Featured Experts:

　　Hu Manrong – Executive Vice Chairman, China Culinary Association Master Chefs' Committee; Chairman, Fujian Culinary Association Master Chefs' Committee

　　Yang Weifeng – Expert Advisor, Quanzhou's "City of Gastronomy" Bid

　　Cai Wanyan – Founder, Quanzhou Tea Time Cultural Communication Co., Ltd.

　　Wang Jingqiang – Director, National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Tourism, Huaqiao University

　　Quanzhou Flavour Festival: A Feast of Global Encounters

　　"Quanzhou Savour, Global Flavour"—The bustling crowds along Zhongshan Road reflect the city's rich culinary heritage. (Photo by Wang Yujing)

　　This Issue's Topic:

　　How can we elevate Quanzhou's culinary identity beyond the "One County, One Signature Feast" initiative?

　　Host: Wang Yujing

　　Quanzhou recently launched a market-driven strategy to promote the "One County, One Signature Feast" initiative. Counties and districts have responded with themed restaurants and culinary events, strengthening their regional food brands. In pursuit of Quanzhou's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, experts and cultural ambassadors have drawn inspiration from the ancient verse:

　　With this vision, the city aims to craft a Quanzhou Signature Banquet—a culinary experience that best embodies the theme "Quanzhou Savour, Global Flavour."

　　A Culinary Vision for Spring

　　Host:

　　With the "One County, One Signature Feast" initiative gaining momentum, what additional steps can further enhance Quanzhou's culinary identity?

　　Hu Manrong:

　　A city-level Quanzhou Signature Banquet is essential to complement the regional feasts. We have already developed an initial concept—a curated twelve-course menu featuring:

　　· Timeless local specialties such as Ginger Duck, Beef Broth, and Runbing Rolls—each evoking nostalgic flavors of Quanzhou.

　　· Innovative fusions, like a Tieguanyin-infused consommé, blending the delicate aroma of tea with a rich broth—an homage to the saying, “A fine tea is like a beautiful woman.”

　　· Artistic presentations, including a delicately arranged starter of scallops, cherry radish, and bamboo shoots—reminiscent of traditional hairpin floral arrangements.

　　Beyond taste, we aim to craft a visually and culturally immersive dining experience, ensuring that each dish pays tribute to Quanzhou's rich heritage.

　　Yang Weifeng:

　　A banquet that represents Quanzhou's UNESCO-listed heritage must highlight our Maritime Silk Road legacy and Citong culture.As part of Quanzhou's bid for City of Gastronomy recognition, we envision a feast that tells the city's story—from its Tang Dynasty trade routes to its Golden Age during the Age of Exploration.

　　Our menu will incorporate influences from Islamic cuisine, Nanyang migrant flavors, and centuries-old spice traditions. These"flavors of time"will take center stage in the Quanzhou Signature Banquet, set to debut in the Year of the Dragon alongside regional feasts—further cementing Quanzhou's identity on the global culinary map.

　　Flavors of Land and Sea in One Banquet

　　Host:

　　What defining elements will be featured in the final banquet presentation?

　　Yang Weifeng:

　　To capture the vibrancy of “A Feast of Global Encounters,”the banquet will embrace Song-Yuan era traditions. Following historical customs, we will introduce a prelude course-a visually striking arrangement of Quanzhou's signature pastries, designed to be both admired and savored.

　　Hu Manrong:

　　The twelve-course banquet will strike a balance between tradition and innovation. We will feature:

　　·Local treasures such as Dehua pork, Weitou abalone, and Tieguanyin tea.

　　·Authentic ingredients like handmade noodles, fresh ginger, and seasonal produce, sourced directly from Quanzhou.

　　This banquet will showcase Quanzhou's diverse culinary landscape—from native flavors to overseas Chinese influences—blending nostalgia with contemporary reinterpretations.

　　Cai Wanyan:

　　Beyond the dishes, the banquet experience will incorporate elements of Quanzhou's artistic and cultural heritage. Expect:

　　·Silk and ceramic table settings, reflecting the city's historical craftsmanship.

　　·Traditional Nanyin music performances.

　　·Interactive storytelling that brings Quanzhou’s rich history to life.

　　Wang Jingqiang:

　　Quanzhou cuisine is defined by its freshness and refined balance. The banquet structure will follow an elegant progression:

　　1.Cold appetizers to awaken the palate.

　　2.Main courses and soups showcasing deep, layered flavors.

　　3.Staple dishes to provide a satisfying conclusion.

　　4.Desserts and broths for a memorable, harmonious finish.

　　This thoughtful balance of taste and presentation embodies Quanzhou's deeply rooted culinary philosophy.

　　Experiencing Quanzhou Through Taste

　　Host:

　　Beyond the banquet, how can we amplify the global impact of“Quanzhou Savour, Global Flavour”?

　　Cai Wanyan:

　　The banquet should be an immersive experience-one that goes beyond food to tell a story. Every detail, from the visual presentation to the ambiance, should reflect Quanzhou's unique aesthetics.

　　This means:

　　·Curating specialty tea pairings.

　　·Showcasing intangible cultural heritage performances.

　　·Developing culinary-themed cultural products.

　　Marketing efforts should align Quanzhou's food industry with tourism to ensure sustained international visibility.“Great cuisine is like poetry and painting—its beauty lies in the details.”We want guests to immerse themselves in Quanzhou's rich sensory world and leave with a lasting emotional connection.

　　Wang Jingqiang:

　　A multisensory approach will make the banquet adaptable to different occasions—whether weddings, business events, or cultural showcases. By integrating themed elements, from ceramic tableware to floral arrangements, we can enhance Quanzhou's distinctive identity.

　　Drawing inspiration from Song-Yuan era banquets, we can design:

　　·High-end feasts for dignitaries and cultural ambassadors.

　　·Intimate private dining experiences that highlight Quanzhou's culinary artistry.

　　·Grand cultural receptions, where food serves as a bridge between history and modernity.

　　Yang Weifeng:

　　Quanzhou's cuisine is more than just its flavors—it embodies the people, culture, and history behind it. From the Song and Yuan Dynasties to the present, our culinary traditions have been shaped by scholars, monks, and master chefs.

　　The Quanzhou Signature Banquet will reflect this living history, celebrating the city's seamless blend of heritage and innovation. Through taste, we hope visitors will fall in love with Quanzhou—its past, its present, and its timeless charm.

　　Editorial Note:

　　Quanzhou's Gastronomy—A Feast of Global Encounters

　　Quanzhou, a UNESCO-listed heritage city, is rapidly emerging as a culinary hub, harnessing the power of themed banquets to drive both cultural and economic transformation.

　　The Quanzhou Signature Banquet is more than just a meal—it is a manifestation of history, trade, and tradition. With flavors shaped by the Maritime Silk Road trade, this initiative is set to redefine Quanzhou’s position on the global culinary map.

　　As master chef Cheng Zhenfang once said, the soul of cuisine lies in its harmony with nature, culture, and people. From timeless local classics to new global fusions, the banquet promises to be a sensory journey through time—bridging heritage with contemporary innovation.

　　With the world’s eyes on Quanzhou’s "City of Gastronomy" bid, the phrase "Quanzhou Savour, Global Flavour" is no longer just a slogan—it is a reality in the making.