Confucius family cuisine consists of a variety of dishes that were initially prepared to entertain ancient China's emperors and distinguished guests when they visited the home of Confucius, a great Chinese philosopher and educator born during the late Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) in Qufu, Jining, East China's Shandong province.

The cuisine is an integral part of Chinese food culture and has been well preserved due to the important role that Confucius and his thoughts played in ancient Chinese culture. In 2011, it was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The six cold side dishes include beef shank, jellyfish, spiced duck tongue, and celery. [Photo/WecChat account: jnwhlyj]

The six cold side dishes in Confucius family cuisine are named after the “Six Arts” which are disciplines that ancient Chinese students were required to master, such as archery, calligraphy, mathematics, and music. The six appetizers include jellyfish salad, spiced duck tongue, beef shank, and conch jelly.