About Songhelou
Songhelou (Song He Lou) is one of China's oldest restaurants: a Suzhou-cuisine house founded in the 18th century — tradition dates it to 1737 or 1757 — and still trading on Guanqian Street, Suzhou's historic shopping district in Jiangsu. Its official website, in Chinese, covers the house's history, its locations and its signature dishes.
Its specialty is classic Suzhou cooking, delicate and seasonal: the sweet-and-sour mandarin fish presented in squirrel shape is its emblematic dish, alongside freshwater fish and shrimp preparations, stir-fried eel and recipes that local lore links even to a visit by the Qianlong emperor. The house runs several locations in Suzhou and has taken its first international step with an opening in London.
Songhelou stands for traditional Chinese fine dining in the format of a historic restaurant: more than 260 years of continuity, the status of a culinary institution in Jiangsu, and a clientele mixing cultural tourism with family celebrations. It is a heritage restaurant listing, distinct from modern fast-food chains.
Its specialty is classic Suzhou cooking, delicate and seasonal: the sweet-and-sour mandarin fish presented in squirrel shape is its emblematic dish, alongside freshwater fish and shrimp preparations, stir-fried eel and recipes that local lore links even to a visit by the Qianlong emperor. The house runs several locations in Suzhou and has taken its first international step with an opening in London.
Songhelou stands for traditional Chinese fine dining in the format of a historic restaurant: more than 260 years of continuity, the status of a culinary institution in Jiangsu, and a clientele mixing cultural tourism with family celebrations. It is a heritage restaurant listing, distinct from modern fast-food chains.