On Lunar New Year’s Eve, the Luoyang Bridge glimmers above the river’s gentle tides, its reflection a timeless whisper of centuries past. Beside this ancient marvel, the bustling Shi Jin Ji · Min Mansion comes alive. Warm light spills from red lanterns, mingling with the steam rising from the kitchen, while the aromas of tradition and festivity weave through the air. Here, the Lunar New Year feast isn’t just a meal—it’s a story told through flavours, bridging generations and cultures.

　　The Prelude: Flavours That Stir the Soul

　　The feast begins with a spread of appetisers that evoke cherished memories. The Jin Xiu Si Pin platter delivers a symphony of textures: the crisp snap of marinated jellyfish, the savoury depth of braised delicacies, and the golden crunch of fried morsels. Each bite brings to life the essence of Lunar New Year, a bridge to moments long past.

　　Then comes the Min-Style Three Joys Fried Combo: crackling spring rolls, fragrant five-spice rolls, and creamy taro puffs. These golden delights recall the warmth of family kitchens, where mothers stir bubbling woks while children wait impatiently, their eyes wide with anticipation.

　　A Taste of Quanzhou: From Mountains to Seas

　　The main courses reflect Quanzhou’s unique geography, its bounty of fertile land and abundant seas, each dish carrying a story rooted in the region:

　　·Black Rice with Red Roe Crab: A harmonious balance of briny roe, tender crab, and nutty black rice, symbolising the deep connection between humanity and nature.

　　·Mantis Shrimp: A vibrant dish celebrating resilience and courage, a nod to Quanzhou’s seafaring heritage.

　　·Steamed Grouper with Fresh Sichuan Pepper: A delicate interplay of oceanic sweetness and the bold zest of mountain spices, a testament to the region’s inclusivity and diversity.

　　·Abalone with Red Beans and Lotus Seeds: A soulful creation blending the richness of abalone with the sweetness of lotus seeds, embodying familial love and festive harmony.

　　These dishes transcend nourishment, weaving stories of survival, adaptation, and unity that echo through time.

　　The Finale: Simplicity with Depth

　　The feast closes with understated elegance:

　　·Sea Clam Soup with Fish: A clear broth that brims with umami, offering comfort and renewal.

　　·Rock Sugar Snow Swallow’s Nest: A delicately sweet dessert that refreshes the palate, leaving a lingering sense of tranquillity.

　　More Than a Feast: A Tapestry of Stories

　　Beyond the food, Quanzhou’s Lunar New Year table becomes a stage for connection. Around it, elders recount tales of bygone celebrations, children peel red envelopes with giddy delight, and toasts are raised to health, prosperity, and togetherness. These shared moments, passed from one generation to the next, anchor families in their cultural identity while adapting to the modern world.

　　Tradition Meets Innovation: Reviving Culture at the Table

　　At Shi Jin Ji · Min Mansion, tradition and innovation entwine seamlessly. Inspired by Song and Yuan dynasty aesthetics, the décor pays homage to Quanzhou’s maritime legacy, transforming each meal into a cultural journey.

　　The menu mirrors this blend of old and new. Traditional recipes are elevated with modern techniques to suit contemporary palates, reflecting Quanzhou’s spirit—a city that honours its past while embracing change.

　　A Taste of Home, Across the Seas

　　For centuries, Quanzhou’s diaspora carried its essence across the oceans, shaped by the rhythms of maritime trade. Yet, during Lunar New Year, the pull of home becomes irresistible. For returning sojourners, the feast by Luoyang Bridge is a taste of belonging—a bridge between worlds.

　　As locals say, “A New Year feast is not just about food—it’s about reunion.” Whether they are seasoned travellers or lifelong residents, all who gather at this table rediscover the ties that bind them to their roots, one bite at a time.

　　A Celebration That Endures

　　Quanzhou’s Lunar New Year feast transcends the ordinary, uniting its storied past with its vibrant present. Each dish is a celebration of the city’s history—from the bustling trade routes of the Song and Yuan dynasties to the enduring tradition of festive reunions.

　　As diners leave the table and glance back at the Luoyang Bridge, its silhouette against the night sky feels like an enduring promise. Though the feast may end, the warmth of Lunar New Year lingers—woven into the rhythms of the city and the hearts of its people.

　　Quanzhou’s New Year feast is more than a culinary experience; it’s a narrative of resilience, renewal, and belonging. Year after year, it shines as a beacon of heritage, unity, and the eternal celebration of home.

　　(By Dr. Wang Qiang, Professor of Foreign Languages and Tourism at Liming University, Columnist for the Philippine Chinese Commercial News on Maritime Heritage & Culture Roots, Author of The Legendary Port of Maritime Silk Routes:Zayton[Quanzhou], and other works.)