Shanghai and Suzhou is Connected by Metro Now!

The Suzhou Line 11, which is connected to Shanghai, began empty test runs on March 1. After about three months of trial operation, we can take the subway to Suzhou!
Video Tour of Suzhou
We visited 5 areas and compiled this guide about food and drinks in Suzhou.


SHIQUAN JIE

If you're looking for a street in Suzhou that isn't crowded but still has plenty of food and drink options, SHIQUAN JIE would be your top pick!

SHIQUAN JIE is popular among young people as it features both internet-famous and local shops.

Tongdexing Noodle Restaurant

Tongdexing Noodle Restaurant is a time-tested establishment.

After ordering, delicious noodles is quickly served on the table. Hot noodles is paired with red-braised pork and fried eel paste.

The seasonal Hairtail Fish Wonton is filling at a favorable prize.

SPARRPW COFFEE

After finishing the noodles, head over to SPARRPW COFFEE for a cup of coffee!

As one of the "Suzhou Coffee Three Giants," SPARRPW COFFEE is a must-visit spot for coffee lovers.

Their dirty coffee is still the top recommendation. 

It is pleasant to drink in warm weather in Jiangnan.

Xiangxin Restaurant

Xiangxin Restaurant has been in business for over ten years. Even with simple decoration and typical local snacks, it still attracts locals and tourists every day.

Their signature is sweet red bean soup with rice ball.

XIAO JIANG GUO TIE

XIAO JIANG GUO TIE is one of the most favourable destinations for Suzhou locals. 

Fried dumpling is its signature. Dipping it in slightly sweet vinegar brings about a simple pleasure.

More Places Worth Going

There are plenty of other great shops on SHIQUAN JIE.

Head over to Kangxin Restaurant for a large and thin-skinned Kaiyang-style Wonton, or visit KUROBA COFFEE ROASTERS for a cup of Hand-drip Coffee. You can also try Suzhou-style dishes at Xiehe Restaurant.

And don't forget about Luji Baked Buns, Do Do Do Porridge, Yuandian Restaurant, and TOKYO BANANA DESSERT.


Fengmen Cross Street

If you want to experience the local atmosphere and old flavors, Fengmen Cross Street is definitely worth a visit.

By 9am, the narrow street is packed with people.

Jiangji Fried Pork Cutlet

Just stepping into Fengmen Cross Street, you'll notice a line outside Jiangji Fried Pork Chop.

Pork Cutlet is its signature, which has a homely taste. However, the food sold in this new store is limited. If you want to try their rice cake and quail eggs, it's better to go to the original store.

ZHAO TIAN LU

Next door, ZHAO TIAN LU's queue stretches across the street. Their signature fried dumplings are crispy outside and tender inside, and the meatball inside is quite juicy.

Shenji Sweet Green Rice Ball

Further down the road, Shenji Sweet Green Rice Ball is also very popular during this season. Although they're made fresh on the spot, the aunties here are efficient, so you won't have to wait in line for long.

Red bean and sesame are the two most popular flavors in the store.

Laotantou Fried Fish

Laotantou Fried Fish is the undisputed king of queues on Fengmen Road.

The line stretches across a small bridge and even to the other side of the alley.

All the fish here are freshly killed and cooked, with a salty-sweet flavor.


Xi Mei Lane

Xi Mei Lane is praised by many tourists as a chill and beautiful street.

Many Suzhou locals do not even know about this little alley.

Some shops hidden in this alley are worthy to visit.

KISS

KISS is one of the most famous shops in Ximei Lane. 

The coffee here cannot be served with no ice, and they have even posted a notice about it.

Except from the signature Orange Jasmine Cold Drip, Tahiti Milk Coffee and Cold Drip are also highly recommended.

Jimama Wonton

Jimama Wonton is a few steps away from the KISS. If you come to here at noon, it is better to have a bowl of shrimp and shepherd wonton.

KUN COFFEE

KUN COFFEE features Kunqu Opera elements.

BEANSPRESSO

BEANSPRESSO is hidden deep in the alley. Its eye-catching entrance makes visitors not help walking in to have a look.


Pingjiang Road

Pingjiang Road, a must-visit road in Suzhou, is crowded even on weekdays.

Once you step into this street, you will involuntarily immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

Cobbled roads, bridges and flowing water, and unique Suzhou architecture are all full of traditional Chinese style.

With many food to eat and places to play, Pingjiang Road is worth a visit!

Yaba Pan-fried Buns

One of Suzhou's top-ranked pan-fried buns is hidden on Lindun Road which is not far from Pingjiang Road. Pan-fried buns here are cooked quickly, so visitors don't have to wait too long.

Eight pan-fried buns cost RMB 20.

Tiny Coffee

Before going in Pingjiang Road, go to Tiny Coffee to have a cup of coffee first.
Image Credit:RED@沙砾Sariw_

The signature Chicken Head Rice Coffee is quite unique in Suzhou. It is a good choice for afternoon tea with a mousse cake in the shape of ice-sugar gourd .

CHA SE YAN YU

CHA SE YAN YU is ubiquitous on social media. The iconic Bamboo Tube Milk with Suzhou stickers is indeed beautiful, but the taste is sub-par.

Meiyuexuan Meihuagao

There are many shops selling meihuagao on Pingjiang Road, but only Meiyuexuan has a long line at the door.

Meihuagao is a famous local snack with a unique flavor in Jiangsu Province, which was originated in the Ming Dynasty. All favors of Meihuagao are delicious.

More Places Worth Going

If you want to eat from the start to the end on Pingjiang Road, you gotta have a big appetite.

In addition to what are mentioned above, you can also try various braised dishes of JI JIAO GA LA, noodles and dishes with Suzhou style in Dream of Taoyuan, and signature Dirty of CAPRAIBEXCOFFEE. 


Shantang Street

As the final stop of our trip to Suzhou, we arrived at Shantang Street.

In the evening, the street is adorned with a sea of red lanterns, showcasing the charm of Jiangnan. 

It's common to see many girls wearing traditional Han clothing on the street.

The newly popular spot for tourists, HAISHI SHANTANG, features various local specialties of Suzhou. Three levels of space are inspired by the garden architecture of Suzhou.

Most of the popular snack shops are usually close in the afternoon or early evening.

Many snacks are waiting for you like Rong Yang Lou's fried dumplings, Qiujuan's wontons and tangyuan, Wanfuxing's rice cakes, and Madongpei's various shuimai. This Spring, go to Suzhou and have a try!

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