A Vibrant Feast! Here’s How the Food-Loving People of Fuzhou Celebrate Their Festival!
“The banquet is starting now!” As the renowned wedding hostess Lin Qin announced the start of the banquet in authentic Fuzhou dialect, the crowd of diners responded with cheers and applause. February 26 marks the celebration of the Aojiu Festival, a traditional folk festival in Fuzhou. On this day, the grand Mindu Fu Banquet - a collaborative effort between Juchunyuan Group and Fuzhou Daily’s A Bite of Fuzhou “Bowl Banquet” brand - officially kicked off at the Fuzhou Hotel, drawing a lively crowd for the festive feast.
At the banquet, traditional Fuzhou folk performances took the spotlight, with highlights including the Three Hairpins dance, classic Fujian Opera, and performances by the wedding hostess. Guests enjoyed a feast of over a dozen classic Fujian dishes, including Lychee Sweet and Sour Pork and Stir-fried Pork Liver, offering a lively blend of local customs and delicious flavors.
This year marks the 160th anniversary of Juchunyuan Group’s founding in Fuzhou. To celebrate this important milestone, Juchunyuan Group will launch a series of culinary and cultural feasts, beginning with the Mindu Fu Banquet, continuing to offer delicious food and traditional festivities to both locals and visitors. The company will also launch a year-long celebration with a variety of anniversary events.
Following the successful “Bowl Banquet” events last year, the first Mindu Fu Banquet of the new year also drew many local families, seniors, and visitors from out of town. They savored authentic Fujian cuisine, immersed themselves in Fuzhou’s traditional customs, and celebrated the Aojiu Festival in a lively, festive atmosphere.
The Mindu Fu Banquet, carefully planned as the standard banquet of Fuzhou, was led by Huang Liang, the Executive Sous-Chef of the Fuzhou Hotel, and his team of chefs. Together, they prepared 17 classic and innovative Fujian dishes for the guests.
The appetizers featured a “delicate four-layer cover” crafted from local ingredients such as olives and seaweed. The banquet also presented a selection of traditional and innovative Fujian dishes, including Lychee Sweet and Sour Pork, Deep-fried Whole Yellow Croaker, Phoenix Tail Shrimp, and Chicken Broth with Matsutake Mushrooms and Yuanxiao. Fuzhou snacks such as fish balls, pork wontons, and taro paste were also served on the table.
To enhance the festive atmosphere of the Aojiu Festival and revive the traditional Fuzhou banquet customs, guests at the Mindu Fu Banquet were given Aojiu porridge and handmade Fuzhou noodles as part of a “take-home package.”
The Mindu Fu Banquet was not only a feast for the taste buds but also a vibrant display of Fuzhou’s rich folk culture. The banquet kicked off with a drumming ceremony, creating an exciting and festive atmosphere. The traditional Fujian opera Spring Outing brought the vibrant essence of spring to life with its beautiful singing. Meanwhile, the famous Fuzhou three-hairpin elements were cleverly incorporated into a martial arts performance, adding an extra layer of excitement. The diverse stage performances captivated the guests, creating a truly memorable experience.
As part of Juchunyuan’s 160th anniversary celebrations, the Mindu Fu Banquet brought together the rich flavors of Fujian cuisine and the essence of Fu culture, highlighting Juchunyuan Group’s strong ties to Fujian’s culinary heritage. Looking ahead, Juchunyuan Group will roll out a series of events that will showcase the unique charm and vitality of the Juchunyuan brand in the modern era.