Eating in China
Generated guide illustration: cooked Demoli fish stew with tofu and potato noodles.

Demoli stewed fish

得莫利炖鱼Démòlì dùnyú

Freshwater fish with tofu and potato noodles

Fish stewed with firm tofu and thick starch noodles.

Heat
Region
Heilongjiang
Type
Dishes
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Share the fish, tofu and noodles. Take small portions of fish and carefully remove bones before eating.

A useful check

Contains fish and soy; seasonings may contain wheat. Fish bones and hot broth need care.

How it may vary

Fish species, bean paste and chili amounts vary. Ask about the actual seasoning if you prefer less chili heat.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Fish choices include carp, crucian carp, grass carp or yellow catfish. Yellow-soybean paste can be used to season the stew.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Savory, with bean paste

Chili heat
Texture
Soft tofu and slippery noodles.
How it’s made
Lightly fry scored fish; stew with aromatics, then add tofu and soaked noodles.

Fish choices include carp, crucian carp, grass carp or yellow catfish. Yellow-soybean paste can be used to season the stew.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Associated with Heilongjiang.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有得莫利炖鱼吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

A fish stew that became a road-trip lunch stop

Demoli village on the road between Harbin and Jiamusi became a lunch stop for its fish stew. River fish, firm tofu and potato-starch noodles simmer together in an iron pot. The tofu and noodles soak up the savory broth, making this a substantial dish to share on a journey.

EATING IN CHINA · THE APP

Get the app

Discover local dishes, understand their ingredients and flavours, and choose what you’d like to try. Explore vegetarian, vegan and kid-friendly food ideas for your China trip.

Food guides, ingredients and trip planning are free.

See what’s in the app