As part of Huaiyang Cuisine, the Suzhou style cooking is closely related to the local culture and characterized by natural flavor, beautiful presentation, light and palatable taste, and seasonal varieties.

The selection of materials has much to do with the water country. Dishes and pastries traditionally served aboard of pleasure boats remain the principal form. Ingredients for seasonal foods are fishes, shrimps, crabs, water mallows, gorgon fruits and other aquatic products. The visitor is sure to be impressed by the refined taste of Suzhou cuisine.