Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Suzhou locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Squirrel Fish? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Suzhou.
Breakfast: Squirrel Fish is Suzhou locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 观前街, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Squirrel Fish and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Squirrel Fish veteran near 金鸡湖, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 平江路, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 观前街 old Squirrel Fish (20-year veteran); ② 金鸡湖 trendy Squirrel Fish (good ambiance); ③ 平江路 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 拙政园; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 虎丘; ⑥ 吴文化-themed restaurant; ⑦ Local breakfast joint; ⑧ Night market BBQ; ⑨ Dessert old shop; ⑩ Souvenir shop. Budget: a full day of eating ~200-400 RMB/person.