Assorted Stew, also known as "Su Guo," likely originates among porcelain kiln workers, who stew a mix of ingre…
Assorted Stew, also known as "Su Guo," likely originates among porcelain kiln workers, who stew a mix of ingredients together in large pots. It is later refined by a woman surnamed Su, but the dish's name comes not only from her, but also from its long simmering time and heavy use of vinegar, which leaves the fish tender and the meat meltingly soft. Folklore further embellishes its origin, crediting its invention to Su Xiaomei, the fictional sister of the famed Song Dynasty gourmet Su Dongpo. Though not a historical figure, Su Xiaomei lives on as a symbol of culinary wit and feminine ingenuity.