中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

In Fuzhou, the prestigious brand “Juchunyuan” has been a shining symbol for 160 years. Recently, the reporter interviewed Lu Meisong, a renowned historian, former Director of the Fujian Institute of Culture and History, and Chief Advisor to the Review Committee of the Fuzhou Cultural Research Association. From both historical and cultural perspectives, he delved into the authentic cultural essence embodied by Juchunyuan.

Lu Meisong.

“Juchunyuan is a ‘living fossil’ in the development history of Fujian cuisine. Throughout the long history of Fujian culinary traditions, Juchunyuan has always been a prominent and influential presence,” said Lu Meisong. With many years of experience in the study of Fujian’s local history and culture, he believes that Juchunyuan holds a key and irreplaceable place in the development of Fujian cuisine.

When asked why Juchunyuan has remained vibrant for over a century and continues to flourish in the modern era, Lu Meisong highlighted three key factors:

First, the culinary legacy has been passed down through generations of master chefs. Fujian cuisine has long been known for its focus on “meticulous knife skills and perfect heat control,” and Juchunyuan’s sustained prominence in the culinary world is a result of the dedication of generations of master chefs. Their unwavering commitment to maintaining and passing on their exceptional craftsmanship has been key to the restaurant’s success. Lu Meisong explained, “Taking Fotiaoqiang as an example, from ingredient selection to the lengthy simmering process, it involves dozens of steps. The chefs at Juchunyuan continue to follow traditional methods, preparing the dish with meticulous craftsmanship.”

Second, Juchunyuan remains true to its roots while embracing innovation, blending tradition with contemporary trends. “The essence of Juchunyuan lies in its steadfast dedication to the authentic flavors of Fujian cuisine, while also boldly innovating within that framework.” Lu Meisong said, “Take Lychee Sweet and Sour Pork as an example. Juchunyuan strictly adheres to traditional methods, achieving a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, with each bite offering an authentic taste of Fujian cuisine. While honoring its culinary heritage, Juchunyuan also embraces modern changes, reflecting its innovative spirit. A good example is the revamped Stir-fried Pork Liver, where the sugar content has been carefully adjusted to align with current health-conscious trends. This adaptation preserves the dish’s original flavor while catering to today’s focus on healthier eating.”

Third, the leaders of Juchunyuan are visionary and forward-thinking. “The success of Juchunyuan can largely be credited to the strategic vision of its leaders over the years,” said Lu Meisong. “The leadership team at Juchunyuan Group has always viewed the promotion of Fujian cuisine as their core mission.” In recent years, Juchunyuan Group has taken proactive steps to promote the global presence of Fujian cuisine. One example is the establishment of the China Fujian Cuisine Culture Museum, which offers a dedicated platform to comprehensively display the history and evolution of Fujian cuisine, helping to raise its global profile and influence.

Juchunyuan’s century-long legacy serves as a vivid embodiment of the evolution of Fujian cuisine and a historical testament to Fuzhou’s urban culture. In Lu Meisong’s view, the value of Juchunyuan lies not just in the dishes it serves, but in the historical memories and cultural essence it upholds. As he put it, “The story of Juchunyuan is intertwined with the story of Fuzhou’s people, and its flavors embody the unique essence of Fujian’s culture.” (Fuzhou Evening News Reporter: Quan Yiyue/Text; Ye Cheng/Photo)