The 9th Huaiyang Cuisine Festival, themed “Jinling Flavors, Huaiyang Elegance,” opened at Holiday Inn Chengdu Century City this week, marking a cross-regional culinary exchange between Chengdu and Nanjing. The event featured celebrated Huaiyang chef Sun Yushu, Executive Chinese and Banquet Chef at Holiday Inn Nanjing Harbour and a recognized inheritor of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, who joined hands with Chef An Shouxin of Golden Century Chinese Restaurant to present an immersive dining experience blending artistry, heritage, and innovation.

 

 

Huaiyang cuisine, one of China’s four major culinary traditions, is known for its refined knife skills, delicate flavors, and elegant presentation. Chef Sun, who has over 25 years of experience, is acclaimed for balancing authenticity with creative modern touches. Each dish he designed for this Chengdu showcase reflected the essence of Jiangnan culture and the craftsmanship behind traditional Huaiyang cooking.

 

 

The event atmosphere blended cultural aesthetics with culinary artistry. Guests enjoyed performances of Kung Fu Tea Art and Guqin music, alongside a recreated Jiangnan-style market featuring Nanjing snacks and regional specialties. A symbolic “calligraphy menu,” written in traditional ink, guided guests through a nine-course tasting journey inspired by classic Jinling dishes.

 

 

Signature highlights included Soft-Shelled Turtle Soup, praised for its freshness and balance, and Braised Eel with Aged Garlic and Rock Sugar, known for its rich texture. The live demonstration of Soft-Fried River Eel, part of the officially recognized Huaiyang culinary heritage, drew particular attention from guests for its precision in heat control and flavor layering.

 

 

Other dishes, such as Eight-Treasure Gourd Duck, Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, and Golden Thread Wontons, showcased the region’s hallmark techniques of delicate wrapping and nuanced seasoning. The meal concluded with Sweet Taro Soup and Jinling Pastry, offering a gentle, nostalgic finish reminiscent of Jiangnan’s autumn charm.

 

 

The Huaiyang Cuisine Festival will continue until December 31, inviting more guests to experience the culinary heritage of eastern China within Chengdu’s dynamic dining scene.

 

 

Holiday Inn Chengdu Century City features 970 guest rooms, diverse dining venues, and extensive business and leisure facilities. Its signature Chinese restaurant, Golden Century, located on the hotel’s second floor, is known for authentic Sichuan cuisine and refined banquet service, making it an ideal venue for both family gatherings and corporate events.

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin