Chongqing - Ten international students from Thailand and Laos learned first-hand how to make Wuxi grilled fish at the Tasty Chongqing event recently held in Wuxi County in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

Five chefs and ten international students take their positions at the cooking stations, ready to make Wuxi grilled fish, at the Tasty Chongqing event held in Chongqing, China, on September 10, 2023. (Photo/ Land-sea International News Center)

Wuxi grilled fish has a history of more than two thousand years. According to the Chongqing Cultural and Tourism Association, the popular Chongqing-style grilled fish, its special marinade, grilling and continuous heating cooking method, and the use of pickled peppers, ginger, and radish as its basic flavor all originated from Wuxi. On May 6, 2023, the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry awarded the county as the hometown of grilled fish.

Grilled fish with pickled pepper. (Photo/ Land-sea International News Center)

Several chefs demonstrated their skills and made ten classic flavors of grilled fish, such as spicy, pickled, black bean, and green Sichuan pepper grilled fish. The enticing aroma spread along the Daning River, attracting many residents and tourists to come and taste it.

Spicy grilled fish. (Photo/ Land-sea International News Center)

"To make Wuxi grilled fish, the best choice is a grass carp weighing around three pounds that grows in naturally flowing waters. If it is a pond fish from high-density farming, it should be released into running water for over a week to remove any earthy smell." The chefs grilled the fish at the event while sharing their cooking techniques.

International students learn grilled fish techniques from chefs at the Tasty Chongqing event held in Chongqing, China, on September 10, 2023. (Photo/ Land-sea International News Center)

International students recommend Wuxi grilled fish at the Tasty Chongqing event held in Chongqing, China, on September 10, 2023. (Photo/ Land-sea International News Center)

 "The scenery here is beautiful, and the grilled fish is delicious. Sitting by the river, enjoying the breeze, and tasting the food, this trip makes me very happy." Zhang Jun, a student from Laos, said that it was his first time in Wuxi, and the place left a deep impression on him.

Visitors tasted tomato-flavored Wuxi grilled fish. (Photo/ Land-sea International News Center)

At another grill, Chen Chuyun, a student from Thailand, asked the nearby chefs for advice on grilling techniques while observing the process. Chen said that her hometown also has grilled fish, which tastes different from the Wuxi style. This event taught her how to make Wuxi grilled fish and bring this Chinese delicacy back to her hometown for her parents to taste.

International Students taste Wuxi grilled fish. (Photo/ Land-sea International News Center)

In addition to the international students present at the event, the live broadcast allowed netizens from around the world to "taste" this thousand-year-old delicacy. The unique charm of Wuxi grilled fish has sparked interest and received praise from many online users.