In Lyon, Chinese cuisine in all its forms

Chinese lanterns / @ Pixabay

When the Les Baguettes Magiques festival was launched in 2016, the idea was to dispel prejudices about Chinese gastronomy, about which perceptions are more imaginary and abstract.

Many people think they are tasting the country’s specialties when they order spring rolls, spring rolls, samosas, etc. However, these appetizing dishes do not all come from the Middle Kingdom: samosas are Indian, while spring rolls are Vietnamese.

Naturally, we also find the cliché about dog meat. his origin? An annual dog meat festival in the southern part of the country. However, for a large majority of residents, eating dog is not even an option, and a small minority enjoy it.

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Focus on the Chinese province of Jiangsu

If Lyon, the capital of gastronomy, is known for its gastronomic culture with its dishes that are both refined and hearty and family-friendly, the Les Baguettes Magiques festival proves that Chinese gastronomy has nothing to envy. Thanks to events open to everyone and varied activities, everyone will be able to get a new idea of ​​Chinese culinary traditions. What is special about this year? The festival focuses on China’s coastal province of Jiangsu, whose cuisine is one of China’s eight great culinary families, where cuisine is an integral part of Chinese heritage. The specialties of the region are based on simple products such as freshwater fish, seafood, shellfish and seasonal vegetables such as lotus roots from Taihu Lake. Nevertheless, wonderful dishes and desserts have been born, such as the steamed ravioli or the thousand-layer cake offered by the festival, with chefs directly from the region.

A rich and complete program

The event begins with three different tastings of the unrivaled Peking duck, on July 3 at 19.00 in the restaurant Enjoy China. The festival continues with a gastronomic and cultural weekend at the Nouvel Institut Franco-Chinois (July 6 and 7) with stands by Street food Chinese. Activities and shows are also planned: Lion dances, Mahjong games, Kung Fu and lantern making workshops. On Friday, July 5, a tour of the city is planned to learn more about China while tasting typical dishes and desserts. Finally, manufacturing workshops are planned jiaozi (Chinese dumplings) and baos (Chinese brioche) at Zakka Bistro.

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