A Taste of the World in Suzhou: The 1st International Food Carnival Held in SIP

On October 19, Suzhou Industrial Park came alive with a vibrant celebration of global cuisine and cultural exchange. Jointly organized by Suzhou Jinji Lake Grand Hotel and the SIP One-stop Service Centre for Expats, the 1st International Food Carnival opened its doors to about 150 Chinese and international guests, offering an immersive autumn experience where food, music, and culture came together in a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The event greeted visitors with a dazzling culinary showcase. Under the direction of the Executive Chef of Jinji Lake Grand Hotel, guests were treated to a creative fusion of Suzhou-style dishes and international specialties. From Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish and Beijing Sliced Roast Duck to German Pork Knuckle with Sausage and Sauerkraut and Turkish Doner Kebab, the spread featured both traditional favorites and inventive creations, filling the air with irresistible aromas. Guests lingered at stalls serving grilled delicacies, hot dishes, and sweet treats, indulging in a true feast that transcended borders and brought the world’s flavors to Suzhou’s lakeside.

During the International Cuisine Sharing Session, international students brought flavors from around the world to the table. Dressed in traditional Nigerian attire, Eunice Iyewunmi Obedience Oshunfuwa and Comfort Unwana Akpan from Nigeria introduced their beloved national dish — Jollof Rice. “In Nigeria, Jollof Rice is a highly important traditional dish,” Eunice said. “It is an essential part of major festivals and celebrations, prepared with tomato paste, curry, onions, and other distinctive seasonings. We hope everyone can experience the authentic taste of Nigeria.”

Alongside the culinary delights, a series of hands-on cultural experiences kept participants fully engaged. At the Suzhou-style mung bean cake workshop, foreign guests tried their hand at crafting delicate Jiangnan treats under the guidance of local chefs. Meanwhile, a crab dissection demonstration featuring the famed Yangcheng Lake hairy crab offered a glimpse into the artistry and culture of Suzhou cuisine. Interactive games such as the “Chopsticks Challenge” and “Blind Taste Test” added a playful touch, bringing people closer together and infusing the event with laughter and lively cultural exchange.

To give Chinese and international guests a closer look at Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage, the event featured a dedicated Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) zone. A sugar painting master used sugar as ink to sketch vivid patterns on stone slabs, while a Suzhou embroidery inheritor showcased the “Culinary Suzhou” series, cleverly blending traditional crafts with food, drawing the admiration of visitors. Wu Hao, a representative inheritor of Suzhou green tea-making techniques, demonstrated the art of tea production, filling the air with the fragrance of freshly made tea and highlighting the charm of traditional craftsmanship. Wu said, “In interacting with foreign friends, I’ve noticed their genuine interest in Chinese culture. Today’s event opened a window for me to bring the traditional tea-making techniques to life, allowing international guests to truly experience the richness of Chinese culture.”

The event was infused with a joyful atmosphere, and heartfelt sharing from international participants added warmth and connection. Erik Toertelyi from Germany remarked, “I feel very honored to take part in this event. The variety of cuisines from different countries allowed me to learn a lot about international food cultures.” Similarly, Sanin Hadzihasanovic from Hungary shared, “This event brings together so many countries and cultures — it’s amazing! The intangible heritage displays, like sugar painting and tea-making, are particularly impressive, and their long-standing traditions make them even more captivating.”

As a hub of openness and innovation, SIP is home to over 10,000 long-term foreign residents from more than 130 countries and regions. During the 1st International Food Carnival, a series of exciting culinary and cultural activities — including the Chinese & French Food Week, the International Food Carnival, the China Chefs’ Festival, and the Taiwan Cuisine Festival — took place, offering citizens and visitors a feast for the senses. This distinctive Sino-Foreign Food Festival, also the third Intangible Cultural Heritage experience organized by the “Global Youth Connect” Suzhou Youth Federation Studio, not only showcased the unique charm of Suzhou’s local culture but also built a bridge for international cultural exchange, letting food and tradition shine with a vibrant global flavor in SIP.