Sweet and Sour Four-Hole Carp

Sweet and Sour Four-Hole Carp

　　This dish has long been famous for its long history and numerous legends. Someone once wrote a poem about it: “This fish is no ordinary fish, once in Heaven’s Pool, then in Xuzhou. Why does it have two extra holes on its nose? Lotus blooms fill the Micro Lake, fragrance fills the canals.” Most carp have two nostrils, but those from the Weishan Lake area along Tongshan County and Pei County have four, and they are more succulent than carp from the Yellow River. When the Yellow River changed course, it diverted the Si River channel to the sea, and over time, erosion formed Weishan Lake. This change provided a unique habitat for the growth of the four-hole carp, though they remain rare.

　　On October 29, 1952, Chairman Mao Zedong, accompanied by Luo Ruiqing and Xuzhou Mayor Zhang Guangzhong, climbed Yunlong Mountain. When discussing the local specialties of Xuzhou, Chairman Mao said that Xuzhou’s four-hole carp is renowned throughout the country. During the meal, the chef specially prepared a dish of four-hole carp, which Chairman Mao praised highly, saying it truly lived up to its fame.

　　During the 1990 Spring Festival, the Xuzhou Poetry Association hosted an event for overseas poets at Yan Chun Yuan Restaurant, where a dish of sweet and sour four-hole carp was served. Someone tasted it and immediately composed a poem: “The fish leaps joyfully to welcome guests, its four holes open wide in delight. Spring fills Pengcheng, intoxicating all visitors, with flavors sweet, sour, crisp, and tender—simply delightful.” It captures the crispy yet tender texture and rich sweet-and-sour taste of the sweet and sour four-hole carp.