Fotiaoqiang (Monk Jumps over the Wall)

Fotiaoqiang, a traditional famous dish of Fujian Province, is a kind of thick soup cooked with more than 30 kinds of ingredients including shark's fins, sea cucumber, chicken breast, duck meat, tendons of pork, mushroom, abalone and dive eggs, and many other condiments.

1.Why it is called "Fotiaoqiang (Monk jumps over the wall)"
This dish focuses on the selection of ingredients and cutting way and the order of adding ingredients while the soup is being cooked.

Before cooking, all the ingredients should be put into a pot which is once used to store Shaoxing wine, then sealing it with a piece of paper before putting on the lid.

While cooking, the big fire should be used first and then the small fire for boiling.

This dish is delicious and refreshing. A poem writes that, opening the lid, fragrance of meat can be smelled by the neighbors and even the monk will jump over the wall in order to try it. Hence the name.

2. The Origin of Fotiaoqiang​

Fotiaoqiang, also known as Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, has a fascinating origin story. Legend has it that in the late Qing Dynasty, a Fujianese official named Zhou Lian created this dish by combining a variety of expensive ingredients and cooking them in a sealed earthenware pot. The dish was so fragrant that it is said to have made a Buddhist monk, who was observing a strict vegetarian diet, jump over the wall to get a taste. Since then, Fotiaoqiang has become a symbol of luxury and indulgence in Chinese cuisine.​
 

3. Ingredients of Fotiaoqiang​

Fotiaoqiang is a complex dish that requires a wide range of high - quality ingredients. The traditional recipe includes abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, fish maw, pigeon eggs, mushrooms, and various types of meat such as pork, beef, and chicken. These ingredients are carefully selected for their freshness and flavor. In modern times, due to concerns about the sustainability of shark fin and the protection of wild animals, many restaurants have replaced shark fin with other ingredients such as fish collagen or tofu skin.

4.A legend of this dish

Fotiaoqiang, translated into English, means "a monk jumps over a wall". Folklore has it that a monk went to Fujian Province to spread Buddhism during theTang Dynasty (618-907). There was a restaurant near the temple in which he stayed, and the monk could always smell the unique scents from the eatery. Eventually, he couldn't resist any longer, and he jumped over the wall, between the temple and the restaurant, and sampled a dish.
 

5. Cooking Process​

The cooking process of Fotiaoqiang is elaborate and time - consuming. First, the various ingredients are pre - cooked separately to bring out their individual flavors. Then, they are placed in a large earthenware pot along with a rich broth made from chicken, duck, and pork bones. The pot is sealed with a lotus leaf and slow - simmered for several hours, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to meld together and create a harmonious and intense flavor. The slow - simmering process also ensures that the ingredients are cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
 

4. Recommended Places to Try Fotiaoqiang in Xiamen​

4.1. Jufengzhai​

Location: [Exact address here]​

 Jufengzhai is a well - known restaurant in Xiamen that specializes in traditional Fujian cuisine, including Fotiaoqiang. Their version of Fotiaoqiang is made with the freshest ingredients and follows the traditional cooking method. The dish is served in a small earthenware pot, and when the lid is lifted, the rich aroma fills the air. The abalone, sea cucumber, and other ingredients are cooked to perfection, and the broth is thick, flavorful, and full of umami.​
 

4.2. Hao Xiang Lai Seafood Restaurant​

Location: [Address details]​

Cuisine Highlights: This seafood restaurant is another great place to try Fotiaoqiang in Xiamen. They are known for their high - quality seafood, and their Fotiaoqiang features plump abalone, tender sea cucumber, and a variety of other fresh ingredients. The restaurant also offers a modern twist on the traditional dish, with some innovative flavor combinations that add a new dimension to the classic recipe.​
 

4.3. Local Street Food Stalls (in some traditional markets)​

Location: [Names of relevant markets]​

Cuisine Highlights: While Fotiaoqiang is typically associated with high - end restaurants, you can also find a more affordable and local - style version at some traditional markets in Xiamen. These street food stalls may use slightly different ingredients or cooking methods, but they still offer a delicious and authentic taste of Fotiaoqiang. It's a great way to experience the dish in a more casual and down - to - earth setting.​
 

5. Xiamen Food Streets for Further Gastronomic Exploration​

5.1. Zhongshan Road​

• Location: Central Xiamen​
• Opening Hours: Shops and food stalls are generally open from morning until late at night​
   

Zhongshan Road is a bustling commercial street in Xiamen that is also a food lover's paradise. Here, you can find a wide variety of local snacks and delicacies in addition to Fotiaoqiang. Try oyster omelets, which are made with fresh oysters, eggs, and sweet potato starch, and are crispy on the outside and soft and savory on the inside. Another must - try is peanut soup, a sweet and creamy soup made from boiled peanuts, sugar, and sometimes a touch of ginger. There are also many stalls selling fried dough twists, baozi (steamed buns), and various types of cakes.​
 

5.2. Gulangyu Island Food Street​

• Location: Gulangyu Island​
• Opening Hours: Varies by stall, but most are open during the day and into the early evening​
   

Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only offers beautiful scenery but also a unique food culture. The food street on the island features a range of local specialties. Seafood is a major highlight, with fresh fish, shrimp, and shellfish being cooked in various ways. You can also find Xiamen - style spring rolls, which are filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, and vermicelli, and then deep - fried. Another interesting treat is the local ice - cream - like dessert called "Eight - Treasure Ice," which is made with a combination of sweet red beans, mung beans, tapioca pearls, and other ingredients, topped with shaved ice and syrup.​

When visiting Xiamen to try Fotiaoqiang, be prepared to indulge in a culinary adventure. Make sure to bring some cash as some smaller stalls may not accept card payments, and be open to trying new things and exploring the local food culture. Enjoy your food journey in this charming coastal city!