History of Shark Fin Soup

History of Shark Fin Soup

Behind every dish is an interesting tale. Through primary research, we discovered that shark fin soup began in the Sung dynasty and is a symbol of wealth and health. Shark fin soup is part of what is known as the “Big 4″ dishes at a traditional banquet dinner where 5-10 dishes are commonly served. They symbolize different things such as prosperity and include:

  1. Abalone [bào]
  2. Sea cucumber [shēn]
  3. Shark fin [chì]
  4. Fish maw [dǔ]

Not everyone insists on getting all four, but shark fin soup is often the most essential dish our of the “Big 4″ for banquet dinners. Shark fin soup is commonly served in two forms:

  1. Individual: Entire fin intact served in individual bowls with a bit of thick broth. This is purchased as dish by affluent individuals, often for special occasions.
  2. “Big bowl” style: Strands of the fin are pulled apart and are mixed with strips of chicken meat, served with a condensed chicken or pork broth. This is put in a large family-style serving bowl and distributed into individual bowls, often when the big bowl reaches the table.

The majority of shark fin soup is served “big bowl” style during banquets or large dinners for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers or business celebrations. However, shark fin soup is most notably served during wedding banquets as a sign of wealth and a demonstration of “mian zi”, or face. Traditionally, at weddings where shark fin soup is served, the groom’s side of the family pays for the wedding. There is a long-established expression that says “if there is no shark fin soup at the wedding banquet, the bride is marrying into a poor family”. This folklore has been so deeply engrained in consumers that it is seen as distasteful, cheap and sometimes disrespectful to not serve one’s guests shark fin soup. Shark fin is also expresses a Chinese tradition to share one’s fortune with your friends and family.

We like to use the metaphor of shark fin being similar to expecting turkey at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Are you a wedding couple? Check out these tools (fact sheets and videos) at our Help Centre.

Help save Harry’s fins and pledge to Stop the Soup!