At the table
Share the fish and sauce with rice. Separate small pieces of flesh from the bones before eating; the head, tail and skin may be served with the fish.
Expect fish bones, hot sauce and chili. Beer is used in cooking; do not assume the finished dish is alcohol-free. Check beer and other seasonings if avoiding gluten or particular allergens.
The fish makes this neither vegetarian nor vegan. Chili heat depends on the peppers and quantity used; ask for less chili when ordering. Fish type, oil and seasonings can vary by kitchen.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Carp can be cooked with its scales retained.
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory beer-and-vegetable sauce.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender fish with browned surfaces.
- How it’s made
- Fry fish; add beer and vegetables; reduce sauce.
Carp can be cooked with its scales retained.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangxi.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有阳朔啤酒鱼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A local beer-fish stall grew with Yangshuo’s West Street
One local restaurant story shows how beer fish became tied to Yangshuo’s West Street. Xie Languì opened a street stall on nearby Diecui Road in 1993, at first serving mostly local customers. As West Street tourism grew after 1999, tour guides and bus drivers became part of her clientele, followed by independent travelers.