China Travel Guide: Fujian

FOOD

"Fotiaoqiang" (Buddha Jumps over the Wall)

Buddha Jumps over the Wall is one of the most typical cuisines in Fujian. It is made of 18 pricey ingredients, including shark's fin, abalone, sea cucumber, ginseng and scallops. All these are simmered together for long hours over slow fire, ensuring the essence has been extracted.

A legend tells that a Buddhist monk found the smell of the dish so irresistible that he jumped over the wall to ask for a share, and that is why the dish gets such a special name.

Litchi Pork

Litchi Pork refers to a kind of traditional Fujian cuisine made of water chestnut and pork in the shape of litchi. This dish is famous for its sweet and sour flavor.

Oyster Omelet

The oyster omelet is widely known for its savory taste. The dish consists of an omelette with a filling commonly made of small oysters, eggs and scallions, and a sauce poured on top of the omelet for added taste.

"Tusundong" (Sipunculid worm jelly)

The crisp "tusundong", a worm jelly, is known as a good source of nutrients including protein and amino acid. A local seafood rarely seen in China's inland areas, the treat is usually teamed with satay sauce and coriander.

Five-spice Meat Rolls

"Wuxiangjuan", or five-spice meat rolls, is popular not just in Fujian province but also in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. It's made from spiced meat, water chestnut and scallions wrapped in fried soybean.