How does it taste when classic Suzhou delicacies come in modern bentos?
De Yue Lou and Lawson, Inc. released their collaboration bento products on April 21. The four co-branded boxed meals made by master Suzhou chefs hit the shelves in more than 2,000 Lawson convenience stores across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Anhui, attracting many foodies to have the first bite.
De Yue Lou
Established during the reign of Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty (1522 – 1566 AD), Suzhou De Yue Lou (得月楼) restaurant has a history of more than 400 years. It was selected into the first batch of “Chinese Time-honored Brands” in 1993.
De Yue Lou became well-known for its connection with the movieGive Satisfaction to Them (满意不满意) in the 1960s and another movieA Small Suzhou Restaurant (小小得月楼) in the 1980s. In recent years, it has twice appeared in A Bite of China (舌尖上的中国), a CCTV documentary series on the history of food, eating and cooking in China.
Boxed Suzhou Flavors
After half a year of research and development, the four boxed meals stood out from dozens of classic Suzhou products for their excellence in taste and convenience in processing.
Suzhou-style Mei Gan Cai Rice Roll
It’s the combination of mei gan cai kou rou (梅干菜扣肉, braised pork with preserved vegetable) and Japanese rice roll.
Brown Sauce Duck with Rice
The duck legs are cooked by both the technique for making Suzhou-style crispy duck and the technique for making brown sauce duck.
Suzhou-style Sugary Congee
Pumpkin taro balls, which are quite popular with the young people, are added into the congee.
Noodles with Chili Sauce
The Suzhou-style spicy sauce, which is made up of minced dried bean curd, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, etc. is served as the noodles’ “jiao tou”.
*Suzhou locals call the toppings on noodles “jiao tou” (浇头).
Time-honored Suzhou cuisine works well with standardized modern manufacturing and distribution, bringing the Suzhou flavors onto the dining tables of the young generation.
The first batch of Suzhou-style boxed meals is now available at Lawson convenience stores in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Anhui. You can choose to dine in or take out.