Tuck in different Suzhou-style noodles in a week

An energetic day would not start without a bowl of Suzhou-style noodles stewed in first-time soup. Let's take a look at the following Suzhou-style noodle restaurants which have a slew of offerings.

1 Mei Wei Zhai 美味斋

Though only open in the morning and at noon, Mei Wei Zhai sticks to the traditional feature of Suzhou-style noodle restaurants and is well-received among Suzhou locals. It offers various toppings, among which deep-fried fish and eel are fabulous.

2 Wei Ji Aozao Noodle Restaurant 伟记奥面馆(养育巷店)

The decades-old restaurant is not spacious. It used to be patronized by locals, but nowadays, an increasing number of visitors check in it following online recommendations. The deep-fried eel is the best as the eel tastes crispy. Besides, the fried pork liver in brown sauce is tender and has a rich scent.

3 Tong De Xing 同得兴·传统苏式面馆(嘉馀坊店)

As a premium noodle restaurant, Tong De Xing is rather expensive compared to those situated around residential compounds, attracting hordes of visitors coming to Suzhou to "check in." The streaky braised meat with gristle takes on a good look and tastes just right. The fried pork liver in brown sauce is also recommended. A pinch of shredded ginger counters the greasiness of the pork liver.

4 Hu Sheng Xing 胡盛兴(文化宫店)

Situated around Suzhou Workers' Cultural Palace, Hu Sheng Xing is not far from Canglang Pavilion and Keyuan Garden. Noodles with scallion, oil and dried shrimp as well as the two-faced pan-fried noodles, or liang mian huang, are signature dishes. Seasonal specialties, including Fengzhen Town Pork Noodles and Three-Shrimp Noodles, are authentic. The noodles with clear soup or soup with soy sauce are affordably priced at 5 yuan.

5 Su Yu Zhai 苏虞斋精品面馆(金狮河沿店)

Su Yu Zhai is a premium noodle restaurant that offers authentic Suzhou-style noodles. The title "Ten Bowls of Suzhou Noodles" was once conferred on its noodles with white pork stew. Later, its summer delicacy "Three-Shrimp Noodle" was introduced in the popular food documentary "Once Upon A Bite 2".

6 Lu Zhen Xing 陆振兴面馆·百年苏面(葑门店)

The braised pork trotters are lean and tender. The spicy sauce is delicious, reminding one of the traditional Suzhou flavors in the good old days.

7 Lu Chang Xing 陆长兴(东环路店)

Lu Chang Xing is a famous time-honored brand in Suzhou, with many branches set up around residential compounds. If you are in two minds about the topping, then order the traditional topping of braised meat.

8 Sheng Ji 盛己面馆(南环汇邻店)

Open in residential areas, Sheng Ji is famous for the toppings that are fried on the spot and dried noodles. Diners like dried noodles with fried pork liver in brown sauce and noodles with fried yellow croaker. The stir-fired pork liver is tender with a rich soy sauce-like aroma.

9 Yu Fu Ji 虞福记面馆

Adjacent to Dongyuan Garden, Yu Fu Ji is favoured by the old living nearby. After eating noodles at the restaurant in the morning, older adults go to Dongyuan Garden for a walk or a cup of tea. Its signature product is the noodle with stir-fried toppings. The trio of chicken soup, shrimp, and bamboo shoots, fried eel, and stewed pork chop all taste delicious. The mushroom oil noodles, a specialty in Changshu of Suzhou, are also served at the noodle restaurant.

10 Zhu Fu Ji 祝福记面馆

Apart from braised meat, toppings including the fried egg mixture-coated pork chop, fried pork liver, and stir-fried vegetables are authentic.