Thick fish broth and rice noodles

Fish-soup rice noodles are a Wuhan breakfast dish: rice noodles are served in a thick fish broth. “Hutang” describes the broth’s consistency; it does not mean the noodles are cooked into porridge. A Wuhan municipal list of notable dishes names rice noodles, crucian carp, pepper, ginger, scallions, dried shrimp, and pickled mustard greens among common ingredients, though seasoning and toppings vary by vendor.

The fish broth is central to the dish. Wuhan’s official food materials describe the traditional use of fish to make the soup, which is served thick with rice noodles and commonly seasoned with pepper and scallions. The noodles are coated in broth, with pepper and ginger adding warmth. Some shops serve a fried dough stick for dipping, but it is not guaranteed to come with every portion.

This dish is commonly eaten for breakfast and can be paired with snacks such as mianwo. It is usually made with fish, and some recipes also use dried shrimp, so do not assume it is vegetarian. Anyone allergic to fish, shrimp, or other seafood should ask the vendor first; the menu name alone cannot confirm the broth’s ingredients or whether cross-contact occurs.

A bowl of Wuhan fish-soup rice noodles topped with scallions and dried shrimp
Fish-soup rice noodles with scallions and dried shrimp. ZhengZhou · Photo credits ↗
A Wuhan breakfast set with fish-soup rice noodles and a serving of doupi
Fish-soup rice noodles served with doupi for breakfast in Wuhan. Auongkinghe · Photo credits ↗

Useful official references

Check the relevant official service before making arrangements. These links are references, not a guarantee of current services.