New book delving into Beijing's culinary legacy

China Commercial Press unveils Stories of Old Beijing Chefs, a captivating exploration of the historical chef industry in ancient Beijing. To mark its debut, a celebratory reading event took place at Jinghualou Restaurant in Beijing, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions that defined the era.

Authored by Wang Xifu, hailing from a prestigious lineage of imperial chefs, the book delves deep into the virtues, talents, and skills that shaped Beijing's culinary landscape. Drawing from his family's legacy, Wang's narrative vividly portrays the individuals and customs that once thrived in this vibrant industry.

Despite not being a professional chef, Wang's dedication to preserving traditional culinary arts shines through. Drawing from his family's expertise, he resurrected his father's chef training classes in 2000, reviving nearly forgotten recipes and techniques, fostering a new generation of talented chefs who have since become integral to Beijing's culinary tapestry.