The 2nd annual Thai-Chinese culinary exchange was held on February 3, 2019. (Photo: Zheng Meichen & Guo Yuqi)

Bangkok (People’s Daily) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok hosted the 2nd Thai-Chinese culinary exchange at the Centara Grand Hotel on Sunday. 

The event ushered in the Chinese New Year featuring the best culinary offerings from both countries.

"This second annual culinary exchange is part of the annual Chinese New Year celebrations organized by TAT and our Chinese counterparts. The celebration demonstrates the long-standing relationship between China and Thailand on all levels, from government-to-government, private sector to private sector, and both Chinese and Thai society,” said Chattan Kunjara na Ayudhya, deputy governor of international marketing for Asia and South Pacific.

The culinary extravaganza follows last year’s inaugural meeting aimed at creating a greater awareness of the delicacies both countries have to offer.

And just like last year, three top chefs from China were flown in for a 'cook off' with three Thai chefs at a specially handpicked Chinese restaurant in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

The team of Chinese chefs included Wang Hai Dong, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Federation of the Chinese Catering Industry – Beijing Chapter, Wu You Jun, Vice President, World Federation of the Chinese Catering Industry – Young Chef Section, and Wang Jing Yan, National Chinese Cooking Challenge Champion.

Thai master chef at the hotel’s Dynasty restaurant, Kongsun Sae-Liang, was also on hand.

Both teams prepared menu combinations of two selected dishes.

The Chinese culinary team prepared deep fried Garoupa fish with Chinese sauce and sautéed prawns with vegetables, while the Thai team prepared roasted duck with green tea.

The event was also aimed at building awareness among Thai and foreign tourists interested in the delicacies of the Southern Asian region.

TAT representatives said prior to the culinary showcase that the exchange would be aimed at stimulating inbound travel not only during the Chinese New Year but throughout all of 2019.

A visitor takes a photo of a Chinese dish on February 3, 2019. (Photo: Zheng Meichen & Guo Yuqi)

A guest at the 2nd annual Thai-Chinese culinary exchange tastes a Chinese dish on February 3, 2019. (Photo: Zheng Meichen & Guo Yuqi)