Three Signature Banquets Invite the World to Savour the Flavours of Quanzhou

　　The Feast of Global Encounters, the Zaiton Banquet, and the Floral Feast

“Home Memory” – Hometown Beef Broth

 Floral Feast Signature Dish – Scallops with Three Treasures Platter

 Quanzhou Rice Vermicelli Porridge

　　The Feast of Global Encounters

　　“Where Mountains, Oceans, and Cultures Converge”

　　As the drums marked the beginning of the evening, guests were drawn into a multisensory experience inspired by a Tang dynasty verse: “Clouded mountains and the road to the Baiyue, a marketplace of peoples from ten continents.” The Shijing Banquet of Ten Continents celebrated Quanzhou’s maritime legacy and longstanding openness to the world.

　　“Let us toast with tea instead of wine to this moment of reunion,” announced a host, as the signature Tieguanyin Tea Soup was served. Overseas Chinese guests sipped with emotion, transported by familiar aromas, while international visitors embraced local customs and the stories steeped in Quanzhou’s tea culture.

　　Mr. Wang Xiude, Chair of the China-Japan Economic and Trade Committee of the All-Japan Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations, highlighted Quanzhou as a culinary crossroads shaped by inland Han traditions and maritime Southeast Asian influences. He proposed the branding concept “Maritime Silk Routes Origin, Flavour Ark”, suggesting that the city’s cuisine narrates its long history of cultural exchange. Wang encouraged starting culinary promotion in Southeast Asian Chinese communities before expanding to Belt and Road partner cities, establishing a global narrative rooted in history and flavour.

　　Zheng Pengfei, Vice President of the Chinese Association in Germany and General Manager of Shunmei Group, praised the banquet’s global resonance. “Through the Shijing Banquet, Quanzhou cuisine becomes a bridge to its ceramics, tea, and incense industries,” he said. “Deeper industry integration will elevate Quanzhou’s global cultural identity.”

　　The Zaiton Banquet

　　“Each Dish Tells the Story of a City”

　　The Zaiton Banquet was both a culinary delight and a visual spectacle. Featuring 22 dishes symbolising Quanzhou’s 22 UNESCO-listed heritage sites, the banquet reimagined local flavours as expressions of history and artistry.

　　“From afar it looks like an erythrina flower, but up close it’s a red chilli pepper—how creative!” remarked a guest, admiring the floral centrepieces that echoed Quanzhou’s signature bloom. Italian-Chinese businessman Zhuang Yuwei commented, “European cuisine values presentation, and this banquet is edible art.” Every return to Quanzhou, he noted, rekindles cravings for vermicelli porridge, peanut soup, and satay noodles—taste memories that linger across borders.

　　The banquet began with a Nanyin musical performance and a ceremonial dish-chanting by a bearer of Intangible Cultural Heritage, who narrated the banquet’s three themed chapters. Dishes such as amber-glazed chilled vinegar pork knuckles and shell-shaped sea snails paid tribute to the city’s vibrant maritime past.

　　“Each dish is a story of Quanzhou,” said Malaysian Chinese entrepreneur Mr. Li. “The Zaiton Banquet transforms tradition into innovation, encouraging us to carry the spirit of Quanzhou into the world.”

　　The Floral Feast

　　“A Taste of Home, Rooted in Tradition”

　　Drawing inspiration from the flower-pinning customs of Xunpu women and fusing mountain and maritime elements, the Floral Feast wove together culinary storytelling and cultural heritage. Sixteen artfully prepared dishes conveyed the city’s maritime legacy and the intimate traditions of daily life.

　　“This banquet truly warms the heart,” said Zheng Peizhi, President of the Global Belt and Road Business Association. “Take the Four Treasures of Xunpu Cold Seafood—it's a beautiful reflection of local life. These cultural details are invaluable in building Quanzhou’s international brand.”

　　Qiu Ruijie, Executive Director of Malaysia’s Cat King Durian Trading (Pahang), appreciated the blend of tradition and innovation. “We export nitrogen-frozen durians globally, and this event opens possibilities to introduce premium Malaysian durians into Quanzhou’s gourmet scene.”

　　Organisers shared that the Floral Feast has evolved into a cultural IP, with standardised versions now ready for international promotion. Collaborations with overseas Chinese communities are set to bring this banquet—and Quanzhou cuisine—to a broader global audience.

　　As a flagship of cultural tourism and soft diplomacy, the Floral Feast will continue to foster regional development while serving as a symbol of Quanzhou’s welcoming and culturally rich identity.