Experiencing the Essence of an Ancient City(Photo by Chen Yingjie)

　　Quanzhou Cuisine: A Journey Through Time

　　Each dish embodies the centuries-old flavours of Quanzhou, whether through the vibrant "colours" that captivate social media, the alluring "aromas" drifting through ancient alleys, the "tastes" that delight the palate, or the "nostalgia" that lingers in the hearts of overseas Chinese. Quanzhou's culinary heritage is a living testament to its history and identity.

　　Quanzhou boasts a rich food culture shaped by influences from Central China, local traditions, and its maritime history. As the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou's cuisine reflects a fusion of diverse influences, resulting in a unique and varied gastronomic landscape.

　　The Zayton Banquet

　　Quanzhou, also known as "Zayton City," flourished as "Zayton Port" during the Song and Yuan dynasties, gaining global recognition as the "Greatest Port of the Orient." The "Zayton Banquet" encapsulates Quanzhou’s maritime trade legacy—past, present, and future—by blending Min-Yue, Central Plains, maritime, overseas Chinese, and religious cultures into 22 meticulously selected dishes, each corresponding to one of Quanzhou's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guests are invited to embark on a culinary journey, celebrating the city’s historic splendour through food.

Savouring Delicacies in a Traditional Southern Fujian Residence(Photo by Chen Yingjie)

　　This banquet narrates Quanzhou’s historical evolution, intertwining elements from various periods, such as the migration of Central Plains elites, Quanzhou’s rise as a commercial hub, and the global voyages of its traders. The 22 dishes—8 appetisers, 11 main courses, and 3 desserts—integrate influences from the Central Plains, Min-Yue, maritime, and Nanyang cultures.

　　The menu follows a thoughtful sequence: appetisers set the stage, hot dishes build intensity, staple foods provide a transition, soups offer balance, desserts add refinement, and fruits bring a fresh conclusion. Each dish delivers a layered experience, inviting guests to savour Quanzhou's profound historical and cultural heritage.

　　Signature dishes include the richly flavoured "Golden Honour," the delicately balanced "Purple Cloud Rising," the crispy yet tender "Golden Brick Prosperity," and the exquisite "Phoenix Swallows Eight Treasures."

　　The 8 appetisers represent Quanzhou’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Licheng old town, paying homage to its Song and Yuan maritime prominence. The 11 main courses reflect cultural diversity and Quanzhou’s modern vibrancy. The 3 desserts symbolise continuity and aspirations for a bright future. Through meticulously crafted flavours, the "Zayton Banquet" unfolds like a historical scroll, inviting guests from around the world to experience the thousand-year-old story of Zayton.

　　Menu: Zayton Banquet

　　A Feast Amidst Ancient Charm

　　Chapter 1: Ancient Port and Zayton’s Culinary Revival

　　Welcoming guests with UNESCO heritage-inspired appetisers.

　　Appetisers (8 dishes representing Quanzhou’s rise as a maritime hub)

　　◆ Zayton in Bloom (Rum & Passion Fruit) – Maritime Trade Office Site

　　◆ Purple Cloud Rising (Blueberry & Purple Sweet Potato) – Kaiyuan Temple

　　◆ Breeze of the Quran (Crispy Bamboo Shoots) – Qingjing Mosque

　　◆ Rhino Gazing at the Moon (Sweet & Sour Jellyfish Head) – Nanwai Imperial Clan Court Site

　　◆ Golden Honour (Chilled Vinegar Pig’s Trotter) – Confucian Temple

　　◆ Pure Heart (Pickled White Radish) – Tianhou Temple

　　◆ Sky & Sea in Harmony (Chilled Sea Snails) – Shunji Bridge Site

　　◆ Golden Brick Prosperity (Golden Fried Tofu) – Deji Gate Site

　　Chapter 2: Maritime Trade and Cultural Fusion

　　Main courses celebrating culinary diversity.

　　◆ Phoenix Swallows Eight Treasures (Stuffed Chicken with Delicacies)

　　◆ Golden Armour Over the City (Nanyang-Style Curry Prawns)

　　◆ Autumn Osmanthus Crab Delight (Specialty Osmanthus Crab)

　　◆ Springtime Elegance (Braised Pork from Chunsheng Hall)

　　◆ Eastern Wall Dragon Pearl (Dragon Eye Fruit Dish)

　　◆ Mountains and Seas United (Fresh Celery & Clams)

　　◆ Boundless Waters (Braised River Eel)

　　◆ Waves of Time (Sandy Trotter in Satay Sauce)

　　◆ Summer Blossoms (Chilled Bitter Melon Slices)

　　◆ Silken Threads of Prosperity (Vermicelli Rice Noodles)

　　◆ Leap of the Golden Fish (Braised Yellow Croaker)

　　Chapter 3: A Sweet Future for Zayton

　　Desserts symbolising tradition and progress.

　　◆ Scholarly Success (Traditional Alkaline Rice Dumplings)

　　◆ Pearl of the Sea (Guan Yin Maritime Silk Road Balls)

　　◆ Endless Legacy (Candied Fruit Medley)

A Culinary Tribute to Maritime Trade(Photo by Chen Yingjie)

　　At the ancient Eastern Wall Temple near Kaiyuan Temple, a rare variety of dragon eye fruit grows, renowned for its patterned shell, thick and crisp flesh, and delicate sweetness. Quanzhou chefs have transformed this local treasure into a signature dish, preserving the essence of its maritime trading history.

　　Autumn Osmanthus Crab Delight: Where Culinary Tradition Meets Culture(Photo by Chen Yingjie)

　　Symbolising the arrival of autumn, this dish features a rich blend of crab meat, pork belly, eggs, and water chestnuts, creating a golden-hued, aromatic masterpiece that has long been a staple of Quanzhou cuisine.

　　Eight Treasures: A Fusion of Flavours and Fortune(Photo by Chen Yingjie)

　　A slow-cooked delicacy featuring stuffed chicken filled with premium ingredients such as mushrooms, abalone, and scallops. This richly flavoured dish embodies auspiciousness and prosperity, making it a cherished tradition in Quanzhou’s culinary heritage.