China Restaurant Joy: From Suzhou’s Imperial Feasts to Yunnan’s Rich Broths and More

During a trip to Munich, we found an impressive restaurant that has incorporated an array of popular dishes from various regions, including some rarely found outside of China. Highlights include the visually striking and delicious Squirrel Fish from Suzhou and the comforting “Crossing the Bridge” noodles from Yunnan. China Restaurant Joy brings a taste of China’s best flavors right to your corner, offering dynamic varieties besides the spicy, numbing Sichuan food typically considered authentic Chinese.

Suzhou and Yunnan are revered in China as a paradise that no ornate description can fully convey its charm. Beyond their mesmerizing scenery, their cuisine leaves an indelible mark on all who taste it.

The first dish we’ll talk about is a perfect example – Squirrel Fish („松鼠鲈鱼“, „Sōngshǔ Guìyú“).

A masterpiece of Suzhou cuisine, it’s historically been served to emperors, including the esteemed Qianlong from Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912), who was very fond of this dish.

Its preparation requires precise techniques – deboned perch is meticulously scored with a diamond pattern, dusted with starch, and then carefully deep-fried with skin intact, which allows for sculpting into a squirrel shape.

When placed on a plate, the fish head is slightly raised, and the tail curved upwards, resembling a squirrel. The hot sweet and sour sauce, poured over the crispy fish, creates a sizzling sound reminiscent of a scampering squirrel. Its complexity makes it a rarity in regular restaurants.

In addition to its stunning presentation, it’s also renowned for its exquisite flavors. The sweet and sour sauce, made with vinegar, rice wine and more, creates a fresh, tangy yet balanced taste. It complements the savory crunch of the fish, highlighting its golden outer crispness and fresh tenderness inside. The addition of pine nuts, carrots, and green peas provides bursts of nuttiness and vegetal sweetness.

And don’t overlook the fish skin – incredibly crispy and flavorful, the result of natural oils and fats crisped to perfection will leave you highly satisfied.

Yunnan cuisine is known for its incredible variety, thanks to the province’s rich ethnic diversity, with over 25 ethnic groups enriching its culinary scene. Xiaoguo Mixian and Crossing the Bridge Noodles are two of the most iconic local specialties, offering a perfect gateway to the region’s rich food tapestry.

Xiaoguo Mixian (小锅米线), also known as “Small Pot Rice Noodles,” is a traditional Yunnan dish featuring freshly ground rice noodles, flavorful broth, and an array of toppings like minced meats, bean sprouts, and chives.

The heart of Xiaoguo Mixian is its broth, a savory, slightly tangy, and spicy blend of bone broth, tomatoes, pickled vegetables, chili oil, fermented bean paste, and a variety of spices and herbs.

Pan-Fried Pork Ribs with Mint Leaves, Garlic, Sesame, and Dry Chili may not be a classic Yunnan dish, but it brilliantly exemplifies the region’s unique and diverse flavors.

These lean pork ribs are pan-fried to a crispy exterior and a flavorful, chewy interior with a satisfying, chip-like crunch. Pan-seared mint leaves bring a refreshing coolness that contrasts with the savory richness of the pork.

The dried chilies and garlic provide a subtle kick and aromatic punch, while sesame seeds lend a nutty crunch. The result is aromatic and tantalizing morsels that’re impossible to resist and keep you reaching for more. Especially when paired with mint, it ensures they never feel heavy but remain balanced and invigorating until the last bite!

Today we explored some standout dishes from Yunnan and Suzhou provinces, which are not often found in typical overseas Chinese restaurants. China Restaurant Joy also offers a wide range of dishes from other regions of China, from the fiery spices of Sichuan to the imperial elegance of Beijing and the vibrant tastes of Shanghai.

However, their Yunnan specialties are a highlight not to be missed, bearing the mark of neighboring countries like Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. You can taste Vietnamese and Burmese influences in dishes like Crossing the Bridge Noodles, and Thai inspirations in 泰味凉鸡 (Thai-style Cold Chicken). China Restaurant Joy serves up a diverse fusion of flavors from China and beyond that can be exotic, exciting and comforting, satiating the most varying tastes and likes.