KUWAIT: The Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait launched its “Chinese Culinary Culture Month” on Monday with a vibrant opening event themed “A Taste of Early Autumn.” Speaking at the event, Liu Jinhiong, Director of the China Cultural Center, emphasized that Chinese cuisine – renowned worldwide for its diversity and rich flavors – will take center stage in Kuwait throughout the month. “Chinese food is a bridge connecting the people of Kuwait and China,” Liu said, noting that the festival aims to bring communities together through the universal language of food.
He highlighted the global popularity of Chinese cuisine, comparing its cultural significance to that of Arabic cuisine. “Jiaozi, a type of Chinese dumpling, was chosen as the first focus because it is often the first Chinese dish foreigners encounter,” he explained. The festival not only introduces jiaozi but also offers participants the chance to experience making them firsthand. Under the guidance of instructors, guests learned to prepare dumpling skins, fill them with beef, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, and shape them into traditional forms – some resembling the moon, others symbolizing ancient Chinese treasures.
Liu Jinhiong, Director of the China Cultural Center address the media during the event. – Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat
In Chinese culture, jiaozi represent fortune, happiness and family union. Beyond cooking, the program also featured storytelling sessions where participants exchanged culinary traditions from around the world. The day concluded with a tasting session, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of freshly prepared jiaozi – boiled, steamed, and pan-fried.
The launch event drew more than 80 attendees, including local residents, media representatives, and social media influencers, who explored the rich cultural heritage and traditions associated with Chinese dumplings. Guests were treated to a dumpling banquet showcasing different fillings and cooking methods. This opening celebration marked the first of a series of events under “Chinese Culinary Culture Month,” designed to foster cultural exchange, promote mutual understanding, and build stronger ties between the people of China and Kuwait through the shared experience of food.
