Fangshan Restaurant in Beijing, founded by former chefs of the Qing Dynasty, continues the traditions of imperial cuisine. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The restaurant was established in 1925 in Beihai Park, a garden where royals from several dynasties rested, handled government affairs, and performed ritual sacrifices.
Chef Zhou Tong at Fangshan prepares the 'dream pastry' associated with Empress Dowager Cixi. According to legend, Cixi dreamed of the pastry, and it was served at breakfast the next morning. Delighted, she rewarded her chef with a silver ingot.
"It was originally called 'minced pork pancake,' but because it had fulfilled her dream, it later became known as 'dream pastry,'" said Zhou Tong.
According to assistant general manager Di Xin, the name Fangshan literally means 'imitating the imperial cuisine.'
Several other Beijing restaurants also serve versions of imperial cuisine, while the Palace Museum preserves Qing-dynasty objects tied to court dining, including pastry molds.
Fangshan Restaurant preserves dishes associated with Empress Dowager Cixi and other culinary traditions from China's imperial court, offering them to modern guests.