"Taste of China" – Discovering Peacock London: Changzhou Cuisine Tasting Gala Brings Chinese New Year Flavour to the Thames

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, London's streets were filled with festive atmosphere. On February 10th, Peacock London, the celebrated Chinese restaurant overlooking the Thames near the London Eye, welcomed a stream of distinguished guests for an evening of profound culinary and cultural exchange.

The "Taste of China · Discovering Peacock London – Changzhou Cuisine Tasting Gala" was jointly organised by the China National Tourist Office in London and the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, co-hosted by the Changzhou Catering Association, Peacock London, and Dream Blue. The event used cuisine as a medium and culture as a bridge, presenting London diners with an unforgettable feast of Eastern flavours.

A Window for Cultural Exchange

In his address, Zhang Li, Director of the China National Tourist Office in London, remarked: "‘Taste of China’ carries the nostalgia of overseas Chinese and students, while also providing a window for British friends to understand Chinese culture and society. Through the presentation of regional cuisines, we vividly demonstrate the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture."

Cuisine is among the most direct carriers of culture. The arrival of "Taste of China" in London represents not merely a culinary showcase but a vibrant aspect of Sino-British cultural exchange. Through the refinement and craftsmanship of Changzhou cuisine, British guests were able to gain deeper insight into the cultural philosophy behind Chinese dining: respect for the natural flavour of ingredients, harmony with the seasons, elegant ritual, and the art of connecting with others through taste.

The Heritage of Huaiyang Cuisine

Changzhou cuisine belongs to the Huaiyang culinary tradition—a style that has served as the foundation for China's state banquets since the 1949 founding ceremony reception. Huaiyang cuisine is celebrated for its clear, balanced flavours, tender textures, and appeal to palates across North and South China. It emphasises meticulous knife work, precise heat control, fresh taste, and elegant presentation, particularly excelling in slow-stewing techniques that embody the wisdom of "elevating humble ingredients to artistry."

A Feast for the Senses

The London gala featured an impressive array of dishes: eight cold appetisers, fourteen hot courses, and an assortment of dim sum and fruit, presented in succession—a feast for eyes and palate alike.

Highlights included:

• Old-style Changzhou Fried Fish – Crisp, fragrant, with a lingering savoury depth

• Drunken Shrimp – Tender, fresh, and delicately seasoned

• Beef Tendon Terrine – Crystal-clear and light

• Fried Prawns with Soy and Oyster Sauce – Rich, aromatic "treasure ingot" shrimp

• Changzhou Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) served with small sesame cakes and Meng fried rice – Capturing the refined gentleness of the Jiangnan water town in every bite

Changzhou cuisine is not merely about taste—it carries memory. Amidst the fragrant steam rising from each dish, diners felt the profound depth and enduring legacy of Chinese culinary culture.

Peacock London: Where Setting Enhances Flavour

As one of London's premier Chinese dining destinations, Peacock London is renowned for its stunning Thames views, historic Edwardian architecture, and authentic Chinese culinary artistry. The restaurant's interior seamlessly blends modern simplicity with traditional imagery, allowing diners to savour exquisite dishes while absorbing the refined atmosphere of a Jiangnan riverside.

This collaboration with the Changzhou Catering Association was more than a meeting of flavours—it was a cultural resonance. Through this gala, London guests were able to experience China's festive spirit and culinary aesthetics through aroma, texture, and even table presentation.

As the Thames flowed quietly through the night, warm light filled the windows. Chinese cuisine transcended time, distance, and language to become a bridge connecting the hearts of people from two nations.