太湖宝普灵霞客栈

This immaculate white villa on the outskirts of the Garden City has a farm-to-table concept. All-time Suzhou favourites are cooked with produce from their own backyard and nearby farms, plus fish and crustaceans from Taihu Lake a few kilometres away. The signature deep-fried "squirrel" mandarin fish in sweet and sour sauce is pure indulgence. The sautéed wild rice stems in a shrimp roe sauce boast a crisp texture and natural sweet flavour.

Off the beaten track in Shushan Ecological Village, this restaurant is set in an idyllic landscape. Despite its distance from the city centre, locals flock here for authentic Suzhou cooking while on a day out in Suzhou's majestic nature. The signature braised goose is repeatedly steeped in an aged marinade with 16 spices so that the flavour penetrates deep into the bones. Clams with baby burr clovers are a classic with a unique grassy fragrance.

A must for lamb lovers, this restaurant has been around for over two decades. From cold appetizers and soups to stir-fries and starch, every course will satisfy your craving for lamb. Generously covered in cumin, grilled lamb’s leg comes in the perfect portion size for the solo diner with firm, flavoursome flesh. Mung bean soup with mint, sticky rice, red beans and candied winter melon will end your meal with a flourish.

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.

In a boutique hotel converted from a 500-year-old residence, this restaurant in Luxiang Ancient Village commands both lake and mountain views. It serves a grand chancellor feast that takes its cue from the season – wild greens in spring, lotus in summer, crab in autumn. Dongshan sliced lamb is sparingly seasoned to let its natural flavour shine. Duo Taihu shrimps are shelled and sautéed, or fried with the shells on for different textures. Reservation mandatory.

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.