftertaste and packs a delightful punch of anchovy stock, Sichuan peppers, and soy sauce as well as egg noodles, meat, shitake mushrooms, and pak choi.
Whether you spent your day learning how silk is produced and the hidden arts of embroidery or perusing China's most luxuriant silken gowns in this artisan urban centre, there's nothing like a firework of flavours to bring you down to earth again! Found at any street corner stall and easy on the purse, this highly snackable addiction of succulent charcoal-roasted meat kebabs marinated with spices is the perfect pick-me-up after a fulfilling day of city immersion. If you're looking for sophisticated Suzhou accommodation with prime access to the city's irresistible delicacies, look no further than Citadines Xinghai Suzhou.
Suzhou, with its bizarre waterfront light shows and neon-bright skyscrapers like The Gate of the Orient, is the perfect example of China's flourishing nightlife and habit of late-night feasting. Even after a lip-smacking dinner of the city's iconic sweet and sour Mandarin Fish or YangCheng Lake Crab, you're likely to be famished again before your nocturnal adventures are over! The ideal light, crunchy, and delicious street snack that solves this dilemma is the deep-fried and flavour-packed Chinese pancake made from flaky well-spiced dough and dipped in sweet chilli oil.
If you started your morning with a scenic jog along the nature-kissed laneways or with a Tai Chi lesson taught by a celebrity master at Pan Men Gardens, the chewy, gummy, and versatile delicacy of rice balls with its myriad of sweet and savoury topping and stuffing options is perfect for hearty refuelling.
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