Jinan’s Culinary Rise: From Local Favorites to Global Spotlight

       Recently, Three Meals a Day in Four Seasons, a large-scale culinary and cultural program made by China Media Group, came to Jinan for filming. The show uses the daily meals as a clue to present the city’s local specialties, such as Jinan braised pork, yellow braised chicken, breakfast soup with Jinan-style fried dough, and candied sweet potatoes, to all the audience. The authentic, vibrant culinary scene in Jinan has left a strong and endearing impression. The program has made Jinan’s culinary treasures impossible to hide any longer.

Jinan braised pork [photo via Jinan International Communication Center]

　　In recent years, Jinan has been quietly working to become a destination for food enthusiasts. Jinan has taken numerous steps towards its goal of becoming a “World Food Capital” by participating in international food exhibitions and hosting a series of food festivals annually, such as the Jinan International Food Festival and the Spring City Food Culture Festival, which highlight the unique flavors and cultural value of Jinan’s cuisine. Since 2016, Jinan has been holding the China Shandong Cuisine Cultural Festival annually and has been honored with the title of “China Shandong Cuisine Food Capital”. Furthermore, from November 16 to 18, 2023, Jinan hosted the Asia Catering Expo 2023, introduced by the Jinan Municipal Government and organized by the Comexposium Group in France, at the Shandong International Convention and Exhibition Center. This marks the first time this international exhibition has been held in China.