At the table
Eat some fish first for crispness, then spoon up cabbage and broth. Break open each piece and check for bones. Noodles or rice are optional additions; confirm whether you ordered soup alone.
Contains fish and usually soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask which fish is used and whether the coating or broth has other allergens. 土魠 often means Scomberomorus commerson, but market usage also covers related species.
Contains fish and usually soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask which fish is used and whether the coating or broth has other allergens. 土魠 often means Scomberomorus commerson, but market usage also covers related species.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Contains fish and usually soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask which fish is used and whether the coating or broth has other allergens. 土魠 often means Scomberomorus commerson, but market usage also covers related species.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Golden starch-crusted fish chunks in a glossy, lightly sweet-sour cabbage soup. The fish is flaky inside; the crust softens where it meets the thick broth.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Golden starch-crusted fish chunks in a glossy, lightly sweet-sour cabbage soup. The fish is flaky inside; the crust softens where it meets the thick broth.
- How it’s made
- Coat Spanish mackerel pieces with sweet-potato starch and fry. Simmer napa cabbage and fried dried flatfish in water with soy sauce, black vinegar, rock sugar and salt; thicken with starch and add fried fish and crisp garlic just before serving.
Contains fish and usually soy; soy sauce may contain wheat. Ask which fish is used and whether the coating or broth has other allergens. 土魠 often means Scomberomorus commerson, but market usage also covers related species.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Taiwan.
About this regional connection
Taiwan: Fried-fish thick soup is associated with Taiwanese snack shops, particularly Tainan.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有土魠鱼羹吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Taiwanese fried-fish thick soup (tuotuoyu geng)
The contrast between fried fish and thickened soup defines this dish. Adding the fish late preserves a brief crisp edge; cabbage and dried flatfish give the broth sweetness and marine savor.