Hu Xiansheng Xiangbao Yu

Hu Xiansheng Xiangbao Yu (胡先胜香爆鱼) is a small local deli at 717 Huayuan Road in north Kunshan, Suzhou municipality, Jiangsu province, China, about 10 metres from the Chengbei market. It sells fragrant fried fish (香爆鱼), a classic Kunshan cold dish, by the bag for takeaway rather than serving meals at tables.

Xiangbao yu is a staple of Su-style cooking in southern Jiangsu. Fish pieces are deep-fried until crisp, then soaked in a sweet-savoury soy-based marinade so that the flavour penetrates the flesh while the surface stays slightly firm. It is eaten cold or at room temperature as a snack, a side dish with rice or congee, or a gift to take home. The dish is also a common companion to Kunshan's red-oil noodles, which often feature a fried fish topping.

The setting is a market-side shop counter. There is no dining room, no wine or drinks programme, and no dress code; customers choose by weight or bag, pay and leave. The atmosphere is that of a busy local market street, with the best stock available in the morning when residents shop for the day's meals. Because the product is a prepared food rather than a restaurant meal, service is fast and the experience takes only a few minutes.

No reservations are taken, as the shop is takeaway only. Prices are low, at roughly CNY 15 (about $2.2) per person, and a bag is enough for a snack or a side for two. Visitors staying in Kunshan can buy a bag to take back to their accommodation or on a train. Opening hours are not documented, so checking Dianping (大众点评) or Amap before visiting is sensible, and the fish is best eaten the same day it is bought.