中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

Contestants of Chinese Bridge make moon cakes in Fujian Cuisine Culture Museum.Photographed by reporter Zheng Shuai

Learn about the development history of Fujian cuisine, make moon cakes, and taste Fuzhou’s special snacks... On August 27, more than 100 foreign college students who participated in the 23rd Chinese Bridge World College Students Chinese Competition walked into the China Fujian Cuisine Culture Museum to deeply appreciate the profoundness and unique charm of Fujian cuisine culture through immersive interactive experience.

The Fujian cuisine has a long history. In the exhibition hall on the first floor, the students were attracted by precious exhibits. Follow the footsteps of the commentator and learn more about the long history, exquisite cooking skills and rich cultural connotations of Fujian cuisine. The moon cake making experience area on the second floor is even more lively, with students sitting around and experiencing the making of moon cakes. Under the guidance of the instructor, everyone began to make the moon cakes.

“It’s an interesting experience to make mooncakes with them.” Fang Han, from Togo, made four mooncakes. She told reporters that she experienced the traditional culture of China and learned about the Mid-Autumn Festival customs, and felt the “reunion” of the Mid-Autumn Festival in advance.

Subsequently, a feast of Fujian flavor made the students impressive, and they were full of praise for the fish balls, wontons and crispy sesame balls and so on. Luo from Bolivia is going to bring a bag of glutinous rice flour for friends in his hometown. “My friend likes glutinous food very much, and Fujian food is very suitable for his taste. This glutinous rice flour is hard to buy in our place, and it is really lucky to get it today.”

“I like wontons very much, and this soup is very delicious.” Benjamin from the United States praised the wonton while tasting it. This is the first time he has set foot in China. Although he has tasted many Fujian restaurants in New York, those dishes always feel less authentic after localization. He enthusiastically recommended to everyone, “If you want to eat Fujian cuisine, you must come to Fuzhou. The food here is the most authentic.”

Zhao from Guyana also has a special liking for Fujian cuisine. Although this is her first visit to Fuzhou, Fujian cuisine has already been integrated into her daily diet. “In our country, there are many China restaurants. I often eat out with my friends. The taste of Fujian cuisine is not salty or spicy, which is just right for me.”

During the conversation, Zhao’s fluent Chinese was impressive. She told reporters that because of her interest in Chinese, she took Chinese as an elective course in college and insisted on self-study at ordinary times. In September, she will go to Beijing Foreign Studies University to study Chinese. When talking about her first impression of China, she was full of praise, “Everyone is hospitality, the life here is convenient and comfortable, and the safe and orderly environment make me feel warm and at ease.” In the future, Zhao hopes to stay in China for development and experience the folk culture and customs here more deeply. (Fuzhou Daily reporter Yan Xiao and trainee reporter Fu Yijing)