A Third-Generation Rural Chef Redefining Culinary Traditions

　　From Humble Beginnings: A Journey Fueled by Passion

　　Xu was born into a family where culinary skills were a treasured inheritance, passed down through three generations. The tradition began with his grandfather, refined by his father, and is now championed by him. At the age of 18, Xu started assisting his father at rural banquets, where he first discovered his passion for cooking. While his early tasks involved washing vegetables and preparing ingredients, his father’s meticulous mentorship revealed the artistry behind every step.

　　By 25, Xu was ready to take the lead in the kitchen. He fully immersed himself in the culinary world, dedicating his life to rural cuisine. Guided by his family’s expertise, he mastered intricate techniques while embracing the essence of rural cooking: delivering the comforting flavours of home to every guest.

　　Not one to rest on his family’s laurels, Xu ventured beyond his comfort zone. He traveled internationally to expand his culinary horizons, immersing himself in diverse cuisines and culinary traditions. Participating in global competitions, he combined techniques and flavours from around the world with his family’s heritage recipes. From intricate plating to innovative flavour pairings, Xu continues to inject modern creativity into age-old traditions, enriching the rural culinary landscape.

　　Crafting Excellence Through Teamwork and Precision

　　For Xu, a successful banquet is the result of flawless teamwork. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, he carefully organizes his team, assigning tasks based on individual strengths. For instance, chefs with exceptional knife skills focus on ingredient preparation, while others skilled in heat control handle critical cooking steps.

　　Xu’s attention to detail extends to every phase of preparation. He oversees ingredient selection, plans workflows, and coordinates service timing to ensure perfection. A remarkable example of his leadership was a banquet with 380 tables, all served within 90 minutes. The feat required meticulous planning and flawless execution, highlighting Xu’s ability to harmonize tradition with modern efficiency.

　　Honouring Tradition: The Enduring Appeal of Handmade Cuisine

　　In an age dominated by pre-prepared foods, Xu remains committed to the art of handmade dishes. He believes that the warmth and authenticity of handcrafted cuisine are irreplaceable. From traditional Minnan snacks to heritage dishes and rare handmade delicacies, Xu upholds the highest standards of quality.

　　Every banquet is meticulously prepared, with Xu selecting the freshest ingredients and beginning his work a day in advance. His dedication ensures that each dish not only delights the palate but also captures the soul of traditional rural cuisine.

　　When asked about passing down the family craft, Xu takes a modern approach. He emphasizes that true inheritance is about more than just technique—it is about fostering a love for the culinary arts and a commitment to excellence.

　　Bridging Tradition and Innovation

　　Rural chefs play a vital role in preserving the cultural and social fabric of their communities. By blending tradition with innovation, Xu Zipeng exemplifies how culinary arts can adapt while staying true to their roots.

　　Reflecting on his journey, Xu shares, “When guests praise our dishes at the end of a banquet, all the hard work feels worthwhile.” Through his passion and perseverance, Xu is redefining rural cuisine, proving that age-old traditions and modern creativity can coexist to create something truly extraordinary.