I'm wondering if the scam is only done with tea. In an effort to try more local food and be adventurous, tonight in Suzhou we tried to find a local restaurant recommended on the China Highlights website. It was just down the street from the hotel, and the young doormen knew of it. We find the restaurant and are standing in front deciding whether to go in. A young couple are coming out from dinner, and he asks if he can help us. We said we like to try eating here but the menu is not in English. He says just ask the owner to recommend something. he was not a plant, just being helpful.

We go in, sit down, and a jovial fellow, the owner comes over saying hello. Now, this is a local, non tourist restaurant, not fancy. The kind of place with the plates and cup wrapped in plastic. We look at the menu, all in Chinese, and nothing is over RMB 38. After some pointing to food in my phrase book, we order duck appetizer, pickles, and a fish, plus a beer and tea.

The food comes, and it is delicious. The owner looks at us smiling and happy with the food taste, gives the thumbs up. I see 2 young guys at another table are having the same fish. After eating I ask for the check. The waitress pecks at a calculator from the written order paper, then the owner pecks at the calculator. She brings the bill, it is RMB 225. I suspect we paid twice as much or more than the Chinese customers.

From now on I will always ask how much before ordering or only eat at restaurants with photos and English descriptions. I know this limits where we can eat, but i hate being taken advantage of. This is the first incident on this trip where someone was dishonest.