Nanwan Folk Grilled Fish

Nanwan Folk Grilled Fish

　　It is said that during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, Li Hongzhang traveled to Guangdong on an inspection tour. Along the way, he suddenly fell seriously ill. Despite hiring all the renowned doctors in Guangzhou at great expense, none could diagnose his condition. Unexpectedly, it was a few secret prescriptions from Mai XINjian of Nanwan Village that cured the minister. Li Hongzhang was extremely grateful to his lifesaver. Upon returning to Beijing, upon learning that Empress Dowager Cixi also suffered from a strange illness, he quickly invited Dr. Mai to the capital. Within just one month, Cixi’s mysterious ailment was also cured. Pleased, Cixi wished to reward him generously, but Mai XINjian politely declined. At that time, the Chutaai Mai Ancestral Hall had just been completed, so Mai XINjian only asked for an imperial plaque as a reward from Cixi, and requested that Li Hongzhang inscribe the words “Chutaai Mai Ancestral Hall.” It is said that among the prescriptions Mai XINjian used to treat Empress Dowager Cixi, one of the medicinal ingredients was made from grilled fish produced in Nanwan Village. Therefore, not only is Nanwan folk grilled fish delicious, but it also has therapeutic benefits.