Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Songhelou is a national five-diamond restaurant, suggesting a high level of quality and service. It's a great choice for a special occasion or a unique culinary experience. (2:33)
- Tip 2Ordering with pen and paper can be easier for foreigners in China than using digital methods. Pointing at menu items is a simple way to communicate your choices. (6:21)
- Tip 3Experience the elegance of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The careful pouring and warming of the tea enhances the dining experience. (7:36)
- Tip 4In upscale Chinese restaurants, you'll often find both chopsticks and Western cutlery provided, catering to diverse preferences. (13:49)
- Tip 5Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. The vinegar served alongside the fish adds a unique and refreshing element. (20:12)
- Tip 6Consider adding noodles or rice to the crab soup for a heartier meal. This is a common practice in many Chinese cuisines. (28:22)
- Tip 7In China, exceptional service is often the norm, even in upscale restaurants. Expect attentive staff and frequent refills of tea and other beverages. (30:23)
- Tip 8Learn to judge the ripeness of watermelon. In China, the quality of fruit is generally high, but knowing how to select the best ones will enhance your enjoyment. (39:46)
Two Mad Explorers embarked on a culinary adventure at Songhelou, Suzhou's oldest restaurant, experiencing exceptional service and unique dishes. From the traditional pen-and-paper ordering to the exquisite tea ceremony and the surprisingly delicious sweet and sour fish, every detail was memorable. The restaurant's ambiance and the quality of ingredients created an unforgettable fine dining experience in China.
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This video follows Two Mad Explorers as they dine at Songhelou, a renowned restaurant in Suzhou, China, described as one of the oldest in the country. The restaurant's upscale atmosphere is immediately apparent, a stark contrast to the explorers' usual street food experiences. They navigate the menu with the help of a friendly waiter, opting for dishes like Suzhou-style marinated duck, braised pork belly, and sauteed river shrimp with tea—choices that highlight their willingness to step outside their culinary comfort zones.
The ordering process itself becomes a unique experience, with the waiter taking their order using pen and paper, a method the explorers find refreshingly old-school and easier than digital ordering. The meticulous tea service, complete with a candle warmer and careful pouring, adds to the overall sense of elegance and formality.
The food itself is the star of the show. The sweet and sour Mandarin fish is a particular highlight, described as tasting remarkably similar to the sweet and sour dishes found in Chinese takeaways in the explorers' home country. The tea-flavored shrimp is another unique experience, offering a delicate balance of seafood and tea flavors. Even the seemingly simple side of grapes is noteworthy, showcasing the freshness and quality of ingredients readily available in China.
The final dish, tofu and crab roe soup, proves to be a point of contention. While the broth and crab roe are delicious, the tofu's texture and the strong crab flavor prove less appealing to the explorers. Despite this minor setback, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with the explorers praising the restaurant's exceptional service, friendly staff, and the high quality of ingredients.
The video concludes with a complimentary fruit platter, further emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to providing a luxurious and memorable dining experience. Two Mad Explorers leave Songhelou with a newfound appreciation for Suzhou cuisine and a strong recommendation for other travelers to visit this historic restaurant.
