Participants including government representatives, advisory experts, master chefs, and catering professionals from across Quanzhou's counties and districts gather for a group photo after the culinary salon.

　　■ Text by Chen Linghong, Multimedia Journalist / Images provided by Quanzhou Flavour

　　Quanzhou's 2025 Mountain–Sea Chef King Competition Launches Inaugural Rural Culinary Track

　　Uncovering Hidden Flavours: New "Village Delicacy" Category Celebrates Countryside Cuisine

　　A New Platform for Rural Culinary Talent

　　At the Citong Food Talk salon on 21 October, master chef Cheng Zhenfang remarked, "Many of Quanzhou's signature dishes—like vinegar-braised pork trotters—have their roots in the countryside. This new rural competition will help uncover talented chefs hidden in our villages."

　　Centred on the theme "Selecting Rural Flavours, Inheriting Craftsmanship," the salon previewed the inaugural Rural Culinary Skills Contest, a major highlight of the expanded 2025 Quanzhou Mountain–Sea Chef King Competition.

　　Culinary expert Yang Weifeng, advisor to Quanzhou's UNESCO City of Gastronomy bid, introduced the "barbell effect," noting that both fine dining and rustic village cuisine form two essential pillars of a balanced food industry. The new competition track aims to recognise the artistry of rural chefs and spotlight the unique charm of countryside flavours.

　　Competition Format: Skill, Creativity, and Storytelling

　　The Rural Culinary Skills Contest combines professional rigour with cultural expression:

　　Eligibility: Open to chefs from township and village restaurants in Quanzhou with a valid chef's certificate or at least three years of experience, and a clean professional record.

　　Competition Format: Participants prepare two hot dishes in 60 minutes—

　　A designated traditional Quanzhou dish (testing mastery of heritage).

　　A self-designed creative dish (demonstrating innovation).

　　Scoring System:

　　70% – Practical cooking skills

　　20% – Theoretical culinary knowledge

　　10% – "Chef's Narrative," where contestants share the story, ingredients, and cultural inspiration behind their dishes

　　This approach values not only technique but also the chef's ability to interpret and communicate the cultural essence of Quanzhou cuisine.

　　Recognition and Impact

　　The competition offers professional advancement and cultural prestige:

　　The champion may be awarded the "Quanzhou Technical Expert" title, with chefs under 40 eligible for the "Youth May Fourth Medal."

　　The top 30 dishes will be designated as "2025 Recommended Rural Specialties," gaining promotion through official platforms and culinary festivals.

　　By elevating village chefs and connecting urban and rural dining traditions, the contest enriches Quanzhou's culinary identity and strengthens its case as a global food destination.

　　Expert Perspectives: Why the Rural Track Matters

　　Cheng Zhenfang, Master Chef and Chief Judge:

　　"This platform allows rural chefs to shine. Through open competition, they refine their craft and bring distinctive local dishes to a wider audience."

　　Yang Weifeng, Culinary Expert Advisor:

　　"The 'barbell effect' reminds us that both fine dining and everyday rural fare are indispensable. Enhancing the latter can make village banquets a signature experience for anyone visiting Quanzhou."

　　He Pingping, Vice President and Secretary-General, Quanzhou Outside Catering Association:

　　"Rural banquets are a vital link in Quanzhou's food economy. This contest connects the farm to the table and stories from village kitchens to modern consumers, transforming local heritage into sustainable culinary value."

　　Key Dates

　　Registration closed in October; the finals will take place in mid-November, with awards presented by the end of the month.