Best Places To Eat In Suzhou, China

In Suzhou, China, a city famed for its classical Chinese gardens and canals, the culinary scene is equally enchanting and diverse. Here are some must-visit spots when you’re in search of delicious street food in this beautiful city:

1. Pingjiang Road (平江路)

Pingjiang Road, also known as the “Venice of the Orient,” is a popular pedestrian street lined with traditional Shanghainese-style buildings. The food stalls along the riverbank offer an array of local delicacies, including:

• Xiaolongbao (小笼包): Soup dumplings filled with pork and often a touch of crab roe, best enjoyed hot and paired with black vinegar and ginger dip.
• Shuijiao (水饺): Boiled dumplings with various fillings such as pork, vegetables, or seafood.
• Roujiaomo (肉夹馍): A filling of tender, slow-cooked meat sandwiched between flat, thin pancakes.

2. Zhong Shan Road Food Street (中山路食堂)

Zhong Shan Road Food Street is a covered market where you’ll find an assortment of food stalls offering local snacks and dishes:

• Tongyuan (汤圆): Sticky rice balls filled with sweet red bean or sesame paste, often served in a sweet soup.
• Lian Zi Xian (莲子鲜): A dessert made from lotus seeds and sugar, usually found during the autumn season when lotus flowers bloom.
• You Tiao (油條): Fried dough sticks often served with soy milk or as a component of breakfast dishes such as congee.

3. Shantang Street (弄堂街)

Shantang Street, another picturesque pedestrian street, offers an authentic taste of Suzhou’s history and culture. The food stalls along the canal serve traditional dishes like:

• Dong Po Rou (东坡肉): A slow-braised pork dish originating from the famous poet Su Dongpo, known for its tender meat and savory flavor.
• Suzhou Pagu (苏州八骨粥): A traditional Suzhou rice porridge dish made with eight ingredients, including chicken, ham, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
• Zha Cai Jian (�zasum cai zhén): Pickled vegetables served cold, often as a side dish or snack.