Fujian Cuisine: Min Food, Seafood, Soups & Red Koji

What Is Fujian Cuisine?

Min cuisine brings together coastal and inland food traditions in Fujian. The culinary college identifies Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen styles and describes the importance of seafood alongside mountain produce. The provincial Foreign Affairs Office notes that the cuisine also absorbed food traditions from other parts of Fujian, including Hakka dishes.

Sources: Qingdao Vocational and Technical College of Hotel Management · Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial People’s Government · CGTN

Fujian Soups and Characteristic Seasonings

The provincial museum introduction highlights red koji rice, sugar and vinegar, with soup occupying a central place. Sweet, sour, salty and savory elements can appear together. Steaming and braising are prominent methods in the college’s account. This combination of ingredients and formats explains why Fujian food should not be described simply as seafood with one universal sauce.

Sources: Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial People’s Government · CGTN · Qingdao Vocational and Technical College of Hotel Management

Traditional Min Dishes to Know

Fotiaoqiang, often translated as Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, is a celebrated rich soup combining seafood and other ingredients. The museum introduction also names litchi meat, chicken steamed with rice wine, shrimp wrapped with ham and dried scallops cooked with turnip. Soups, steamed dishes and savory accompaniments provide several ways to explore Min food.

Sources: Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial People’s Government · CGTN

Flavor and Texture at a Glance

• Seafood and inland mountain ingredients both shape the repertoire.
• Soups are a defining format, not only a side dish.
• Red koji rice, sugar and vinegar are notable seasonings.

Common Ingredients

• Seafood
• Mushrooms and bamboo shoots
• Red koji rice
• Sugar and vinegar
• Rice wine

Common Cooking Methods

• Steaming
• Braising
• Soup-making
• Stir-frying

Sources and Further Reading

• Fujian CuisineQingdao Vocational and Technical College of Hotel Management · Checked 2026-10-08
• Fujian Cuisine Museum Opens to Promote Local Culinary CultureForeign Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial People’s Government · CGTN · Checked 2026-10-08