By Zhang Rui
YourPace Contributor
FUZHOU, CHINA–Seafood is a famous delicacy in Fuzhou and a symbol of its culture. As a common food supply, seafood inevitably becomes a link between the daily life, community life, and traditional culture of the Fuzhou people. From the labor life of fishing in the early morning to the eating habits during family gatherings and festival celebrations, seafood plays a vital role in shaping the lives of local people.
Every day in Fuzhou, a group of dedicated fishermen set sail to fish before sunrise. Their persistence in this work, day after day, despite the unpredictable weather and various risks, is truly admirable. Their deep-rooted custom of fishing, not just for survival, ties them to their forebears and the sea. Their hard work ensures that fresh seafood appears on time in markets and restaurants every day, sustaining the seafood industry in Fuzhou.
While the fishermen are dedicated to serving the freshest seafood, Tangji, a local restaurateur, is on a mission to preserve and evolve Fuzhou’s culinary heritage. Tang Hanqing, the visionary owner of a renowned seafood restaurant on Sanfang Road, is a pioneer in blending modern culinary innovations with traditional meal customs. He takes beloved dishes like red grouper rice and adapts them to meet modern dietary preferences and tastes. Tang’s restaurant has thrived because it stays true to the essence of Fuzhou seafood culture while meeting contemporary demands. His close ties with local fishmongers ensure that he always has the freshest ingredients for every meal.
Fang Jie, the proprietor of Fang’s seafood, is a key figure in ensuring that fresh seafood is readily available to the local community. For nearly four decades, she has personally selected the freshest catches in Fuzhou’s seafood markets every day. Her market stand serves as a bridge between consumers and nearby fishermen, ensuring that the best seafood is always within reach. Her tireless efforts are instrumental in preserving Fuzhou’s fresh seafood culture and its unifying role in the community.
For the inhabitants of Fuzhou, seafood represents a cultural tie rather than only food. All participants in the seafood business, from fishermen to market vendors to restaurant owners, help preserve and spread Fuzhou’s rich seafood legacy. Seafood in every home is a basic food, a must-have component of celebratory cuisine, and a sign of community. It stands for the link passed down through years between the people of Fuzhou and the sea.
