Jiangnan China: Wuxi - *Little Shanghai* on Taihu Lake

[Google_Gourmet]

Wuxi on the shores of China’s third largest natural lake, TAIHU LAKE.

It’s Cherry Blossom time, and the region is reveling in the parks and natural beauty of the blooms.

We enjoyed a marvelous 8 course dinner in a restaurant on a scenic canal.

THREE WHITES of TAIHU LAKE
Three ”white seafood” native to Taihu Lake.

• White Silkfish
• Shrimp
• Whitebait

TAIHU WHITE SHRIMP

Fresh out of the water shrimp. Translucent thin shells cooked with only Scallions and Ginger, touch of Shaoxing. Natural Shrimpy goodness.

WHITE SILK FISH
Fresh fish as I prefer, simply steamed with minimal embellishments.

WHITEBAIT FRIED EGG Silverfish
Eggs fried with fresh fish, always good.

DOUBLE BOILED SILKY CHICKEN SOUP
Umami loaded palate cleanser.

SLOW BRAISED PORK BELLY with XIAOLONGMANTOU
Wuxi sauced (soy sauce and rock sugar) two biter with fresh steamed Wine Bao.

DOU MIU
Delicate Pea Sprouts, quick stir fried. Green, fresh and snappy.

We had to wave the white flag and pass on the included Noodle Dish. Lightweights.

We did have a nibble of the desserts.

DURIAN LAYERED PASTRY and MOONCAKE STUFFED WITH RED BEAN AND SALTY EGG YOLK

A poor picture of a sight seeing boat plying the water outside our window.

Very hospitable server and owner. Nice Wuxi meal.

[klyeoh (Peter)]

Are you planning to visit San Feng Qiao Restaurant (三凤桥肉庄) for its Wuxi pork-ribs?

三凤桥

[Google_Gourmet]

@klyeoh

visit San Feng Qiao Restaurant (三凤桥肉庄) for its Wuxi pork-ribs?

Thanks for your suggestion, always appreciated per usual.

Wuxi pork-ribs are definitely on my Wuxi hit list. Most likely too sweet for the wife, but she always manages to make do.

We’re off to Suzhou in a couple days, so many foods and restaurants all over!!! I’ve pinned San Fong Qiao, will report back should we try it.

[klyeoh (Peter)]

@Google_Gourmet

Most likely too sweet for the wife, but she always manages to make do.

I did hear about Wuxi pork-ribs being overly sweet, too! But always an experience to have the dish where it started!

@Google_Gourmet

We’re off to Suzhou in a couple days, so many foods and restaurants all over!!! I’ve pinned San Fong Qiao, will report back should we try it.

Can’t wait to hear your report! Enjoy Suzhou - my one & only visit there back in 2015 was less than stellar, so here’s hoping you’ll be more successful than I was. I’m very sure you will be.

[Google_Gourmet]

WU YUE NO.1 CHINESE RESTAURANT
Intercontinental Hotel Wuxi, 2nd Floor

We enjoyed a mostly traditional Wuxi Dinner at our hotel for our final dinner before checking out for Suzhou in the morning.

PICKLED FENNEL ROOT
Crisp and delicate, mild Anise flavor. An enjoyable starter.

TAIHU LAKE SHRIMP
Summer Bamboo, Lima Beans in a light Chicken Broth

STEWED PORK MEATBALLS in ARTEMESIA BROTH
Salted and Fresh Pork Meatball, studded with Soft Bone and Winter Bamboo.

STEAMED SEA BASS

DAU MIU PEA SPROUTS

TAIHU LAKE WHITE SILK FISH
Very tender and succulent. Even tastier than the version we had the other night on the canal.

WUXI SPARE RIBS
Fall off the bone, Melt in your Mouth Unctuousness. With some of the sweetness Wuxi is known for.

WUXI RED SOUP NOODLES
Silver Silk Noodles in a sweet and savory soup.

DINGSHEN CAKE
Fluffy, soft yet chewy. A traditional local sweet we saw in many street stands.

FRUIT PLATE

DOUFA STATION
Freshly made Tofu Pudding with choice of savory and/or sweet toppings.

The Wife: Soy Sauce, Chili Sauce, Shrimp Skin, Pickled Vegetable, Green Onion and Cilantro.

Me: Ginger Honey, Dried Cranberries and Candied Osmanthus.

A fun and delicious dinner at this Black Pearl and One Diamond venue. Relaxed with an after dinner Negroni in the Club, then off to bed.

[honkman]

@Google_Gourmet

TAIHU LAKE SHRIMP

Looks all very good - do you eat the shrimps in that dish with shell? I am used to eat shrimps with shell if they are fried etc but these look more poached

[Google_Gourmet]

@honkman

look more poached

The other night, they were poached in a lightly scented scallion and ginger poaching liquid. Last night’s had a chicken-y essence.

These Taihu shrimp have a very thin translucent shell. My wife peels them, I’m lazy and eat them shell and all.

The Shrimp were deep fried then sauteed at happy hour the other day. Quite good. We both ate them shell and all.

[BierMonk]

Wow great Meal.
I think the “Lima Beans” are actually Fava Beans.
That Meat Ball and the Wuxi Sparerib look amazing.