A Vibrant Banquet Begins! Authentic Lianjiang Flavors Support Fuzhou’s Bid for “City of Gastronomy”
On February 8, the Fuzhou “One County, One Table of Dishes” Promotion – Lianjiang “Worl’s Fishing Capital · Lianma Family Banquet” Tasting Event was successfully held in Lianjiang County. The event featured 17 unique Lianjiang dishes that blend the flavors from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, revitalizing the distinctive tastes of Lianjiang and the essence of Fujian cuisine. It showcased Fuzhou’s rich culinary heritage and contributed to the city’s bid for “City of Gastronomy.”
The “World’s Fishing Capital · Lianma Family Banquet” Tasting Event was organized by the CPC Lianjiang County Committee and the Lianjiang County People’s Government, under the guidance of the Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce.
Lianjiang is a renowned maritime county in China, with a coastline stretching 238 kilometers and a sea area covering 3,112 square kilometers. Its aquatic product output ranks first among all counties nationwide. Known as the “Home of Abalone,” the “Home of Kelp,” and the “Home of Fish Balls” in China, Lianjiang is proud to be the source of national geographical indication products such as “Lianjiang Abalone,” “Lianjiang Kelp,” and “Dinghai Bay Silver Anchovy.” In 2023, it was honored as the “Capital of Ecological Ingredients” and the “Capital of Culinary Landmarks” in China.
Drawing on the region’s rich marine resources, the Lianma Family Banquet presents 17 signature Lianjiang dishes crafted from local seafood, including abalone, kelp, and large yellow croaker. Highlights include meticulously prepared dishes such as “Glutinous Rice with Crab” and “Ribbonfish Kelp Rolls,” as well as classic home-cooked dishes such as “Fish Ball and Pork Wonton” and “Stir-fried Sandworms.” The banquet also features Matsu-style flavors, such as “Drunken Abalone” and “Red Glutinous Rice Wine Chicken Mee Sua.” These dishes combine authentic ingredients, exquisite skills, and deep culinary traditions, offering an authentic taste of Lianjiang – “Eighteen Degrees, Fresh from the Sea.”
As the chief advisor for the “World’s Fishing Capital · Lianma Family Banquet,” Chinese cooking master Chen Weijie remarked, “This event not only highlights authentic Lianjiang ingredients but also brings homestyle flavors to life by blending the culinary traditions of both Lianjiang and Matsu. Some dishes incorporate Matsu’s cooking techniques, turning the food into a vivid expression of the deep bond between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.”
World’s Fishing Capital · Lianma Family Banquet
Appetizers
Shared origins, shared ocean, and a bright future
Four-Color Dish of the Fishing Capital
(Asparagus Salad, Marinated Jellyfish, Silver Anchovy & Shrimp Jelly, Walnut Crusted Crispy Fish)
Main Dishes
With one flick of tails, the pot becomes a sea
(Kung Fu Mudskippers)
The brush rests, yet mountains stretch beyond my eyes
(Capitulum Mitella in Sesame Oil)
Yellow croakers ride the tide, bearing homeward sighs
(Steamed Large Yellow Croaker)
Mountains and seas unite, and one pot brims with dawn’s delight
(Eight Delicacies of the Fishing Capital)
Though waters part us, our bond endures
(Glutinous Rice with Crab)
In wine’s soft glow, she straightens scarlet bows
(Matsu Drunken Abalone)
Fish sink, swallows fall, and her peace enchants the world
(Fish Ball and Pork Wonton)
As wished, as dreamed, the jasmine scents the night
(Fried Razor Clams with Jasmine)
The dragon swims with grace, sweeping through waves in a gentle embrace
(Stir-fried Sandworms)
Lianjiang and Matsu are united in heart, and their bond endures from the very start
(Ribbonfish Kelp Rolls)
The two sides are deeply tied, with bonds that cannot be denied
(Red Glutinous Rice Wine Chicken Mee Sua)
One lineage, one road, uniting the world
(Shangtang Kelp Soup)
Desserts
As the fisher’s song dies away, sea swallows find their way
(Snow Fungus Sweet Soup)
The tasting event not only highlighted the authentic flavors of Lianjiang but also included a plaque presentation ceremony and a supply-demand cooperation agreement signing ceremony. Plaques were given to the production unit, executive producer, and chief advisor of the “World’s Fishing Capital · Lianma Family Banquet.” Honorary plaques were also awarded to the lead chefs and official partners. Moreover, cooperation agreements were signed with several fisheries and catering companies, helping to boost the market-oriented operation and comprehensive and in-depth promotion of the “World’s Fishing Capital · Lianma Family Banquet.”
This year, Fuzhou has successfully hosted the Yongtai “Three-Stage Banquet” launch ceremony and the Lianjiang “World’s Fishing Capital · Lianma Family Banquet” tasting event, gradually shaping a distinctive and captivating “food culture map” for Fuzhou. As a key initiative to delve into local culinary traditions and promote regional specialties, the “One County, One Table of Dishes” promotion will be launched on a larger scale and in a systematic and market-driven way. This will further support Fuzhou’s bid for “City of Gastronomy.”