Culinary Delights of Northeast China: Manchu Banquets, Iron Pot Stews, and Korean Flavors in Jilin

▲ A table full of the traditional Manchu banquet — Three Sets of Bowls.

Reported and photographed by Jiayun Yu / Jilin, China

Jilin Province in Northeast China, bordered by North Korea, Russia, and Inner Mongolia, is not only famous for natural attractions such as the "No.1 Peak under Heaven" — Changbai Mountain — and one of China's four major natural wonders, rime ice, but also boasts a diverse and unique cuisine shaped by its special geographical location and ethnic history. Among them, Manchu cuisine, Northeastern dishes, and Korean flavors are all highly representative local specialties. When visiting Jilin, don’t miss these three “flavors of China”!

▲ Iron pot stews are now hard to come by.

Traditional Manchu Banquet — Three Sets of Bowls

The "Three Sets of Bowls" is a traditional Manchu banquet dish, and the modern-day "Manchu-Han Imperial Feast" evolved from this. The traditional Three Sets of Bowls consists of 31 dishes, including 16 (or 8) cold dishes, 3 main courses, and 12 stir-fried or stewed dishes. The name comes from the fact that the dishes are served in three types of bowls: the inner bowl, medium bowl, and outer bowl.

▲ The Three Sets of Bowls includes 31 dishes.

▲ The Three Sets of Bowls is served in three different types of containers.

Northeastern-style Iron Pot Stew

Stewing is a common cooking method in Northeast China, said to have been passed down from the ancient nomadic tribes of the region. A typical iron pot stew includes ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, potatoes, and glass noodles, all cooked together over a wood fire. As the ingredients absorb the rich sauce, the dish is served hotpot-style for everyone to enjoy together, often paired with rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

▲ Iron pot stew is a classic Northeastern home-cooked dish.

▲ The wood-burning stove is located beneath the table.

Korean Cuisine

In Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province, Korean signs, billboards, and labels are almost everywhere on the streets, and the area is also home to many Korean restaurants. Korean staples such as kimchi (a dish nearly every Korean household makes), locally brewed millet wine, sweet and sour pork, and braised Alaska pollock are all classic Korean flavors and must-try authentic dishes when visiting Yanbian.

▲ Sweet and sour pork is a must-try Korean dish.

▲ Braised Alaska pollock, only found in Yanbian.