Suzhou Cuisine: Discover the Quintessence of Famous Delicacies from the Jiangnan Region

Suzhou – the ancient pearl of Jiangnan with a history of more than 2,500 years – is not only famous for its beautiful landscape but also known as an ideal destination for Suzhou cuisine enthusiasts. This place brings together dishes with strong regional identity, sophisticated from preparation to flavor, clearly demonstrating the long-standing culinary culture of the local people. So what should you enjoy when going to Suzhou? Let's explore with Vietravel 8 famous specialties that cannot be missed when coming to this city.

1. Biluochun Tea Fried Shrimp

Biluochun Tea Fried Shrimp (Photo source: Collected)

As one of the outstanding specialties of Suzhou cuisine , Biluochun tea-fried shrimp impresses with the delicate combination of the natural sweetness of fresh shrimp and the gentle aroma of Biluochun green tea - a famous tea grown along the shores of Lake Tai. After being fried until golden brown, the shrimp will be covered with a layer of scented Biluochun tea, creating an overall dish with a refreshing flavor, rich in the culinary identity of Eastern China. This is not only an attractive dish in terms of flavor but also reflects the sophistication of traditional Chinese culinary art.

2. Hairy crab of Yangcheng Lake

Hairy crab of Yangcheng Lake (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to Suzhou cuisine, it is hard to ignore the famous hairy crab from Yangcheng Lake - a place blessed by nature with a source of fresh, clean water, ideal for raising this crab species. With a layer of soft hair surrounding its claws and fragrant, rich meat with a natural sweetness, hairy crab not only appeals to the taste buds but also stands out thanks to its high nutritional value, becoming a typical dish that attracts visitors every time they visit the ancient land of Suzhou.

Locals often choose simple cooking methods such as steaming or boiling to preserve the pure flavor of the crab. When enjoying, the dish is served whole, accompanied by a cup of slightly spicy ginger vinegar to help bring out the flavor of the meat. Hairy crabs are best in autumn and early winter - the ninth lunar month is when female crabs have a lot of roe, while the tenth lunar month is when male crabs are firmer and have the most flavor.

3. Thai Ho Tam Bach

Thai Ho Tam Bach (Photo source: Collected)

Suzhou cuisine is notable for its Taihu Sanbai, a culinary quintessence combining three types of fresh seafood including white fish, whiteleg shrimp and small whitebait. This dish impresses with its ingredients being processed immediately after being caught in Taihu - Suzhou's famous large freshwater lake, helping to preserve its natural flavor and characteristic sweetness. The combination of the fatty taste of white fish, the softness of shrimp and the richness of the bait creates a dish that is not only delicious but also reflects the sophistication of local culinary style.

4. Song Shu Gui Yu Squirrel Catfish

Catfish dish (Photo source: Collected)

Song Shu Gui Yu is a prominent dish in Suzhou culinary culture, associated with the legend of Emperor Qianlong who was fascinated by this special flavor during his journey to the South. The dish is made from catfish - a freshwater fish with firm, sweet and fatty meat - through a meticulous marinade process with ginger, green onions, garlic, chili, sugar, vinegar and soy sauce. After being fried and drizzled with sauce, the fish pieces are shaped like a jumping squirrel - hence the name "Song Shu" (meaning squirrel). This dish not only conquers diners with its rich, harmonious sweet and sour flavor but also with its unique and sophisticated appearance, reflecting the sophisticated culinary art of the people of Suzhou.

5. Ying Tao Rou Cherry Steamed Pork

As a quintessential representative of Suzhou cuisine, steamed pork with cherries (Ying Tao Rou) makes visitors curious right from its name. Fresh pork is cut into bite-sized pieces, then covered with a layer of dried cherries. The steaming process helps the meat to be tender, retaining its natural sweetness and blending with the light sourness of the cherries. This unique combination not only creates an attractive flavor, but also provides a nutritious dish, suitable for both traditional meals and new culinary experiences for visitors who love to explore local cuisine.

6. Eel mixed with aromatic oil

In Suzhou cuisine, eel is not only a familiar ingredient but also associated with traditional dishes that are imbued with the identity of the river region. One of the outstanding dishes is eel mixed with aromatic oil - a dish that is sophisticated in both flavor and preparation.

After being boiled, the eel is shredded to retain its natural toughness and sweetness. Then, the chef skillfully stir-fries the eel with scallions, sliced ​​ginger and rich bean sauce. All of these combine to create a fragrant, rich dish, bringing an unforgettable taste experience to diners.

7. Wansan Braised Pig's Feet

Pig's feet dish (Image source: Collected)

On the journey to discover Suzhou cuisine, visitors must definitely try Wansan braised pig's trotters - a famous specialty associated with the long-standing culinary culture of this land. The dish is elaborately prepared from selected pig's trotters, stewed for many hours with traditional spices, star anise and cardamom. When finished, the trotters have an attractive golden brown color, soft and smooth skin, fatty and fragrant meat inside that melts in the mouth, leaving an unforgettable rich aftertaste. This is the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the unique flavors in the sophisticated Suzhou culinary picture.

8. Suzhou Mooncakes

Moon cake (Image source: Collected)

In the Suzhou culinary treasure, moon cakes are an indispensable symbol, bearing the mark of Jiangnan culinary culture. Completely different from the traditional thick and sweet moon cakes in other regions of China, Suzhou cakes have a thin, spongy, multi-layered crust and are processed according to traditional recipes, creating an attractive appearance. The flavor of the cake has its own unique sophistication, easily making diners remember it from the first time they enjoy it. The cake fillings are diverse, from sweet like red beans, lotus seeds to salty like meat filling, suitable for the rich taste of visitors. It is this harmonious combination that has helped Suzhou moon cakes become one of the Suzhou specialties that many people love and seek out every Mid-Autumn Festival.

Above are typical specialties that contribute to the uniqueness of Suzhou cuisine - a place where the cultural quintessence and Eastern culinary art intersect. If you are a lover of exploring local cuisine when traveling , Suzhou will definitely bring you memorable taste experiences. Don't forget to save this list to make your journey to explore Jiangnan more complete and flavorful!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/am-thuc-to-chau-v17322.aspx