The large hearth crackles with fire as chefs skillfully wield spoons and spatulas, serving up hot, flavorful, and visually appealing dishes. From appetizers to main courses and soups, every dish is crafted with care. For many locals, this traditional banquet scene encapsulates the essence of Quanzhou’s hometown cuisine culture. As the city’s economy has grown and living standards have improved, the catering industry has flourished, leading to the establishment of the Quanzhou Offsite Catering Industry Association. This organization plays a vital role in preserving the rich traditions of local cuisine and ensuring the continuation of the community’s banquet culture.

　　Quanzhou's rural banquet dishes are constantly innovating, moving towards refinement.

　　A Family Banquet: A Reflection of Economic Growth

　　For the people of Minnan, life is intertwined with banquets. As portrayed in the popular CCTV show Three Meals, Four Seasons, this phrase captures the heart of Quanzhou's culinary life. Quanzhou's hometown cuisine began to take shape in the 1950s and 1960s, gaining widespread popularity by the 1980s. The rise of this culture is closely tied to the growing economy, especially the return of overseas Chinese.

　　Innovation and Refinement in Quanzhou Banquet Dishes

　　Over time, Quanzhou’s banquet offerings have become increasingly refined, featuring dishes such as rice cakes, five-spice rolls, vinegar pork, mackerel soup, steamed crabs, and deep-fried fish ball soup. These dishes, often served at family reunions, are imbued with nostalgia for those returning from abroad. Three Meals, Four Seasons highlights a reunion banquet as the pinnacle of Quanzhou's culinary tradition.

　　“In many ways, the history of Quanzhou’s banquets reflects the region’s economic development,” said Wang Hongfu, president of the Quanzhou Catering Industry Association. Banquets are held for a wide range of occasions—ancestor worship, sibling reunions, weddings, corporate appreciation events, housewarmings, and birthdays.

　　The Quanzhou Offsite  Catering Industry Association regularly organizes industry training and exchange events.

　　The Rise of Hometown Chefs

　　The demand for these banquets led to the rise of Quanzhou’s hometown chefs. Initially, villagers skilled in cooking were called upon to help with family events, but this informal tradition eventually evolved into a professional industry. According to Wang Hongfu, “In the early days, there was no formal concept of hometown chefs, but gradually, the community began to recognize them as professionals.” By the early 21st century, Quanzhou’s hometown cuisine began to industrialize, paving the way for brand development.

　　From Certificate to Brand

　　Wang Hongfu has witnessed firsthand the transformation of Quanzhou’s hometown cuisine. From his childhood, when he learned to cook simple meals while his parents worked at sea, to his rise in the restaurant industry, Wang’s journey is deeply intertwined with the growth of Quanzhou’s culinary sector. By 2007, he had opened Wanjing Seafood Restaurant, which quickly expanded. His first catering experience came unexpectedly when a family in Qiaonan requested him for their wedding banquet. Despite initial chaos, the food was a success, sparking his passion for catering services.

　　Wang's restaurant later became the first in the country to receive a "Catering Business License" for offsite catering services, a landmark achievement that signaled the official entry of the catering industry into the mainstream.

　　The Quanzhou Offsite  Catering Industry Association organizes large-scale supply chain exhibitions.

　　Commitment to Industry Growth

　　As Quanzhou’s catering industry grew, so did the professionalism of its chefs. The Quanzhou Catering Industry Association, founded in 2018, has played a key role in supporting industry development, offering training programs and creating operational standards. In 2017, the Quanzhou Market Supervision Administration released China’s first guidelines for food safety in catering services. Wang Hongfu was re-elected president of the association in 2023, continuing his commitment to fostering a professional, regulated catering environment.

　　“Our mission is to ensure the government feels secure, the public feels safe, and the chefs feel supported,” said Wang. The association provides platforms for chefs to enhance their skills and build their brands, while continuing to innovate in the local Minnan cuisine.

　　Future Vision: Expanding the Industry Chain

　　Looking ahead, Wang Hongfu is confident about the future of Quanzhou’s catering industry. The association aims to integrate resources from over 10,000 workers across 3,000 catering teams, transitioning from informal operations to a more structured and collaborative approach. In addition to hosting food safety training, the association plans to create a trusted platform for customers to rate chefs and contribute to quality control. It will also promote famous chefs, dishes, and restaurants, with the goal of securing Quanzhou's place as a "Hometown of Chefs" and earning "City of Gastronomy" status.

　　Through these efforts, the Quanzhou Catering Industry Association continues to preserve and expand Quanzhou’s hometown cuisine, ensuring its legacy for future generations.