West Lake Vinegar Fish by Chef Fu Yueliang. Photo: Zheng Qi
By Chen Miaolin
Hangzhou, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich culinary traditions, once again captivates food lovers with its iconic dish--West Lake Vinegar Fish. Recently featured in the latest season of the acclaimed documentary series A Bite of China, this dish embodies the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, showcasing how classic Chinese cuisine continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
West Lake Vinegar Fish, or “Xi Hu Cu Yu” (西湖醋鱼) in Chinese, dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. More than just a delicacy, it is a cultural symbol, deeply intertwined with the legends and natural beauty of West Lake.
The dish is celebrated for its delicate harmony of flavors--a blend of sweet, sour, and savory notes--all complemented by the tender, succulent texture of the fish. Traditionally made with grass carp, it has remained a cornerstone of Hangzhou cuisine for centuries.
One of the most renowned interpreters of West Lake Vinegar Fish is Chef Fu Yueliang from Ruyuan Restaurant. As the third-generation disciple of the legendary Hu Zhongying, Chef Fu has dedicated his career to perfecting this dish.
Through continuous refinement and innovation, he has crafted over 70 iterations of the dish, each version fine-tuned based on customer feedback. By the time it was featured on A Bite of China, the dish had reached its 73rd version, with a subtler balance of sweetness and sourness to create a more refined and sophisticated taste.
For those eager to savor this classic dish, several renowned restaurants in Hangzhou offer their own unique interpretations:
Ruyuan Restaurant (No.11 Yuquan Road, Xihu District)
Price: 388 yuan per fish
Highlights: Authentic preparation by Chef Fu Yueliang, money-back guarantee for dissatisfied guests
Louwailou (No.30 Gushan Road)
Price: 258 yuan per fish
Highlights: A historic restaurant famous for its centuries-old recipes
Jinsha Hall (No.5 Lingyin Road, Xihu District)
Price: 398 yuan per fish
Highlights: Uses Delicate Bamboo Fish, known for its exceptionally fine texture
Haipaihui (37 Gaoyin Street, Shangcheng District)
Price: 88 yuan per fish
Highlights: Affordable option, known for high-quality grass carp with a delicate, non-earthy taste
Hangzhou cuisine is a celebration of simplicity transformed into elegance. Whether through its meticulous balance of flavors or the careful selection of fresh ingredients, each restaurant brings its own signature touch to this timeless dish.
For food enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike, West Lake Vinegar Fish is a must-try delicacy that offers a true taste of Hangzhou’s rich culinary heritage.