A competition of making innovative dishes within the ambit of the Shandong Cuisine (Lu Cuisine) took place in Tai'an, East China's Shandong province on Nov 30.

The competition is themed "New Era, New Shandong Cuisine". It kicked off on Sep 16 and will last until February 2022.

Thirty-two dishes have been submitted with 12 dishes awarded the title of "five-star dishes" such as "Pomegranate Tofu," "Chestnut Chicken," "Wine Jar Crisps," "Lamb Elbow," "Chickpea Flower," "Peach Gum White Fungus Soup," and "Feicheng Peach Knuckle".

A variety of innovative dishes are being showcased during the 2021 Shandong Cuisine Innovative Competition in Tai’an. [Photo/my0538.com]

"Feicheng Peach Knuckle is a famous dish consisting of black pork and Feicheng peaches, which creates a mixed taste of delicious meat and fruity aroma," said Wang Mingdong, a master chef from Taixi Hotel who's competing in the event.

Wang Mingdong, a master chef at the Taixi Hotel introduces his culinary masterpiece called "Feicheng Peach Elbow" to the public during the competition. [Photo/my0538.com]

"The event is aiming to inherit and promote the traditional Chinese culinary culture, and the 32 dishes in Tai'an submitted during the competition have been streamed online as well," said Zhang Xindong, president of the Shandong Tourist Hotel Association.

Experts will further modify the quality of the 12 "five-star dishes" to help them shine in the international arena.