Jiangnan Chrysanthemum Fire Pot (Ju Hua Guo / 菊花锅)
Suzhou and Hangzhou, Jiangnan — autumn seasonal tradition
An exquisite Jiangnan hot pot using fresh chrysanthemum petals scattered on the clear broth surface — as the diners cook thin slices of seafood and delicate tofu in the pot, the chrysanthemum petals drift and perfume the broth. The dish is seasonal (chrysanthemum blooms in autumn) and is associated with Suzhou and Hangzhou refinement. The clear chicken broth should be as transparent as water.