During a state banquet in Beijing hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping for US President Donald Trump, Huaiyang cuisine is expected to be served.
A Taste of Diplomacy
Huaiyang food originates from the region around Shanghai and is known for its mild flavors, refined knife skills, and seasonal ingredients.
Key characteristics set it apart:
- Lighter than Shandong cuisine
- Not spicy like Sichuanese
- Less reliant on exotic ingredients than Cantonese cuisine
"Huaiyang cuisine is lighter than Shandong cuisine, not spicy like Sichuanese, and less reliant on exotic ingredients than Cantonese cuisine." — Food writer Christopher St Cavish
Iconic Dishes
The menu is expected to feature classic examples of this refined culinary tradition:
- "Lion's head" pork meatballs
- Yangzhou fried rice
- "Squirrel fish" — a deep-fried sweet-and-sour fish
- "Wensi tofu" — tofu sliced into fine, delicate strands
Ingredients & Philosophy
Ingredients are typical of the Yangtze River basin:
- Freshwater fish
- Eel
- Bamboo shoots
The philosophy is simple: minimal seasoning is used to emphasize the natural freshness of each ingredient.
Context
The state dinner took place in November 2017, as noted in the original article's photo caption. The article serves as a general description of Huaiyang cuisine in relation to such high-level diplomatic events.