“Elite Manchu and Han Banquet”, although called small, is actually not small when compared to a “Grand Manchu and Han banquet”. Compared to ordinary banquets, it is indeed not small and quite grand. The Grand Qing Imperial Manchu and Han Banquet
History of Elite Manchu and Han Banquet (小滿漢） in Hongkong : A Culinary Extravaganza
The “Elite Manchu and Han Banquet,” although labeled as “small,” is far from modest compared to a “Grand Manchu and Han Banquet（滿漢全席）.” In fact, it is quite grand when compared to ordinary banquets. This particular banquet, known as the “Lingnan Manchu and Han Banquet” (嶺南小滿漢） showcases the distinctive flavors of Lingnan cuisine. Master chef Wu Chu, a practitioner of Lingnan Manchu and Han banquet cuisine, has carefully selected twenty exquisite dishes after three weeks of meticulous preparation.
When discussing the history of the “Complete Manchu and Han Banquet” in Hong Kong, it is essential to mention the magnificent event that took place on November 2nd and 3rd, 1977, at the National Guesthouse Restaurant. On those two nights, a total of one hundred and eight dishes were served, costing a staggering one hundred thousand dollars. The banquet included lunch and dinner, with the “Dragon Gate Banquet” on the first night featuring a rare delicacy of bear paw, and the second night’s “Deer Sing Banquet” highlighting glutinous deer pollen. The event was broadcast live via satellite by Japan’s TBS television, allowing viewers to witness the splendor of the banquet and savor the sight of these rare dishes in real-time. The host spent three months meticulously planning the imperial banquet, which boasted a total of one hundred and sixty-eight dishes.
The Elite Lingnan Manchu and Han Banquet being offered this time consists of a carefully curated selection of twenty dishes, including:
Eight Grand Dishes of the Imperial Court:
1. Imperial Lovebirds’ Tale(宮廷鴛鴦譜)
2. Phoenix Swallowing Pearls with Wings(凰吞珍珠群翅膀)
3. Snow Carp Scaling the Dragon(踏雪鱘龍)
4. Green Willow （綠柳垂絲）
5. High Reaching Luck(鴻運高陞)
6. Dragon Boat Sea Cucumber(龍船海參)
7. Pearl Fan Piercing Lotus(寶扇穿蓮)
8. Phoenix Sing Bamboo(鳳鳴翠竹)
Eight Small Platters of the Imperial Palace:
1. Imperial Edict Delivery （聖旨傳膳）
2. Wild Goose Pagoda Titles （雁塔題名）
3. Linked Children Entering Scholarhood （連子登科）
4. High Morals Flag Flying（高風亮節）
5. Grand Historian Leftovers （太史戈渣）
6. Eternal Green Longevity （萬年長青）
7. Unhorsing Horse Hoof Fragrance（卸馬蹄香）
8. Grandson Ten Thousand Generations （爺孫萬代）
Additional four dishes:
1. Qianlong Fried Rice（乾隆炒飯）
2. Fresh Crab Meat Glass Noodles （鮮蟹肉片伊麵）
3. Apricot Nectar Swallow’s Wing （杏液燕爾）
4. Immortal Fruit Abundant Bowl （仙果滿盆）
The banquet follows the rituals of the Qing Imperial Palace. In the past, the “Complete Manchu and Han Banquet” placed great emphasis on rituals and etiquette. The Qing Emperor would host civil and military officials in a lavish setting, carefully arranging seating based on their status. The host would explain the traditional rituals to the guests beforehand, and together, they would follow the prescribed rituals.
The ritual would commence with the host dressing as the Qing Emperor and others dressing as officials. They would all rise and bow, with their right fist grasped in their left palm at chest level, as the “Emperor” issued the edict: “Bow three times to the Emperor of the Upper Palace.” The guests, acting as officials, would respond with three kneeling bows and call out in unison: “The Eight Immortals often come to the palace.” Another edict would be issued: “Be seated.”
After the explanations, all the guests would appreciate the ritual. The pleasures of the past would fade, giving way to new joys. The distinction between what is truly real and what is fake becomes insignificant; happiness lies in the enjoyment of the moment.
The second part of the ritual, known as “Imperial Edict Delivery,” marked the beginning of the imperial feast. The host would once again describe the procedure, where each table would appoint one person as the Emperor, seated on the left and right of the actual Emperor as the Edict Official. The Emperor would don a hat while the Officials held an Edict listing the dishes. At the call of “Imperial Edict Delivery,” the Emperor would rise with a brush and declare the dish to be served, starting with “Imperial Lovebirds’ Tale.” The next guest in line would point out the second dish, taking turns playing the role of the Emperor. Everyone would fully engage in this adult game, busily taking photos as “Emperors” to share the fun with their families.
When asked about how he learned the Qing court procedures, host Wu Chu attributed his knowledge to his master, Ng Luan. The cuisine of the Manchu and Han Banquet entered civilian life around 1896 in Guangzhou at the renowned “Guild Prosperity Restaurant,” known for its “Complete Manchu and Han Banquet.” Wu Chu, under the tutelage of cuisine master Ng Luan from Lingnan, has hosted several “Complete Mandarin Banquets” in Hong Kong, showcasing his expertise in this culinary tradition.