Suzhou Local Cuisine

Explore the authentic flavors and must-try dishes of Suzhou

Squirrel Fish
Seafood
Squirrel Fish

Sweet and sour fish shaped like a squirrel, a Suzhou specialty

¥80-150
Lunch or dinner
Local specialty

Best Places:

  • Traditional restaurants
  • Suzhou restaurants
  • Local eateries

Pro Tip:

The fish is scored and fried to look like a squirrel's tail

Suzhou Noodles
Noodles
Suzhou Noodles

Thin, delicate noodles served in various broths and sauces

¥15-35
Lunch or dinner
Very common

Best Places:

  • Noodle shops
  • Local restaurants
  • Food streets

Pro Tip:

The noodles are known for their delicate texture

Osmanthus Cake
Dessert
Osmanthus Cake

Sweet cake made with osmanthus flowers, a Suzhou specialty

¥15-30
Afternoon tea or dessert
Common

Best Places:

  • Tea houses
  • Traditional bakeries
  • Tourist shops

Pro Tip:

Best enjoyed with a cup of tea

Suzhou Dim Sum
Dim Sum
Suzhou Dim Sum

Refined dim sum with delicate flavors and beautiful presentation

¥50-120 per person
Breakfast or lunch
Common

Best Places:

  • Tea houses
  • Traditional restaurants
  • Hotels

Pro Tip:

Known for its refined presentation and delicate flavors

Suzhou Snacks
Street Food
Suzhou Snacks

Various traditional snacks including pastries and sweets

¥10-25
Snack time
Very common

Best Places:

  • Shantang Street
  • Food streets
  • Local markets

Pro Tip:

Try the famous Suzhou pastries and sweets

Suzhou Tea
Tea
Suzhou Tea

Traditional tea culture with various local tea varieties

¥30-100 per person
Any time
Common

Best Places:

  • Tea houses
  • Traditional gardens
  • Cultural venues

Pro Tip:

Experience traditional tea ceremony in beautiful garden settings

Suzhou Food Culture Guide

Dining Etiquette

  • • Use chopsticks properly, don't stick them upright in rice
  • • Try a little of everything when dining with others
  • • It's polite to serve others before yourself
  • • Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation

Ordering Tips

  • • Point at menu pictures if language is a barrier
  • • Ask for "bu la" (not spicy) if you can't handle heat
  • • Street food is generally safe from busy vendors
  • • Don't tip - it's not customary in China