Numerous local residents and tourists are attracted to the restaurant every day to visit and exchange their experience in cooking and enjoying delicacies. [Photo/WeChat account: taicangdaily]

A few years ago, he thought, why shouldn't he open a local delicacies restaurant. So he can show the special delicacies of Taicang and Liuhe town to local residents and tourists, which not only publicizes these dishes, but also ensures its inheritance.

"Liuhe town boasts colorful cuisin culture and lots of unique delicacies, such as roast fish eggs, stewed duck over a slow fire, and stir-fried ham bones with dried meat floss," Xu said.

In order to learn how to cook the most authentic traditonal local dishes, Xu used to come to the countryside to seek advice from the elderly and take the idea back to his restaurant.

"To know a city you have to start from its local delicacies," the chef said. "As a cook, I have the responsibility to explore and publicize our local food."