Credit: Chinatouradvisor
Songhelou Restaurant, created in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty, is the most famous old trademark of Suzhou Cuisine. Chinese ancients take the picture of songhe (a crane on a pine) as the symbol of longevity. The restaurant so named Songhe Lou is also for such a nice wish. This 200-year-old restaurant in Taijian Alley, Suzhou, has long been known for its authentic Suzhou dishes. The restaurant fully inherits the traditional features of Suzhou Cuisine, attaching importance to materials, cutting and duration and degree of heating. While maintaining tradition, the restaurant has made many innovations. Songhelou’s most popular dishes are freshwater fish and shrimps. Songhelou is the home of “Squirrel Fish” (sweet and sour mandarin fish), a fried boneless fish dressed with a sweet-and-sour sauce.