Huizhou Flavors, Lasting Friendship — Confucius Banquet - “A Taste of Anhui” concludes successfully

On the evening of November 11, 2025, the themed banquet “A Taste of Anhui” presented by the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland, Huangshan University, Huangshan Tourism, and Huishang Guli (Homeland of Hui Merchants), concluded successfully at the UCD Confucius Institute.  Distinguished guests from Irish political and social circles, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, as well as members of academia, the media, and business communities attended the celebration. Sponsored by Huangshan University, the event featured renowned master chefs of Huizhou cuisine who traveled from China to craft a distinctive culinary feast showcasing the unique flavours and culinary traditions of Anhui Province for both Chinese and Irish guests.

The event was hosted by Matthew Kelly, an alumnus of the UCD Confucius Institute. Guest speakers included Professor Dolores O’Riordan, Vice President for Global Engagement; Professor Jiang Hong, Vice President of Huangshan University; Ms. Yanling Wang, Director of the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland; and H.E. Paul Kavanagh, former Irish Ambassador to China.

Following the success of last year’s “A Taste of Huaiyang,” this year’s “A Taste of Anhui” once again utilized cuisine as a bridge to foster mutual understanding and friendship between China and Ireland through the universal language of food. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious, with guests savoring not only the delicate fragrance of Huizhou dishes but also the beauty of cultural exchange. The “Huizhou flavour” transcended mere culinary enjoyment, becoming a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

Shared Feast, Guest Speeches

In her opening remarks, Professor Dolores O’Riordan, Vice President for Global Engagement, extended a warm welcome to all attendees on behalf of the university. She reflected on the Confucius Institute’s contribution to Sino-Irish cultural exchange over the past two decades, commending its fruitful achievements in language education, academic collaboration, and cultural exchange. She noted that this culinary-themed cultural event vividly exemplifies the Confucius Institute’s mission to promote understanding and friendship. Just as fine cuisine takes time and craftsmanship, the friendship between China and Ireland continues to deepen through ongoing exchange and cooperation. 

Professor Jiang Hong, Vice President of Huangshan University, expressed her delight in bringing authentic Anhui flavors to Dublin — an important step in the university’s collaboration with the Confucius Institute to promote cultural exchange. She introduced Huangshan University’s rich history and cultural heritage, highlighting its accomplishments in Huizhou cuisine research, tourism education, and intangible cultural heritage preservation. She noted that as one of China’s eight great regional cuisines, Huizhou cuisine emphasizes “finding true flavor in lightness,” valuing natural ingredients, precise timing, and heartfelt craftsmanship — much like how both China and Ireland cherish the spirit of expressing friendship through food and sharing culture around the table.

Ms. Yanling Wang, Director of the UCD Confucius Institute, subsequently delivered her remarks, extending heartfelt gratitude to University College Dublin and to the partners and guests who have long supported the Institute's development. She particularly thanked Huangshan University for sponsoring the event and the team of Huizhou cuisine chefs who traveled from China to present a culinary feast blending tradition with innovation. Ms. Wang also paid tribute to Professor Liming Wang, founding director of the Confucius Institute, whose vision and dedication has sustained the “Confucius Institute Banquet” series, establishing it as a premier platform for showcasing Chinese culinary culture and fostering Sino-Irish cultural exchange.

Delicious Dishes, Lingering Anhui Flavours

The banquet was meticulously curated by Huangshan University’s master chefs, who combined traditional Huizhou culinary techniques with premium Irish ingredients to create a fusion feast of East and West. Inspired by the theme “Nature in Cuisine, Emotion in Flavor,” the menu reflected the beauty of Huangshan’s landscapes and the craftsmanship of Huizhou culture, perfectly capturing the culinary philosophy of Huizhou cuisine: “revealing true flavour through simplicity.”

Dishes such as “Huizhou Bread Basket” and “Welcome Mixed Platter” symbolized “Huizhou flavors welcoming guests,” drawing inspiration from Huangshan’s landscapes, and the essence of Huizhou ink and tea. “Emperor Xuanyuan’s Beef Shank Soup” and “Huizhou Aromatic Pork” embodied the cuisine’s mastery of heat and authenticity. “Huizhou Black Cod” and “White Jade Lamb Tureen” offered a balance of freshness and warmth, while “Intangible Heritage Special Fish Lantern Rice” and “Huangshan Sweet Temptations” brought the meal to a graceful close with their auspicious presentation and elegant sweetness.

From the shape of the mountains to the taste of the dishes, every element carried the natural spirit and humanistic charm of Huizhou, allowing guests to savor the depth and cultural warmth of Chinese culinary artistry through their palates.

Friendship Across Time and Space

During the banquet, H.E. Paul Kavanagh, former Irish Ambassador to China, delivered an impromptu and heartfelt speech. Drawing on his personal experiences, he recalled visiting Huangshan more than forty years ago as a young diplomat — a journey that left a lasting impression of China’s majestic landscapes and profound culture. He shared a touching memory of meeting an Irish art student on the mountain — an encounter that became one of the warmest memories of his diplomatic career and a witness to the profound friendship between the Chinese and Irish peoples. “Wherever you go in the world,” he said, “you can always find the continuation of friendship.” His words received enthusiastic applause, lifting the evening’s atmosphere to a high point.

Music Without Borders, Cultures in Harmony

In addition to fine cuisines, the banquet featured captivating performances by young artists from both nations, enriching the evening with profound artistic resonance. Irish harpist Jennifer Leahy performed graceful and romantic melodies that floated like a gentle breeze, while the Chinese traditional ensemble Lanyin presented an exquisite performance with the guzheng, pipa, and bamboo flute. The guzheng's refined elegance, the pipa's delicate intonation and the bamboo flute's luminous vitality collectively painted a vividly poetic oriental tableau.

When the sounds of the harp and guzheng intertwined in the hall, Western romanticism met Eastern refinement, merging into a musical dialogue that transcended language and borders — a true symphony of friendship and cultural resonance.

Culture as a Bridge, Friendship Endures

The banquet concluded in a warm and joyful atmosphere. Guests remarked that this cultural feast, centred around Huizhou cuisine, not only showcased the unique charm of Chinese culinary culture but also injected fresh vitality into Sino-Irish exchanges in education, culture, and the humanities.

The “Confucius Institute Banquet” series has become a signature cultural event of the UCD Confucius Institute. Looking ahead, the Institute will continue partnering with Chinese universities and cultural institutions to bring more regional cuisines and cultural experiences to Ireland — inviting friends from around the world to taste the richness and warmth of China on their plates, and to write new chapters in Sino–Irish cultural exchange.