24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Songhelou Restaurant (???,??)
Breif Introduction
Songhelou Restaurant is the most famous local restaurant offering Suzhou local dishes. It is located in the busiest area of Suzhou city. Songhelou restaurant is regarded as one of the four most famous restaurants in China, together with Quanjude Roast Duch restaurant in Beijing, Fu Chun Hua Yuan restaurant in Yangzhou and Lou Wai Lou restaurant in Hangzhou. One of the highlights of Songhelou restaurant was the fresh ingredients. Menus changed with the seasons and local produce was delivered straight from farmers daily. Song He Lou's delicate and precise cooking techniques showcased these ingredients in the brightest light
Background & History
Songhelou restaurant is one of the time-honored restaurant in Suzhou has the history of 200 years old, which was founded in 1737 as a noodle restaurant, has been in operation ever since, despite numerous ups and downs. It is said that Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) would frequently come to the restaurant each time he visited Suzhou. During 1875 to 1908, the restaurant reached its first resplendence. While in 1918, it was facing the brink of falling down for some reasons. After the comparatively advanced operating method, Songhe Lou revived the glory through offering the typical Suzhou Dishes. It said that Chinese ancients take the picture of crane (we call songhe in Chinese) as its the symbol of longevity. Hence the name, which is also for such a nice wish.
Special Dishes
Songhelou restaurant use the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Among all the dishes, Songhelou's most popular dishes are freshwater fish and shrimps, including sweet and sour mandarin fish, fried snails with shrimps, and braised eel. The sweet mandarin fish was a favorite of Qing Emperor Qianlong, who dined here every time he visited Suzhou.
Squirrel Fish
The unique food created by Songhelou is named Squirrel Fish (Songshu Guiyu in Chinese), which is known nationwide. It is a fried fish completely deboned and dressed with sweet and sour sauce to resemble a squirrel. The fish is filleted into sections and then deep fried creating the "fluffy" result. Each tender morsel of fish was encased in a crispy shell, a perfect balance of textures.
Guoba(??)
Guoba is one of traditional dishes in Suzhou, the burnt rice that forms at the bottom of a pot when steaming rice. The rice becomes crispy (almost like puffed rice) and takes on a toasted flavour. Once the guoba arrived, a sweet and sour sauce was poured on just before serving.
Cracking Eel Paste
Cracking Eel Paste, a dish made from rice field eels stir fried and served in hot oil. The eel was freshly butchered, and the meat incredibly soft.
Dining habit
Songhelou restaurant have an open dining area and floors of private rooms. You can make reservation for a private room and rooms are booked for the entire evening. If dining in the room, it will began with a selection of cold dishes, BBQ pork, pork terrine, drunken chicken, pickled baby cucumbers, duck tongue simmered in rice wine. Cold dishes are served at the beginning of a meal and meant to drum up appetites. The BBQ pork, pork terrine and drunken chicken were all delicate in flavour and lightly seasoned. Duck tongue may not be for everyone, but they're actually similar in taste to chicken wings. The organ is covered in fatty skin that surrounds crunchy cartilage. We also had a platter of offal, which included braised tripe and tongue. Then you can enjiy the hot dish was Dongpo Pork, a variation of red braised pork from Hangzhou, Suzhou's southern neighbour. The pork belly was sweet, creamy and melted apart, etc.
How to get there:
Take Bus No. 101, 102, 146, 112, and 307
Information:
Location: No. 141 Guanqian Street, Gusu district, Suzhou (Oldest Branch, Suzhou)
Tel: 0512-67700688, 0512-67272285
Opening hours:11:00-13:30 and 17:00-20:30 (advance bookings recommended)
Price per person: 150RMBp.p
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on a memorable Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic city. Begin your journey in style with business class comfort, arriving refreshed and ready to explore. Experience the serene beauty of the Lingering Garden, marvel at the ancient Panmen Gate, and find tranquility at Hanshan Temple. Stroll along the charming Shantang Street, where traditional architecture and local flavors await. This carefully curated itinerary ensures an enriching experience, combining cultural insights with exceptional service for an unforgettable day in Suzhou.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on a captivating one-day Suzhou food tour that combines the city's rich cultural heritage with its delectable culinary scene. Begin your journey at the Humble Administrator's Garden, a stunning example of classical Chinese landscape design where you can appreciate the harmony of nature and architecture. Next, explore Tiger Hill, renowned for its ancient pagoda and lush gardens, offering insights into Suzhou's storied past. Visit Hanshan Temple, a serene retreat known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings. Finally, stroll along Pingjiang Road, where traditional Suzhou architecture and vibrant street life come alive. Throughout the day, indulge in a taste of Suzhou's famous dishes, expertly selected to give you a true flavor of the city's culinary traditions. Enjoy personalized service from our expert guide, who will ensure you experience the best of Suzhou’s historic sights and food culture, making this tour a memorable journey into the heart of Suzhou.
Duration：2Days
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Shantang Street, Pingjiang Road, Tongli Water Town
Tour Style：Searching for the best Suzhou tour from Shanghai? This two-day Suzhou sightseeing tour from Shanghai is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of Suzhou at a relaxed pace. On the first day, you’ll explore the stunning Lingering Garden, stroll through the historic Shantang Street, and marvel at the natural beauty of Tiger Hill. The second day will take you deeper into the cultural heart of Suzhou, where you’ll visit other iconic landmarks, local markets, and perhaps even enjoy a boat ride along the ancient canals. This private tour is 100% flexible and customizable, allowing you to tailor the itinerary to your interests and travel at your own pace.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the essence of Suzhou on a captivating day tour, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and historical charm. Begin your journey at the Lingering Garden, renowned for its elegant design and tranquil ambiance. Next, visit Hanshan Temple, a celebrated Buddhist site known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance. Continue to Panmen Gate, an ancient city wall reflecting Suzhou’s architectural prowess and historical depth. Conclude your tour with a stroll along Pingjiang Road, a picturesque area famous for its traditional architecture, charming shops, and vibrant local culture. This immersive tour provides a comprehensive view of Suzhou's architectural marvels, historical landmarks, and traditional lifestyle, offering a deep appreciation of the city's cultural richness.
Duration：6 - 8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Experience the essence of Suzhou with our curated Suzhou tours, beginning with a warm welcome at your hotel lobby. Discover the grandeur of The Humble Administrator's Garden, one of China’s premier classical gardens. Continue your exploration at Tiger Hill, famed for its leaning pagoda and serene landscapes, before savoring authentic Suzhou cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the revered Hanshan Temple, known for its historical and poetic significance, and conclude your day with a stroll through Shantang Street, a charming historic area rich in local culture and traditional snacks. Enjoy a comprehensive and immersive journey through Suzhou’s rich heritage and scenic beauty.
Wechat: Chinaprivatetour
24 Hours Hotline:
+86 137-3541-1378
(Your Privacy is Protected)
1 to 1 tailor-made service from our professional travel advisors for the most sophisticated
Constantly excellent reviews for attraction, hotel and service Competitive price
Local experts provide quality tours Best selected knowledgeable local guides Authentic local restaurants
7*24 hours available to create you a worry-free tour. No Hidden Fees and absolutely no pressure to buy. Secured
Copyright © 2017 Suzhouprivatetour.com All rights reserved. 浙ICP备18056007号-4
