Tang Li

654030846@qq.com

THE Man Ho Chinese restaurant at JW Marriott Shenzhen is currently showcasing a unique culinary experience titled “Splendid Shenzhen,” celebrating the vibrant culture, history, and spirit of the city through Cantonese cuisine. The feast is crafted by the hotel’s executive Chinese chef Huang Zhiwang.

From the earthen walls of Dapeng Fortress in Dapeng New Area, to the dazzling skyline along Shennan Boulevard, the “Splendid Shenzhen” feast is a culinary epic that distills the city’s cultural heritage into exquisite plates.

This eight-course banquet tells the story of the city’s districts, each dish inspired by the geography, culture, economy, and history of Shenzhen’s neighborhoods, showcasing local ingredients and distinct flavors.

An example is the appetizer course, which highlights Luohu District. Inspired by the serenity of the Wutong Mountain, lakes and Shenzhen Reservoir in Luohu, it features five delicacies — tuna with caviar, crispy scallions with sea cucumber, fava bean mountain peak tartare, marinated fresh abalone, and pickled chili with fan lettuce — offering a harmonious blend of sour, sweet, fragrant, spicy, and fresh tastes.

Among the main dishes, the Crispy Pigeon Leg, representing Guangming District, uses Guangming pigeon marinated with traditional sand ginger methods, combined with ham and phoenix glue, then fried until perfectly crispy on the outside while juicy within.

Another examp is the Flaming Shajing Oyster, sourced from the brackish waters of the Pearl River estuary’s Shajing area, a treasure of the Bao’an community. The oysters are flame-grilled to awaken their natural sweetness, accentuated with shallots and garlic, symbolizing the fiery vitality of Shenzhen’s ancient harbor.

The Amber Braised Pork Trotters with Rice Noodles pays tribute to Nanshan District — known as Shenzhen’s technology hub — and represents the blend of modern innovation with everyday life. This hearty dish is an ode to the city’s hardworking spirit, offering comfort and warmth through traditional flavors.

For those seeking a taste of Shenzhen’s rich history and vibrant present, the “Splendid Shenzhen” feast is a must-experience culinary journey before it concludes on June 30.