Dragon Gate Fish

Dragon Gate Fish

　　Carp is a favorite fish among the people of Xuzhou, symbolizing prosperity and abundance, hence the local saying that “no banquet is complete without carp.” It is customary to cook carp for children starting school or students taking exams, symbolizing their future success as they “become dragons.”

　　　　Legend has it that the dish “Dragon Gate Fish” was first created by Liu Yu from Pengcheng (Emperor Wu of the Liu Song Dynasty during the Southern Dynasties). When Liu Yu was a child starting school, his father held a family banquet to celebrate and prepared four dishes: first, stewed chicken, symbolizing good fortune in all things; second, braised pork, chosen for its rich flavor, expressing the hope that he would be an honest and kind-hearted person; third, scrambled eggs, golden in color, symbolizing a brilliant career ahead; and fourth, braised carp, representing wealth and abundance. The overall meaning was to wish for Liu Yu to rise in life just as a carp leaps over the Dragon Gate to achieve success and prosperity. Upon hearing this, Liu Yu asked, “Why not let the carp leap over the Dragon Gate now?” He then placed pieces of braised pork beneath the fish’s head and chicken pieces beneath its tail so that the fish’s head and tail rose up. He poured the scrambled egg mixture over the fish and remarked, “Isn’t this carp already leaping over the Dragon Gate into the golden clouds?” The guests present were full of praise. Later, after Liu Yu became emperor and led his army back to Pengcheng, he recalled this event with great pride and ordered the chef to combine the four dishes into one grand dish, naming it “Dragon Gate Fish,” which he used to honor his ancestors.

　　　　This dish is characterized by its crispy exterior and tender interior, a blend of five flavors, an attractive shape, and a rich, savory sauce.