The Mei Lan Banquet

The Mei Lan Banquet

　　Taizhou, anciently known as Hailing, was hailed as “an ancient prefecture of the Han and Tang dynasties, a renowned region of Huaihai.” It has long been a place of flourishing literary culture and a cradle of exceptional talent. Peking Opera, known as the national opera of China, is regarded as a “national treasure,” and the late Master Mei Lanfang was a towering figure in the art form—bridging its past and future—who enjoyed immense prestige both at home and abroad. Master Mei’s ancestral home was in Taizhou.

　　　　In 1956, when Master Mei returned to his hometown with the Mei Lanfang Troupe to visit relatives and friends and perform on tour for the benefit of his native place, the local culinary community created the signature dish “Twin Phoenixes Nest-Switching” as a token of gratitude. Master Mei expressed high appreciation for the gesture.

　　　　In the autumn of 1994, on the occasion of the centennial commemoration of Master Mei Lanfang’s birth, Taizhou held the opening ceremony of the Mei Lanfang Art Museum. To welcome the distinguished figures of the national Peking Opera circle, Taizhou Hotel created the “Mei Lan Banquet.” This banquet fuses traditional opera culture with culinary art, featuring a total of 21 dishes, 9 types of dim sum and snacks, among which 18 dishes are inspired by 18 of Master Mei Lanfang’s representative operas. Drawing from his daily eating habits and incorporating celebrated Taizhou dishes he tasted during his tours, the banquet embodies an elegant, graceful, and refined style that has been widely acclaimed by all sectors.