Goji Berry and Eel Soup
Goji Berry and Eel Soup (枸杞鰻魚湯) is one of the representative medicinal-style soups found in Taiwanese night markets. It primarily uses goji berries (also known as wolfberries) and eel, featuring a combination of ingredients selected for their nourishing and health-promoting qualities. This dish is mainly served at major night markets, particularly in Taipei City and places such as the Guangzhou Street Tourist Night Market, where it is available at food stalls and small eateries. It is popular not only among local residents but also among tourists. Blending the gentle sweetness of goji berries with the rich flavor of eel, this soup exemplifies the fusion of tradition and modern food culture in Taiwan. It is noted for its deep, savory taste as well as its high nutritional value.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 80 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 5/5/2023
- Food Travel Log
- Overseas, surprising price differences can be found. In Taiwan, eel is cheap and delicious. At a night market, I discovered "Wolfberry and Eel Soup," with fried eel soaking up the sweet wolfberry soup, creating an unknown yet delightful flavor. At 80 NTD (about 365 yen), the cost-performance is fantastic!
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
“Goji Berries and Eel Soup” is a dish symbolizing Taiwan’s traditional night market culture, incorporating medicinal elements into a soup cuisine. This dish is mainly served at modest stalls and eateries in Taiwan, especially in the Guangzhou Street Tourist Night Market in Wanhua District, Taipei. Goji berries (wolfberries) are fruits highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine and are believed to contribute to vitality, beauty, and health maintenance. Meanwhile, eel, widely consumed in both Japanese and Chinese cuisines, is also a popular ingredient in Taiwan thanks to its high nutritional value and delicious taste. The combination of these two ingredients creates a soup with a unique savoriness, sweetness, and richness that is beloved by both locals and tourists.
Origin and Characteristics
This dish developed within the easy-going and popular atmosphere unique to Taiwanese night markets, while based on traditional Chinese medicinal food concepts. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are small red fruits, often used in their dried form in soups and desserts. In China, they are called “gǒuqǐzǐ” (枸杞子) and are believed to have various benefits such as antioxidant effects, immune function enhancement, and vision support.
Eels are sourced from both fresh and saltwater and have long been considered edible in Taiwan. While they can be steamed, simmered, or grilled, the general style at Taiwanese night markets is to deep-fry eels for crispiness before adding them to the soup. The eel’s fat and umami accentuate the subtle sweetness of goji berries, and the battered eel absorbs the soup, resulting in a unique texture and flavor.
Local Service and Price Context
Guangzhou Street Tourist Night Market is a major attraction bustling with activity and serves as a center of traditional food culture. “Goji Berries and Eel Soup” is offered there at a price significantly lower than equivalent eel dishes in other countries—around 80 NTD (about 365 JPY) as of the early 2020s. This affordable pricing is attributed to thriving domestic eel farming and the general popularization of food culture in Taiwan.
Cooking Process and Nutritional Value
| Main Ingredients | Role / Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Eel (fried or simmered) | Rich in protein, fat, vitamins A/B group, DHA/EPA, and other fatty acids |
| Goji berries | Contains polyphenols, vitamin C, carotenoids, and minerals |
| Soup base (chicken bones, pork bones, medicinal ingredients, etc.) | Provides savory flavor and depth, serves as a source of collagen and minerals |
The soup served is based on a rich, slow-simmered stock, with quickly fried eel adding texture and a roasted aroma. Additionally, the goji berries contribute gentle sweetness and vibrant color, making the dish highly satisfying for both the palate and the eyes.
Significance in Modern Taiwanese Night Markets
Taiwan’s night markets are experimental grounds for food culture, where a variety of new and traditional dishes are continually emerging. Among them, “Goji Berries and Eel Soup” stands as a symbolic dish that connects traditional medicinal knowledge with modern cooking techniques. It is recognized as an affordable, highly nutritious, and health-conscious dish, attracting not only local residents but also many tourists.
As one of Taiwan’s representative night market delicacies, it is expected that a variety of versions and adaptations will continue to emerge within the region’s cultural and health-conscious trends.