A Dish Fit

For The Emperor

Suzhou, China

Looks like a squirrel, tastes like a fish. Why, it's the Squirrel Fish! When in Suzhou, you must try out this delectable imperial dish. The story goes that Emperor Qian Long was visiting south Yangtze when he came upon a luscious carp swimming in a lake. He ordered the carp cooked for him. The imperial chef is caught in quandary. The carp is considered a "holy fish" in those parts and yet to defy the Emperor's command means certain death. He came up with a brilliant dish, turning the carp into the look of a squirrel. The tail and the flesh, sliced all over, stood up after being deep-fried. Sweet sour sauce is poured all over it to give it the orange color. The fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and tastes nothing like squirrel. Not that I have ever tasted squirrel.

Today, it is a dish not to be missed when visiting Suzhou. In fact, I always have it when I'm in Suzhou which is several times a year. It is served in many restaurants but we would recommend Ter Yeh Lo at Causeway Bay in Suzhou.