Braised Yellow Fish (Huangmenyu)

Braised yellow fish is one of Kaifeng's most popular traditional snacks: selected grass carp or small crucian carp is first fried, then slowly braised in a spiced broth so the flesh stays tender while soaking up a fragrant five-spice sauce.

A staple of Kaifeng's street and market food, it has long been a fixture of the city's famous night markets and stalls, a homely flavor locals grow up eating.

It is usually served fish and broth together in a bowl while hot, often with flatbread dipped in the sauce or eaten with a staple, savory and lingering on the palate.

It is defined by fish steeped in a rich, aromatic five-spice broth and is among the most common snacks at Kaifeng's night markets.