--  Preserved Mandarin Fish (腌鮮鱖魚)

 

Preserved Mandarin Fish

The dish is cooked using special techniques. Legend has it that more than two centuries ago, fishmongers used wooden barrels to carry the fish they caught in the Xin'an River to the mountainous area in Huizhou. In order to keep the fish fresh during their seven- or eight-day journey, fishmongers sprayed it with salt water. When taken out after arriving at the destination, the fish was still as fresh as if first caught, except for a special smell. However, it would taste even fresher and better after being braised in soy sauce.