宜尚酒店江苏苏州高新区马尖新天地

Most of the kitchen team hails from Yangzhou, so it is no surprise that the elegantly appointed restaurant specialises in Yangzhou cuisine. Handmade dim sum is the must-try. Served piping hot, the soup dumpling with crabmeat and crab roe filling is wrapped in wafer-thin dough and meticulously pleated by hand. Enjoy the soup with a straw before biting into the plump dumpling. Other traditional Yangzhou dishes are also worth checking out. Bookings recommended.

One of the oldest lamb restaurants, San Xing has been around for decades. To ensure quality, the owner works only with the freshest meat. For larger parties, check out the lamb feast menus at different price points. The must-try braised lamb ribs in white broth is known for its intense umami and richness; order lamb blood curd on the side and add to the broth. Their steamed lamb dumplings are painstakingly crafted and tasty.

From the ornate outer façade to the serene interior overlooking lush greenery, this venue drips authentic Jiangnan charm. On the menu, Suzhou-style noodles take centre stage: order them in red soy-based broth, white meat broth or tossed in sauces and then garnish with your favourite hot or cold topping. The signature five-shrimp noodles offer a cornucopia of pleasure with the crustacean’s meat, roe and tomalley in shrimp broth and shrimp oil.

While the majority of diners love the traditional décor of this famous restaurant, its authentic flavours and generous portions at sensible prices find favour with all. Suzhou classic sautéed river shrimps seduce with natural umami and springy texture. Pork belly steeped in wine lees marinade boasts intoxicating aromas and melt-in-the-mouth, silky flesh. Its location near waterside Shantang Street is a hit at weekends.

The brand, dating back to 1876, was reopened on the same spot in 2019 by a descendant of the founder. The traditional Chinese façade is chic and striking; the room decorated with lanterns boasts canal views. The custom-made noodles work well with broth jazzed up by dried scallops. In summer, the shrimp-trio noodles are the must-try – springy shrimps with shrimp roe and tomalley make for an umami extravaganza. In winter, try the crab roe version.

Chai Court, which opened its doors in 2012, focuses on authentic Cantonese classics with the occasional creative twist and seasonal dishes. The menu covers all bases, featuring slow-cooked soups, Cantonese barbecues and stir-fries. It's advisable to pre-order popular items such as the deep-fried pigeon with crispy skin and silky, juicy flesh. The main dining room is spacious and cosy; the private rooms are ideal for banquets and dinner parties.

Here, traditional Fujian recipes get an update with an emphasis on lighter seasoning and natural flavours. Both the owner and the chef hail from Fujian, and only the best produce in season, mostly shipped straight from their home province, makes it onto the table. There are a number of set menus to choose from and they may feature signatures such as ginger duck stew, or peanut sweet soup with taro paste and bird's nest.