- Culinary
- Signature Dishes
Nestled within Quanzhou’s verdant landscapes, Luojiang is a region where rivers carve through mountains, shaping a rich tapestry of ecological and cultural heritage. Inspired by this breathtaking scenery, the Luojiang Heritage Banquet is a culinary masterpiece that bridges time-honored traditions with contemporary innovation, weaving together legendary narratives and locally sourced ingredients.
A Taste of Quanzhou’s Culinary Evolution
Quanzhou’s gastronomic heritage reflects its dynamic history. Since the Jin and Southern-Northern Dynasties, the region has absorbed influences from the Central Plains, blending them with indigenous Yue traditions. The simplicity of early coastal diets, the refined palates of Jin aristocrats, and the culinary precision of Southern Song migrants have all shaped a cuisine that is both deeply rooted and ever-evolving. Today, age-old techniques—especially in broths and stews—continue to define local flavors, preserving a legacy passed down through generations.
The Artistry of the Banquet
The Luojiang Heritage Banquet pays homage to Luojiang’s storied past, drawing inspiration from its legendary figures, historic bridges, and natural wonders. Every dish is meticulously crafted to reflect the region’s culinary heritage, seamlessly blending authenticity with a contemporary touch.
Comprising 18 exquisite dishes, the banquet presents an exquisite array of seafood, nourishing broths, heritage snacks, and refined desserts. Signature specialties such as Chenqiao Tofu Soup and Houxi Green Bean Dessert celebrate time-honored recipes, while Heshi Betel Taro and Hongshan Red Sweet Potato—certified geographical indication products—highlight the land’s agricultural abundance.
Adding a global dimension, the banquet embraces the influence of overseas Chinese cuisine. Dishes such as Indonesian Turmeric Rice, Red Curry Coconut Shrimp, Satay Pork Skewers, and Nyonya Kueh reflect Luojiang’s enduring ties to Southeast Asia, showcasing a harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. Medicinal gastronomy also plays a central role, with offerings like Braised Assorted Meats, Nourishing Pigeon and Pork Tripe Soup, and Stir-Fried Pig Liver with MaJia Sauce, embodying the region’s deep-rooted belief in food as both sustenance and remedy.
A Celebration of Maritime & Mountain Bounty
Luojiang’s cuisine is shaped by its geography, where rivers and the sea converge. Signature dishes such as Oyster Meat Soup, Braised Croaker, and Pan-Seared Sturgeon pay tribute to the region’s maritime heritage, while the famed Seven-Colored Soup tells a tale of culinary ingenuity. Originally a humble peasant dish, it has evolved into a refined banquet staple, featuring a luxurious medley of fish maw, dried scallops, sturgeon, shrimp, and golden needle mushrooms. Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Luojiang, it embodies the transformation of simple ingredients into culinary excellence.
Signature Dishes: A Symphony of Flavor
Crystal Sour Infusion
Crystal Sour Infusion – A delicate, translucent tea with a lingering sweetness, crafted from wild sour tea trees cultivated at high altitudes. Its unique fermentation process melds techniques from oolong and black tea, resulting in a layered, mineral-rich flavor.
Seven-Colored Soup
Seven-Colored Soup – A banquet essential with origins dating back to the Qing Dynasty, this opulent stew blends land and sea flavors, symbolizing prosperity and unity.
The Luojiang Heritage Banquet is more than a meal—it is an immersive culinary journey that celebrates the region’s past, present, and future. Through a delicate balance of authenticity and innovation, it captures the essence of this storied land, offering an experience that lingers long after the last bite.