Joanna James
Situated to the west of Shanghai, Suzhou is full of water bodies such as ponds, rivers and the famous Taihu Lake, and is blessed with abundance. Rich in seafood and a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, the dishes below are distinct and full of delicate flavours well appreciated by its many visitors.
A favourite of Suzhou cuisine, this tasty dish of sweet and sour fish is almost a staple in the city and is served at many Suzhou restaurants. The entire fish is cut expertly to resemble the tail of a squirrel, then battered thoroughly and deep-fried. A tangy and sweet orange sauce is dribbled over the fish. Biting into the succulent flesh of the fish smothered with the sweet and sour sauce is a heavenly experience.
These small buns, mostly available at bakeries rather than at restaurants, are slightly sweet, however, the meat filling is savoury and delicious. It is best when eaten as it is made and is loved by locals and guests booked at hotels like Pan Pacific Suzhou.
Noodles are a popular staple in Suzhou and the kind used here is long and slim and often eaten for breakfast. The noodles are sauteed with chopped garlic, topped with egg and seasoned with soy sauce. This filling dish of noodles is quite tasty.
This nutritious dish is made by stuffing the Lotus root with glutinous rice and sprinkling it with a sauce made with the Osmanthus flowers. The result is a crunchy and filling sweet dish packed with nutrients.
This is a simple dish yet so tasty. Small shrimps are cleaned, dipped in seasoned cornstarch, and stir-fried until crisp and after that relished with soy sauce.
This is made with yellow eel by cutting the eel into small slices holding the fish lengthwise and pouring brown sauce over them. Once served to the table, or when ready to eat, the hot oil is poured over the dish.
Using streaky pork which is diced to be like the size of cherries is fried or stewed on steam with red sweet and sour sauce. Once the pork is done enough the dish looks like a dish of cherries. Some chefs add colour by including a bit of cooked peas. A tasty dish especially when the cherry pork is combined with the peas.
It is a popular dish in Suzhou with meat covered in thin wanton wrap. It is enjoyed with a light soup with shallots, fried egg streaks, seaweed, and dry shrimp.
Three whites refer to white fish, white shrimps and whitebaits and are famous in Suzhou, these whites are steamed or scalded and served in one dish.
Hairy crabs in Suzhou are known all over China and have a unique taste enjoyed by many guests. Cooking them is simply steaming the crab and relishing it with the dipping sauce that is suited to your distinct taste.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
