Experience the Opulence of the Manchu-Han Imperial Feast

Cantonese restaurant Man Fu Yuan at the InterContinental Singapore is set to offer a unique dining experience on November 8 and 9, 2023, with its interpretation of the renowned Manchu-Han Imperial Feast. This grand banquet, said to have originated during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the mid-18th century, is famous for featuring an extravagant 108 dishes served over several days. While historical records of these lavish events are scarce, the allure of the feast has inspired chefs and food enthusiasts for generations.

Leading this culinary journey is executive Chinese chef Aaron Tan, the first Singaporean trained in the art of imperial cuisine. He will collaborate with his mentor, Qi Jinzhu, a veteran chef with over 50 years of experience and a direct disciple of the last imperial chef of the Qing Dynasty, Tang Keming. Qi’s dedication to preserving imperial culinary traditions includes his publication, “The Inheritance And Innovation Of Palace Dishes,” which chronicles the recipes from the Manchu-Han feast.

The preparation for this extraordinary banquet is meticulous, involving a range of rare and luxurious ingredients. For instance, one of the most challenging dishes to replicate is the Kun Lun abalone, which requires a seven-day process of soaking, braising, and steaming, paired with premium ingredients like Jinhua ham. Each abalone half is then filled with the skin of a giant grouper, sourced from Shenzhen, costing approximately S$6,500 (around US$5,008) each. The intricate cooking process demands precision and skill, as the skin must be rehydrated and prepared under strict time constraints to ensure quality.

A Feast for the Senses

The dining experience at Man Fu Yuan will reflect the grandeur of the original banquets, beginning with a traditional tea ceremony. Guests will enjoy a lavish selection of dried fruits, nuts, and pastries, alongside a cold platter featuring a crane intricately carved from radish. The feast includes symbolic delicacies such as braised duck gizzard and stewed pig ears, chosen for both their flavors and their meanings.

To enhance the authenticity, the restaurant has invested in elements that recreate the historical atmosphere. The service staff will don costumes reminiscent of the Qing era, and the tableware, which cost around S$14,000, has been specifically sourced to align with the dishes presented in Qi’s book. Musical and calligraphy performances will accompany the meal, immersing diners in a sensory experience reflective of imperial celebrations.

A Culinary Dream Realized

Chef Tan’s passion for the Manchu-Han banquet began in his youth, inspired by the 1995 Hong Kong film “The Chinese Feast.” He expressed his aspiration to recreate such an extraordinary dining experience, saying, “I’ve always thought it would be an honour if I could one day prepare this extraordinary experience.” His journey led him to Qi at a cooking competition in Sarawak in 2023, where he became a disciple, learning the nuances of this rich culinary tradition.

Tan aims to host the Manchu-Han Imperial Feast every two years, allowing time for practice and collaboration with Qi. He remarked, “Creating a meal like this requires a lot of space in the kitchen, and it’s quite an expense.” Pricing for the feast is set at S$588++ per person, with the November 8 dinner already sold out. Reservations remain available for the dinner on November 9, 2023.

For those interested in this unique culinary experience, reservations can be made by calling 6825-1008 or emailing sinhbmanfuyuan.manfuyuan [at] ihg.com. The event promises not just a meal, but a deep dive into the lavish history of Chinese imperial dining.