Taking a bite of authentic Jiangsu flavors

International students at Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College in Huaian, Jiangsu province, gave a thumbs-up to their alma mater on May 8 for the delicious and mouthwatering dishes that have captured both their eyes and hearts.

The dishes, carrying the essence of Huaiyang cuisine, a tradition in the cities of Huaian and Yangzhou, were served by a total of 48 master hands. The cuisine features bring out the most authentic flavors of the raw materials.

The chefs were attending the opening of the 2019 China (Huaian) International Food Expo, the only food event approved by the Jiangsu provincial government to have an international audience.

They showed off their skills by preparing hot dishes, traditional pastries, assorted cold food and food carving.

"We feel very proud and excited to take part in the event and present our seafood banquet, which is designed and cooked by our team," said Li Xinlin, a student majoring in western cuisine.

"All these food looks so pretty and so different from that of my home country," said Arzanic Mei, an Indonesian student volunteer. She added that it was the first time she had been able to learn more about traditional Chinese cuisine and culture.