海王烤魚

At the end of the bustling Nanjichang Night Market, there is a popular stall called "Sea King Grilled Fish," which has recently gained fame after winning first place on the television show "Night Market King." This stall specializes in whole grilled fish. Although there is quite a queue, the efficiency of service is impressive. This time, I was very lucky and received my steaming hot grilled fish almost immediately after ordering, filled with anticipation as I found a spot to sit down.

The grilled fish is truly impressive in portion size, served whole with plump, juicy flesh, giving a ceremonial feel of "tonight we eat fish" as soon as it hits the table. The vendor skillfully splits the fish skin beforehand, making it easy for customers to enjoy the fish meat directly—a very thoughtful touch!

The doneness of the fish is perfectly controlled, with a slightly crispy skin and tender flesh that retains moisture. When paired with the lemon juice and pepper salt on the table, it accentuates the fish's natural sweetness and the aroma of the charcoal grilling. A light spritz of lemon juice balances the richness, and a dip in pepper salt elevates the flavor, making it just right—not overly salty but perfectly seasoned.

What surprised me the most was that the belly of the fish was stuffed with garlic. After being roasted over charcoal, the garlic had completely softened, melting in the mouth without being pungent or spicy, instead offering a mild sweetness and fragrance. When combined with the fish, it creates an unexpectedly harmonious pairing and can even be considered one of the soul elements of this dish. For fans of garlicky flavors, this is definitely a bonus! 🧄

The portion of this grilled fish is quite large, so if you're dining alone, it might be too much. However, sharing it between two people is just right—not only can you eat and chat, but it also prevents you from getting tired of the same flavor. There aren’t too many bones, and it’s overall prepared cleanly and neatly, so even those who aren’t professional fish eaters can enjoy it with ease!

The dining process at "Sea King Grilled Fish" is to pick up your order before finding a seat. Since the stall is located at the end of the night market, it’s relatively less crowded, and there is enough seating available. However, it is still recommended to avoid peak dining hours to savor the deliciousness at a more leisurely pace. "Sea King Grilled Fish" is a must-try grilled delicacy with great value at Nanjichang Night Market. The fish is fresh and tender, with a delightful garlic aroma—whether you are a tourist or a local foodie, this dish is definitely worth the wait!