Fish balls (鱼丸, yúwán) are the signature street food of Wenzhou, made from ground yellow croaker fish mixed with starch and hand-pounded into a smooth, elastic paste. The Wenzhou version is considered distinct from fish balls elsewhere in China: the texture is firmer, the fish flavour cleaner, and the cooking is typically simple — served in a light clear broth with spring onion and white pepper, without heavy seasoning that would mask the seafood quality.
Stalls selling fish balls are found throughout the city, particularly in the old markets and the lanes near Jiangxin Island wharf. They are typically served in a small bowl as a snack or light meal. The quality varies: the best versions use fresh local fish, the indifferent ones use industrial-processed paste. Look for stalls where the balls are clearly hand-formed and the broth is made to order. A bowl costs next to nothing.