Shenchi Sanba Banquet

Last updated 2026-11-10 — The Shenchi Sanba Banquet gets its name from the traditional 24 dishes served—three sets of eight—but the final spread often includes more than just 24 plates. The entire banquet is named after the number eight, symbolizing pairs and good fortune in pairs, as celebrations are meant to come in twos. The menu is based on the number four, representing wishes for “everything going as desired” and “stability in all aspects.” The ingredients deliberately avoid offal or other “variety meats,” and none of the dish names include the character 炒 (which sounds like 吵, meaning “quarrel”). Before the meal begins, eight plates of dried and fresh fruits are served, though these are not counted as part of the official “Sanba Banquet” dishes. They are prepared for guests who arrive early or while waiting for others to join. The four dried fruits—candied peanuts, longan, melon seeds, and raisins—symbolize the wish for having children soon and a large, prosperous family. The four fresh fruits—apples, oranges, bananas, and cantaloupe—represent peace, safety, and good fortune. These offerings express the warm hospitality and best wishes of the bride’s family toward their new son-in-law.