Smells hellish, tastes heavenly: Stinky Mandarin Fish

Stinky Mandarin Fish may not be a name to make the mouth water, but don’t be put off: This unique delicacy from Anhui Province is sure to appeal to the taste buds.

Welcome to Anhui, gateway to China’s past and future

The dish, made with freshwater fish, is stinky for good reason – it is traditionally marinated with salt, crammed tight under heavy stones in a barrel and left to ferment for eight days. Why? Traveling merchants 300 years ago loved the fish so much they wanted to take it back to their families, and were desperate to prevent it from rotting.  

(CGTN Photo)

The texture and flavor of the meat are transformed by the process, the flesh firm and packed with unusual tastes. The merchants discovered that when fried with garlic, ginger, soy, and chili, the fish was fit for an emperor – even with the curious smell.

(CGTN Photo)

The Emperor Qianlong, who ruled over China from 1735 to 1796, is said to have been obsessed by Stinky Mandarin Fish – indeed the food was jokingly known as Anhui’s route into the palace.

Mushrooming micro-project targets rural Anhui poverty

In contemporary Anhui, an ancestor to the cook who prepared the emperor’s Stinky Mandarin Fish is keeping the tradition alive. At Chef Zhong’s restaurant in Huangshan, stinky tofu and black mushrooms are also on the menu – but smelly fish is the star attraction.

(CGTN Photo)

CGTN Digital filmed the recipe step-by-step, as the heir to the intangible cultural heritage packed the fresh fish with salt in a barrel before frying and stewing the eight-day preserved meat to create a distinctive culinary delight.

(CGTN Photo)

(CGTN Photo)

Anhui’s signature dishes are a calling card, unique flavors that draw visitors from across China and beyond to experience the province’s traditions, natural beauty, and cultural marvels. 

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela