A Chinese food cultural extravaganza brimming with the delights of delicate West Lake flavors was unveiled in Serbia on April 11, local time.

Visitors enjoy the Hangzhou-style food cultural extravaganza in Serbia on April 11, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xu]

"This culinary event allows guests to savor picturesque vistas of West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, and also myriad flavors of the Hangzhou cuisine, crafted from recipes spanning hundreds of counties. It's a feast for both the senses and the soul," said Cheng Li'an, director of the Serbian Luban Workshop.

The feast was a collaborative effort involving ten Chinese students from the Tourism College of Zhejiang who had gone to Serbia for academic exchange, alongside Serbian students recruited by the China-Serbia Tourism Institute earlier this year.

In July 2019, the China-Serbia Tourism College was established as a venture of the Tourism College of Zhejiang, offering a unique blend of "Chinese language and Chinese cooking" education. Transformed into the Serbian Luban Workshop in May 2023, its mission is to foster cultural exchanges, thus facilitating international cooperation and the global expansion of Chinese enterprises.

Chinese and Serbian students make Hangzhou dishes. [Photo by Xu Xu]

"For me, delving into Chinese cuisine has been an eye-opening experience. Mastering Chinese knife and seasoning skills has been immensely rewarding," said Nicholas, a student at the China-Serbia Tourism College.

This semester, the China-Serbia Tourism College enrolled 66 students in four classes — twice the previous figures. Cheng expressed his jubilation, citing it as a testament to the growing global appreciation for authentic Chinese gastronomy and culture.

"Today's event is not just a culinary showcase; it's a testament to educational excellence. We envision the Serbian Luban Workshop assuming a pivotal role in advancing educational and cultural ties between Serbia and China," said Marina Soković, the Serbian assistant minister of education.