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Master Chef Launches '12 Zodiac Banquet' to Celebrate Taiwanese Culinary Heritage

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Renowned chef Lu Zheng-zhi is hosting a '12 Zodiac Banquet' to promote traditional Taiwanese banquet culture.
  • The event features creative dishes inspired by the Chinese zodiac, using unique ingredients and classic techniques.
  • A Japanese-Taiwanese son-in-law, Hamada Eiji, has signed up to attend with his family from Osaka.

Master chef Lu Zheng-zhi, a celebrated figure in Taiwanese culinary arts, is launching an innovative '12 Zodiac Banquet' to showcase the essence of traditional 'banquet' (ban zhuo) culture. Lu, who has previously won international culinary competitions, designed the feast with a focus on symbolic meaning and cultural resonance.

The banquet presents a series of themed dishes representing the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, from Rat to Pig. Each dish incorporates special ingredients and classic culinary techniques, blending tradition with creativity. The event aims to highlight Lu's mastery and the rich heritage of Taiwanese banquets.

The 12 Zodiac Full Auspicious Banquet

— Lu Zheng-zhiThe name of the special banquet designed by the chef.

Interest in the banquet has been high, with pre-orders flooding in. Notably, Hamada Eiji, a Japanese man married into a Taiwanese family, has registered for the event. He plans to travel from Osaka with his relatives to experience the unique culinary celebration, recalling a memorable Taiwanese banquet he attended for a cross-cultural wedding three years prior.

The banquet is scheduled for the 12th of this month at Shanxi Palace in Guantian District, Tainan. While four dishes – representing the Dragon, Rooster, Horse, and Snake – have been revealed, the remaining eight will be presented as surprises, adding an element of mystery and anticipation for the attendees. The revealed dishes include a 'Dragon' shrimp sandwich, a classic 'Rooster' dish, a 'Horse' imperial consommé, and a spicy eel dish symbolizing the 'Snake' and wealth.

The secret to its deliciousness is the 'golden seconds' of serving it immediately after cooking.

— Lu Zheng-zhiDescribing the preparation of the spicy eel dish, symbolizing the Snake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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