Top 7 Must-Try Delicacies in Suzhou! Classic Gusu Flavors That Will Leave You Wanting More!

“In heaven, there is paradise; on earth, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Suzhou is famous for its stunning gardens and mouth-watering local snacks. These seven must-try dishes from Suzhou are the epitome of the region's authentic flavors, each one promising to make you crave for more! Kinnso has put together a list of these seven classic treats—be sure to try them on your next trip to Suzhou!

If you're in Suzhou, you can't miss the iconic Squirrel Fish. This dish is a true standout, made with fresh mandarin fish that goes through more than 20 precise steps. From deboning and scoring to frying and mixing the perfect sweet and sour sauce, every detail is carefully attended to. The result? A tender, flavorful fish that's beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. It's a culinary experience you won't want to pass up!

When you're exploring the snacks of Suzhou, you simply can't miss the delightful tangyuan! Su-style tangyuan is all about the delicate craft of its making. They use glutinous rice flour to create a perfectly textured skin, which is then filled with sweet black sesame paste. These little treats are boiled in a light, refreshing ginger syrup. With each bite of these soft and chewy tangyuan, you get to experience the subtle elegance that Suzhou is known for.

If you find yourself in Suzhou, you absolutely have to try Dongpo Pork, also known as Braised Pork. This renowned dish, attributed to the famous poet Su Dongpo, is a true culinary masterpiece. The pork, which has a perfect balance of fat and lean meat, is braised to perfection with dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and a mix of other seasonings. The result? A tender, flavorful delight that’s not greasy at all. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you craving more!

Meet the Taihu Three Whites, the culinary gems of Taihu Lake: silverfish, white shrimp, and white water bamboo. These three delicacies are the pride of Suzhou cuisine. The silverfish, although tiny, are fried to a golden crisp, offering a delightful crunch. The white shrimp boast a firm texture paired with a sweet and refreshing flavor. And the white water bamboo? It's wonderfully crunchy and sweet, leaving a pleasant aftertaste with every bite. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that are simply unforgettable.

If you're a noodle enthusiast, you simply can't miss out on Su-style noodles. Suzhou natives have perfected the art of turning fried noodles, tossed noodles, and noodle soups into irresistible dishes. The aromatic fried noodles and the delightfully chewy tossed noodles are crowd favorites, promising a memorable taste adventure with every slurp and bite.

If you're looking for a truly unique culinary delight, you have to try crab roe soup dumplings. These little gems are packed with the rich roe and succulent meat of the hairy crab. The dumplings' delicate, translucent skin shines invitingly, and when you take a bite, the flavorful crab roe and savory broth explode in your mouth, offering an unforgettable taste sensation! Pro tip: use a straw to sip the broth first to keep it from splashing all over.

Despite its name, Beggar's Chicken is far from a dish for beggars. This renowned specialty from Suzhou is a culinary delight. The chicken is slow-cooked with a mix of ham, bamboo shoots, and shrimp, creating a mouthwatering flavor and a tender, unforgettable texture.