Quanzhou Net, March 21 – By Chen Yunqing

　　Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage city, continues to captivate global audiences through its rich cultural and culinary traditions. On March 20, the Honor International Hotel in Shishi hosted an exclusive Quanzhou Culinary Promotion Event, bringing together representatives from business chambers, leading culinary associations, food culture experts, media, and distinguished guests from the 2024 Quanzhou Economic Annual Conference. The event celebrated Quanzhou’s gastronomic heritage, highlighting its unique flavors and international appeal.

　　Unveiling the "Top 10 Quanzhou Culinary Highlights of 2024"

　　The evening began with the premiere of Quanzhou’s UNESCO Heritage: Flavors Across Five Continents, a specially produced video offering a sensory journey into the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. As the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road and a key trading hub during the Song and Yuan dynasties, Quanzhou’s cuisine reflects a dynamic blend of mountain and sea resources, deep historical influences, and a flourishing food industry.

　　Jian Guohong, Deputy Director of Quanzhou’s Bureau of Commerce, announced the Top 10 Quanzhou Culinary Highlights of 2024, which included:

　　The international showcase of Quanzhou cuisine at UNESCO headquarters

　　A Passion for Taste, a Quanzhou food documentary, winning at the Beijing International Film Festival

　　A strategic partnership between the China Cuisine Association and the Quanzhou Municipal Government

　　The launch of the Three-Year Culinary Standards Action Plan (2024–2026)

　　The 2024 Chinese Food Festival, the inaugural China (Quanzhou) Silk Road Snack Festival & International Gastronomy Carnival, and the 6th Snack Industry Development Conference

　　Quanzhou’s first-ever inclusion in the Michelin Guide, with four restaurants receiving stars and ten earning Bib Gourmand recommendations

　　In addition, the event recognized outstanding contributors with the Quanzhou Culinary Industry Excellence Award and the "One County, One Signature Dish" Best Practice Award, further underscoring the city’s achievements in the global culinary landscape.

　　A Cultural Tribute to Quanzhou’s Maritime Legacy

　　A captivating performance of Clouds Over Baiyue, presented by the Quanzhou Arts School, transported the audience back to the bustling Zayton Port, once the largest trading hub of the Song-Yuan era. Through elegant choreography, the performance celebrated Quanzhou’s maritime heritage, setting the stage for an extraordinary culinary experience.

　　A Thematic Banquet Showcasing Quanzhou’s Culinary Heritage

　　The highlight of the evening was the Quanzhou Culinary Heritage Banquet, featuring a carefully curated menu introduced by a traditional Minnan storytelling master. Each dish reflected the city’s deep cultural and historical influences:

　　Appetizers: Su Yi Assorted Delicacies – A selection of small plates inspired by Song Dynasty dining traditions

　　Tea Pairing: Fragrant Oolong – Honoring Quanzhou’s renowned tea culture

　　Starter: Floral Elegance – Scallops with Three Treasures – A fusion of local seafood and Song-era floral aesthetics

　　Soup: Iron Buddha’s Essence – Pigeon and Pork Broth – Showcasing Quanzhou’s mastery of tea-infused cuisine

　　Main Courses:

　　Mountain & Sea Symphony – Braised Local Pork with Abalone – A blend of Dehua pork and Jinjiang abalone

　　Silk Road Voyage – Shrimp in Satay Sauce – A reflection of Quanzhou’s trade-driven fusion of flavors

　　Nostalgic Firewood – Hometown Beef Soup – A beloved dish among the overseas Chinese community

　　Timeless Essence – Steamed Pomfret with Aged Radish – Highlighting balance and refinement in local cuisine

　　Ancient Aromas – Traditional Ginger Duck – A heritage dish deeply embedded in Quanzhou’s culinary traditions

　　Prosperity on a Plate – Mountain Greens with Minced Pork – Celebrating heritage and wellness

　　Signature Noodles: Threads of Continuity – Traditional Noodle Soup & Rice Cakes – Symbolizing perseverance and familial bonds, especially among the diaspora

　　Desserts:

　　One World, One Family – Minnan Four-Fruit Soup – A revitalizing traditional dessert

　　Spring Awakening – Heritage Rice Cakes – A symbol of renewal and prosperity

　　Closing Toast: Aged Tieguanyin – A refined tribute to Quanzhou’s tea legacy

　　Each dish was a testament to the craftsmanship of Quanzhou’s finest chefs. The banquet concluded with a grand presentation by Master Hu Manrong, Executive President of Culinary Operations at Honor Group and a key figure in Chinese gastronomy, alongside his esteemed culinary team. Their dedication to both preserving and innovating Quanzhou’s food culture was evident in every course.

　　Quanzhou’s Culinary Legacy on the Global Stage

　　As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Quanzhou continues to gain international recognition not only for its historical and cultural significance but also for its rich culinary traditions. This event not only celebrated Quanzhou’s gastronomic excellence but also reinforced its position on the global culinary map.

　　With flavors that span continents and a heritage deeply rooted in history, Quanzhou remains committed to preserving its unique culinary identity while embracing innovation—writing a new chapter in its enduring legacy of taste and tradition.