A French resident is taught how to cook a Yangzhou dish during the eighth edition of the Chinese Food Festival "Les Baguettes Magiques" held in Lyon, France. [Photo/yznews.com.cn]

In a delightful celebration of culinary fusion, the eighth edition of the Chinese Food Festival "Les Baguettes Magiques" recently graced the streets of Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. During the event, Huaiyang cuisine from Yangzhou, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in East China's Jiangsu province, captivated the senses of local residents.

Jin Bin and Wu Yeqing, two seasoned chefs from Yangzhou, brought a trio of authentic Huaiyang dishes, including stewed meatballs with crab roe, chrysanthemum tofu (tofu cut into thousands of fine thread that cluster together like a chrysanthemum flower), and Yangzhou fried rice.

At the festival, Lyon locals had the unique opportunity to observe and participate in the art of making Yangzhou stewed meatballs under the guidance of the skilled chefs.

One Lyon resident expressed their enthusiasm, stating, "The taste is very unique; I have never had meatballs like this before. This may be the best and most exquisite Chinese cuisine I have ever tasted."

The Yangzhou chefs also demonstrated the meticulous preparation of Yangzhou fried rice, further showcasing the rich gastronomy heritage of the city.

Beyond the culinary showcases, the Chinese Food Festival "Les Baguettes Magiques" serves as a platform for cultural exchange between China and France. Founded by the New Franco-Chinese Institute of Lyon in 2016, the festival aims to introduce the depth and diversity of Chinese gastronomy to French audiences, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the festival stands as a symbol of the enduring ties and shared passions between the two nations.