Tea-flavored delicacies like Tea Scented Chicken, Tea Shrimp Stir-fry, and Tea-infused Pastries have become increasingly popular, blending tradition with innovation. These dishes, paired with exquisite porcelain tableware, add elegance and depth to dining experiences, whether at home, in creative restaurants, or at prestigious banquets. The harmonious pairing of fine tea with fine porcelain exemplifies the seamless integration of taste, artistry, and cultural heritage.

　　This year, the regions of Anxi and Dehua, renowned for their centuries-old tea and porcelain traditions, jointly hosted the Quanzhou National Chic: Anxi-Dehua Tea and Porcelain Integration Event. This initiative not only strengthened the local tea and porcelain industries but also expanded their scope, fostering cross-industry collaborations. Notably, this fusion of tea and porcelain is also vividly reflected in culinary innovation.

　　Innovative Stir-fried Tea Leaves (Courtesy of Anxi Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau)

　　Handmade Soup Noodles with Tieguanyin Tea (Courtesy of Anxi Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau)

　　Culinary Heritage with a Twist

　　Historically, tea has been more than a beverage—it has enriched cuisine through unique flavours and techniques. In Anxi, the home of Tieguanyin tea, the tradition extends from brewing tea to integrating it into daily meals. From grinding tea leaves into powder to create desserts like tea rice cakes and dumplings, to slow-cooking aged Tieguanyin tea with pork belly or chicken, Anxi residents have mastered the art of infusing tea into their cuisine. One standout dish, Crispy Tea-Infused Pork Intestines, combines the rich aroma of tea with a delightful texture, showcasing the ingenuity of tea-based gastronomy.

　　Dishes from the Qingyuan Tea Banquet (Photo Courtesy of Interviewee)

　　Modern Takes on Tea Cuisine

　　Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin abound with innovative recipes and videos featuring tea-flavored dishes. Creators share unique ideas that captivate audiences, sparking lively discussions and inspiring home cooks. In restaurants, tea-inspired dishes are a growing trend. Some establishments highlight individual tea-based items, while others offer full tea-themed dining experiences, turning these culinary creations into signature attractions.

　　Selected "Nan'an Kiln" Tableware for Nan'an "Chengong Family Feast" (Archival Image)

　　A Tea Banquet Steeped in History

　　At the Chunshan Lingyan National Arts Pavilion in Quanzhou, the Qingyuan Tea Banquet takes diners on a historical and cultural journey. This banquet is divided into three themes: Tea Fragrance of the Maritime Silk Routes, Famous Teas of Fujian, and Quanzhou’s Treasures. Each dish not only showcases meticulous craftsmanship but also embodies deep cultural significance. For instance, the Dragon Dumpling with Oysters pays homage to the Northern Song Dynasty’s tribute tea tradition, while the Tea-Infused Nine-Section Pudding celebrates Quanzhou’s maritime heritage and its global export of tea and porcelain. All dishes are served on elegant Dehua white porcelain, with stories of Quanzhou's tea and porcelain history shared with diners.

　　Official Porcelain for the 19th China-ASEAN Expo Banquet: "Lixing Nanguo" (Photo Courtesy of Interviewee)

　　Culinary Partnerships and International Showcases

　　Local culinary brands further integrate tea with regional porcelain, such as the Success Banquet in Nan'an, which uses locally crafted "Nan’an Kiln" ceramics. These tableware pieces are inspired by cultural landmarks, like the Wuli Bridge, creating a multi-dimensional representation of Nan’an’s heritage. Similarly, Dehua’s Porcelain Feast merges premium ingredients with its famous white porcelain to deliver a sensory delight.

　　Dehua white porcelain has also gained global recognition, gracing state banquets such as the China-ASEAN Expo and the BRICS Summit. “Porcelain enhances the appeal of food, while food brings life to porcelain,” explains Guo Jianzhou, Chairman of Wuzhou Imperial Porcelain. Over the years, Wuzhou has crafted bespoke porcelain tableware for diplomatic events, showcasing a unique blend of China White aesthetics and poetic artistry. This innovation has elevated Dehua porcelain from daily use to a symbol of cultural sophistication on the global stage.