Guizhou Fish Mint Salad: Crisp, Herbal Cold Dish from Guizhou Cuisine
When a plate of white crunchy roots dusted with chili powder is placed on the table, a distinctive aroma instantly rises — that’s Guizhou Fish Mint Salad, a refreshing dish that invites you to start a flavor adventure. Its first bite is crisp and cool, followed by a unique earthy, herbal fragrance — the pure taste of Guizhou’s mountains.
1. Origin and History
The use of Fish Mint (Houttuynia cordata) in Guizhou cuisine dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It was first discovered as a wild plant by farmers in the mountain fields. Known for its cooling and detoxifying properties, it gradually became a common ingredient in local diets. In times of scarcity, this free gift from nature often graced Guizhou family tables — a tradition that continues today.
2. Cultural Significance
For people from Guizhou, this salad is more than just a dish — it’s a taste deeply rooted in memory. For those who have left home, the flavor of Fish Mint often brings back the strongest nostalgia. It reflects the Guizhou people’s simplicity and resilience, and it’s also a must-have appetizer when welcoming guests.
3. Ingredient Highlights
Only freshly dug Fish Mint roots are used — white, tender, and complete with fine root hairs. Its distinctive aroma is unlike any other: some describe it as the scent of fresh grass after rain mixed with a hint of fishiness. The ingredients are simple — Guizhou chili flakes, coriander, chopped scallions, and a few seasonings are all it takes.
4. Preparation Process
Wash the roots thoroughly and cut them into short pieces. Soak in salted water for ten minutes to remove the earthy taste. Drain, then mix with chili powder, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Finally, sprinkle chopped coriander and scallions on top. The whole process takes less than ten minutes and preserves the original freshness of the ingredients.
5. Flavor and Texture
Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch. The taste begins sour and spicy, followed by an aromatic, grassy note that spreads through your mouth with a slight bitterness, ending with a gentle sweetness. This complex flavor experience leaves a deep impression on first-time tasters.
6. How to Enjoy
The most authentic way to eat it is as an appetizer — a bite of Fish Mint followed by a bite of rice. It’s also a perfect palate cleanser after rich or oily dishes. Locals love to have it with Guizhou Hot Pot, using its refreshing flavor to balance the spiciness and oil.
7. Dining Tips
You can find Guizhou Fish Mint Salad in almost every local restaurant in Guizhou. Recommended spots include Lao Kaili Sour Soup Fish Restaurant (average cost ¥20–30 per person) or small countryside eateries. When ordering, simply say “Liangban Zhe’ergen.” If you’re new to it, try a small portion first. Spring is the best season when Fish Mint is most tender.
8. Traveler Tips
In English, this dish is often called Fish Mint Salad. If it’s your first time, take small bites and give it three chances: the first might surprise you, the second starts to grow on you, and by the third, you may fall in love with it. If the aroma feels too strong, ask for extra chili and vinegar to balance the flavor.
9. Easy Home Version
At home, you can substitute Fish Mint with cucumber or radish strips. Mix them with chili oil, vinegar, and sugar sauce for a similar refreshing taste. While it can’t fully replicate the authentic flavor, it offers a pleasant sour-spicy balance. For a closer experience, you can find vacuum-packed Fish Mint roots in Asian supermarkets.
Be brave and try this wild, earthy treasure from Guizhou! It might be one of the most unique ingredients you’ve ever tasted — but that’s exactly why it holds such a special place in Guizhou hearts. Once you embrace its distinctive aroma, you might just discover a whole new world of flavor gifted by nature itself.
