Family Feast of Shen Wansan

Family Feast of Shen Wansan [Photo from Kunshan Tourism Resort]

As the wealthiest person in regions south of the Yangtze River at the turn of Yuan and Ming dynasties, Shen Wansan followed the customs of Wuzhong, south of what is now Suzhou, and paid great attention to his diet and the quality of his daily life. He invited famous chefs to serve guests with various delicacies, which were collectively called the "Family Feast of Shen Wansan". Among them, the best-known is "Eight Bowls" which has been served for hundreds of years. Up until now, it is still a favorite for local people to serve their guests at home. Large porcelain bowls and chopsticks made from moso bamboo are normally used.

In addition to Wansan October White, Wansan Cake, Sweet Taro, Chengyao Cake and other desserts, the Family Feast of Shen Wansan also includes Wansan pork leg, three-flavored meatballs, Freshwater clams, braised eels with soy sauce, meat-stuffed field snails, braised mandarin fish with soy sauce, meat-stuffed fried beancurd as well as rural eels & carp cuisine.