Finally! The fishing ban in Foshan has come to an end in July, with a multitude of fresh river foods available for sale. This city of Foshan is renowned for its abundant freshwater fish as well as a variety of delicacies made of those foods. Do you know what and where to eat river foods in the city? That's where our guide comes in.
River prawns and crabs
With Beijiang River and Xijiang River running through it, Foshan's Nanhai District is famous for its diverse delicacies made of river foods, some of which serve as must-order cuisines in the city.
Steamed river prawns (清蒸河虾)
Steaming river prawns can best maintain the original flavor, with a light dip in sauce, which tastes absolutely delicious.
Steamed river crabs (清蒸河蟹)
Steamed river crabs are very fresh and sweet, with a lingering crab fragrance.
Chicken-crab pot (鸡煲蟹)
Chicken-crab pot combines both golden-color crabs and tasty chicken, which is totally mouthwatering.
Freshwater fish
Foshan locals love to eat steamed fish very much since steaming can definitely maintain the fresh flavor of fish.
Steamed Heshun fish (清蒸和顺鱼)
Heshun fish itself carries a fragrant fish oil flavor, and you can add side dishes such as gingers, green onions and soy sauce. Yummy!
Steamed marbled goby (清蒸笋壳鱼)
With less bones, the marbled goby has no fishy smell, you can enjoy it without having to worry about the bones.
Fish banquet (全鱼宴)
Traditional fish banquet in Foshan consists of ten courses and a pot of soup, all of which are made of fish. The delicacies use different parts of fish as ingredients with various cooking methods such as frying, steaming, baking and boiling.
Braised fish (火焰鱼)
Braised fish is a particularly popular dish among Foshan locals. The fish is braised with sauce, mixed seasonings as well as locally produced wine. It's highly palatable.
Fried and baked sharpbelly (煎焗蓝刀)
With tender meat and unique fragrance, sharpbelly is very crispy and delectable after being fried and baked.
Where to enjoy these river foods:
Nanhai District:
◆ Longhui Village, Jiujiang Avenue, Jiujiang Town (九江镇九江大道龙廻村)
◆ Jiangbin 3rd Street, Jiujiang Town (九江镇江滨三街)
◆ Old Wharf in Heqing Village, Jiujiang Town (九江镇河清旧码头)
◆ Shakou Community, Jiujiang Town (九江沙口社区段)
◆ Haitao Island, Jiujiang Town (九江海寿岛)
◆ Pingsha Island, Xiqiao Town (西樵平沙岛)
Shunde District:
◆ Jiangwei Ferry, Junan Town (均安江尾渡口)
◆ Zuotan Village, Longjiang Town (龙江左滩)
◆ Youtan Village, Xingtan Town (杏坛右滩)
◆ Dashan Island, Ronggui Community (容桂大汕岛)
Gaoming District:
◆ Shaliao Village (沙寮村)
◆ Haikou Village (海口村)
◆ Chongkou Village (涌口村)
Sanshui District:
◆ River food street in Baini Town (白坭镇河鲜美食街)
◆ River food street in Lubao Town (芦苞镇河鲜美食街)
◆ Food street in Xinan Town (西南镇美食街)
China has imposed an annual fishing ban in the South China Sea since 1999, as part of the country's efforts to promote sustainable marine fishery development and improve marine ecology. The fishing ban, which spans three and a half months, covers the waters north to 12 degrees north latitude of the South China Sea.
Author | Nancy (intern)
Editor | Wing, Monica & Jerry
Photos | Pan Hongfeng & Qiu Ziqi/Foshan News
