The opening of the 2025 Gourmet Contest Suzhou was held on August 26 at the Shishan International Conference Center. During the event, the multilingual Menu of Must-try Suzhou Dishes made its debut. The menu contains 38 Suzhou dishes that are translated into English, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Spanish, providing international tourists with a culinary travel guide to Suzhou's gastronomic delights.
The contest is divided into three categories, namely Suzhou Signature Banquets, Suzhou Star Chefs, and Suzhou Iconic Delicacies. The 2025 edition has attracted a record-breaking number of entries, with 100 renowned banquets across the city, over 130 chefs renowned for their craftsmanship, and nearly 500 delicacies embodying local features and culture. The quality of dishes has reached unprecedented heights.
During the event, the Suzhou Signature Banquets Public Voting Channel was officially launched, alongside the Suzhou Signature Banquets Star Rating Initiative, which will determine top-rated banquets through public voting. Additionally, the event also witnessed the kick-off ceremony of The Essence of Suzhou Cuisine, the city's first culinary micro-documentary.
Signature banquets and representative delicacies from the districts and county-level cities of Suzhou were shown on-site. From the seasonal Lotus Flower Banquet to the elegant Kunqu Opera-themed Banquet, each one is a testament to Suzhou's rich gastronomic culture.
Menu of Must-try Suzhou Dishes
Source: Yinlibo (引力播)