The "Authentic" Guizhou Sour Soup in Flushing
📌SuanQ Guizhou Hot Pot
39-16 Prince St G04, Flushing, NY 11354
💰$50-80 per person
There’s a Guizhou sour soup hot pot in Flushing called SuanQ, which serves (fish mint), and as a native of Guizhou, I was really excited to try it.
🍲 Broth and Condiments
I recommend the “Mercedes Pot” ($21.99), which includes three types of broth. The Hot And Sour Soup Broth is a must-try 👍! Although the sourness is lacking and the saltiness is too strong, it does replicate around 50% of the Guizhou flavor. The Steak Sour Soup Broth is light with large chunks of ribs, while the Numb And Spicy Soup Broth is very similar to Chongqing hot pot, and it’s super spicy.
👍 The condiment area is the highlight, offering cold dishes like tripe and cucumber, along with peanuts and cantaloupe.
👎 The fish mint was soaked and not fresh, so it lost its crisp texture and fresh fragrance.
‼️ Guizhou Specials
✅ Tofu Ball ($7.99): Deep-fried, very close to what you’d get in Guizhou!
❌ Crispy Diced Pork Fried Rice ($9.99): Too oily! The fried rice was almost burnt, making it too dry.
🥩 Meat Dishes
✅ Crispy Tripe($15.95): Just dip it for 8 seconds and it's ready to eat. But there’s cold tripe in the condiment area, so is it necessary to order this?
✅ Spoon Beef ($15.75): Mostly lean meat, tight texture, but small portions.
✅ Handmade Meat ($5.95): Not sure what this is, looks like noodle skin. If anyone knows, feel free to enlighten me!
✅ County Liver ($7.95): Cut into flower shapes to increase the heat surface, making them crispy and chewy.
✅ Dried Stem Lettuce Meatballs ($8.99)
✅ Dried Stem Lettuce Shrimp Paste ($11.95)
The meatballs and shrimp paste are smooth, but adding dried stem lettuce gives it a crispy texture.
❌ Spicy Pepper Beef ($11.95): Covered in a thick layer of chili, way too spicy.
❌ Crispy Pork ($7.99): Actually, you can eat it directly, but it’s deep-fried, so it’s not the healthiest option.
❌ Dragon Fish ($10.99): The fish doesn’t absorb the flavor, you have to rely on the dipping sauce.
🥬 Vegetables
✅ Aged Tofu ($4.25): Doesn’t absorb much flavor, but it’s refreshing.
✅ Lettuce Slices ($5.50): Sliced into long pieces, just a quick boil and it’s ready to eat.
✅ Dried Stem Lettuce($5.95): Fully absorbs the essence of the hot pot broth and pairs perfectly with sour soup.
✅ Watercress ($4.95): Its unique fragrance and mustard-like mild spiciness balance out the richness of the broth.
✅ Hot Pot Wide Noodles ($4.95): Perfectly cooked to a soft and chewy texture.
❌ Qianzhang Dried Tofu($5.78): Thin and chewy, but I didn’t like the flavor.
❌ Shiitake Mushrooms ($4.50): Didn’t absorb the flavor at all, though they did add some freshness to the broth.
Compared to the authentic sour soup from Guizhou, SuanQ’s flavor still has a noticeable gap. But I believe they’ve made an effort to bring Guizhou’s flavors to the U.S. If you want to experience the difference between Guizhou’s authentic sour soup and what they serve in New York, come check it out!
#flushing #flushingfoodtour #newyorkfood #newyorkfoodguide #guizhoufood
My personal journey to find authentic Guizhou sour soup in Flushing led me to SuanQ, and for anyone curious about this unique regional cuisine, I have some insights to share. The distinct sourness of Guizhou hot pot is truly special, a flavor profile that stands apart, and experiencing it far from its origin is always an adventure. Starting with the broth, the "Mercedes Pot" is a brilliant "three-section hot pot" allowing you to delve into their "Hot And Sour," "Steak Sour," and "Numb And Spicy broths." While the Hot And Sour is my go-to, I personally found its tang a bit milder than what I'm accustomed to in Guizhou. My tip? Head straight to the "condiment bar" to craft your perfect dipping sauce, adding extra vinegar and chili to boost those authentic flavors. The Steak Sour broth with its generous ribs is a mellow, savory option, while the Numb And Spicy delivers a powerful, Chongqing-style heat for those who love a fiery kick. The "condiment bar" is where you can truly personalize your hot pot experience. I always mix garlic, cilantro, chili oil, and a good splash of vinegar. Don't overlook the cold dishes like tripe and cucumber for a refreshing break. A note on "fish mint": though available, the version here was pre-soaked, losing the crisp texture and potent fragrance that makes fresh fish mint so essential in Guizhou cuisine. If you ever encounter it fresh, it's a must-try for its unique character. When it comes to the ingredients, some items at SuanQ are definite highlights. The "Tofu Balls" are a must-order; deep-fried and fluffy, they truly capture the authentic Guizhou taste. For meats, the raw "Crispy Tripe" cooks quickly to a satisfying bite. "Spoon Beef" is lean and tender, and the "Handmade Meat" has an intriguing, noodle-like texture. A standout for me was the "County Liver," thinly sliced and shaped, cooking up with a delightful crispness. The "Dried Stem Lettuce Meatballs" and "Dried Stem Lettuce Shrimp Paste" also offer a unique textural blend. However, some dishes didn't quite hit the mark. The "Crispy Diced Pork Fried Rice" was excessively oily, and the "Spicy Pepper Beef" was overwhelmingly hot for my preference. I also felt the "Dragon Fish" struggled to absorb the broth's flavors, needing heavy reliance on the dipping sauce. Among the vegetables, "Dried Stem Lettuce" is an excellent choice, soaking up the sour broth beautifully. "Aged Tofu" provides a refreshing contrast, and "Watercress" adds a pleasant, peppery note. The "Hot Pot Wide Noodles" were perfectly cooked, soft yet chewy. While "Qianzhang Dried Tofu" and "Shiitake Mushrooms" were offered, I found they didn't absorb enough flavor to be standout choices. SuanQ represents a commendable effort to bring Guizhou's distinct culinary heritage to Flushing. While the authenticity of the sourness might be a point of personal taste, it's a fantastic place to explore these flavors. My advice for your visit: prioritize the Mercedes Pot, get creative at the condiment bar, and don't miss the Tofu Balls and County Liver for a truly memorable Guizhou hot pot meal.
