Zhejiang Ocean University in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, hosted a yellow croaker festival on Jan 7, offering a unique culinary experience with 18 different yellow croaker dishes.

Students attend the yellow croaker festival at Zhejiang Ocean University on Jan 7. [Photo provided by Shen Jiadi for Tide News]

The highlight of the event was the fish itself: the Daiquyang strain of large yellow croaker, bred by the university using its own ecological cage culture technique.

A close-up of braised yellow croaker with pickled mustard greens. [Photo provided by Shen Jiadi for Tide News]

The festival featured dishes ranging from traditional options such as braised yellow croaker with pickled mustard greens to innovative offerings like black pepper pan-fried yellow croaker. After tasting the dishes, students and faculty expressed their enthusiasm. One student praised the tender and crispy texture of the black pepper pan-fried fish, while an international student from Russia was impressed by the richness of Chinese culinary traditions.

A close-up of Sichuan-style boiled yellow croaker. [Photo provided by Shen Jiadi for Tide News]

Following the festival, the university canteen will continue to offer yellow croaker dishes, aiming to establish a regular supply system based on feedback from students and faculty.

The university hopes such events will not only enrich the dining experience but also highlight its research strengths in the marine field and promote a deeper appreciation of seafood culture.