On the evening of Sept 13, Tunxi Old Street came alive as the Huangshan preliminaries of Anhui's "Super Wan" (Wan is the short name of Anhui) culinary contest kicked off, bringing together local chefs for a delicious celebration of Huizhou cuisine.
Eight teams from across Huangshan — including seasoned master chefs, street food vendors, online influencers, and enthusiastic amateurs — competed side by side. After several intense rounds, five outstanding chefs were selected for Huangshan's city team and will go on to represent the region in later stages of the competition.
A participant introduces his team's dish. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A chef decorates his delicacy. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The contest also showcased the evolution of Huizhou cuisine. Alongside classics like stinky mandarin fish and fermented hairy tofu, new fusion creations appeared — such as a stinky fish pizza crafted by Adrien Brill, an American owner of a pizza restaurant in Huangshan, reflecting the openness and diversity of Huangshan's culinary culture.
In addition to food, the event integrated elements of local heritage. Traditional performances like lion dances, fish-shaped lanterns, and Nuo Dance accompanied the cooking battles, alongside various booths, including traditional culture stalls, Xin'an wellness-themed booths, and live-streamed product showcases.
Young actresses perform the Huangmei Opera. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Together, these experiences created not just a culinary competition but a celebration of Huangshan's unique blend of culture and modern life.