寻味江南｜舌尖上的“蠡园”
Silverfish (Whitebait) Wontons
Taihu Lake's famous specialty, also known as Kuai Can fish or Wang Yu fish, resembles a jade hairpin in shape. Its flesh is delicate, transparent, and tender as if boneless, with a silver-like color. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, it was hailed as one of the "Three Treasures of Taihu Lake" alongside Mei Ji fish and white shrimp. In the Taihu Lake area, elders tell the tale that Taihu silverfish were transformed from the beautiful Xi Shi, swimming between her hometown and her husband's home in the lake. The fish has a tender texture, rich nutrition, and is scale-free, boneless, and odorless. It can be cooked through various methods such as frying, stir-frying, steaming, deep-frying, mixing, and quick-boiling, all resulting in dishes that are delicious and aromatic. Tao Yuan Ju has innovatively added this delicacy to Wuxi's specialty wontons creating a unique flavor.
Taihu Lake Deep-fried Fish Noodles
Due to the extreme difficulty in preserving anchovies from Lake Tai, which die immediately after being caught and spoil within four to five hours, silver carp, which is relatively easier to store, gradually replaced anchovies in the list of "Three Treasures", thus evolving into the "Three Whites". Although anchovies are scarce, Liyuan Garden won't let you miss out on this delicacy. The fried fish in the Lake Tai Fried Fish Noodles at Taoyuanju is made from anchovies.
Fan Li Crispy Pastry
Fan Li Crispy Pastry is made primarily from premium refined white flour. Skilled craftsmen at Taoyuanju in Li Garden create these pastries through multiple traditional manual processes. The pastries are meticulously crafted and baked over low heat, resulting in a golden surface without any burning. They feature unique shapes, distinct layers, and a crispy, fragrant texture. Both savory and sweet flavors are available to satisfy all preferences.
Xishi Tofu Pudding
As the first of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China, Xishi once traveled with Fan Li on the Five-Mile Lake, establishing an indissoluble bond with Li Garden. From her birth to her retreat, wherever she went, she left behind things, stories, or names that have been commemorated and praised by later generations. The "Xishi Tofu" at Li Garden draws its inspiration from related folk legends. In this world, nothing should be wasted but good food and love. The tender, milky-white tofu is topped with soy sauce and sprinkled with dried shrimp, seaweed, pickled mustard, and other seasonings. Take a gentle spoonful and let it touch your tongue, melting instantly. With a light slurp, the delicate, smooth tofu blended with perfectly seasoned broth slips into your stomach, leaving an endless aftertaste. Come to Taoyuanju to discover the delicious flavors on your tongue!
