Suzhou cuisine is part of the Jiangnan culinary tradition, known for its emphasis on freshness, seasonality and delicate technique. Dishes are carefully prepared to highlight natural flavors and textures.

Signature specialties include Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, prized for its crisp exterior and tender flesh, aromatic eel with hot oil, and lightly stir-fried shrimp. Suzhou is also celebrated for its traditional snacks and pastries, from flaky sesame cakes to soft rice-based sweets, often enjoyed alongside tea. Together, these foods invite visitors to experience the calm, elegant, and subtly sweet rhythm of everyday life in Suzhou.