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As the Chinese New Year approaches, the Tanka fishermen of Hainan prepare a feast that reflects their rich maritime heritage. Central to their celebration is the Plum-Scented Fish, a delicacy made from sun-dried salted fish that captures the very essence of their culture.
This traditional dish is carefully crafted, the fish preserved and dried under the warm Hainan sun, absorbing the subtle fragrances of the sea breeze and nearby plum orchards. The result is a savory treat with a unique aroma that evokes memories of generations past.
No Tanka New Year’s Eve feast is complete without pairing the Plum-Scented Fish with a steaming bowl of flavorful pufferfish congee. This combination elevates the meal to new culinary heights, blending textures and flavors that delight the senses and honor ancestral traditions.
For the Tanka people, these dishes are more than just food—they are a celebration of their identity and a way to connect with their heritage during the most important festival of the year. The feast brings families together, strengthening bonds and passing down cherished customs to the next generation.
As they welcome the new year, the Tanka fishermen of Hainan continue to preserve their unique traditions, sharing their culture’s flavors and stories with the wider world.
