Tai'an is drawing attention at the ongoing cuisine competition in Shandong province with a range of distinctive local dishes that highlight the city's deep culinary heritage.

Taishan red-scaled fish. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]

Among the highlights is the Taishan red-scaled fish, which is deep-fried to a golden crisp, with even the bones edible. It is a local specialty unique to Tai'an, once presented as a tribute during imperial ceremonies at Taishan Mountain. 

Taishan stir-fried chicken is another signature dish, made from free-range chickens raised at the foot of Taishan Mountain. Cooked with a secret recipe, the dish combines quick stir-frying over high heat with slow simmering, delivering a rustic yet hearty flavor. 

The Taishan pancake is a staple of Shandong. Thin and chewy, it is usually served with scallions and crispy twisted dough sticks, offering a unique taste.

Dongping porridge. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]

Dongping porridge, from Dongping county in Tai’an, is crafted from soybeans and millet. They are ground into a paste and simmered into a thick yet smooth porridge with a distinctive roasted aroma.

Taishan tofu banquet. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]

For banquets, Tai'an offers rich traditions such as the Taishan tofu banquet, featuring nine main tofu dishes and more than 100 variations. This feast is a collection of the finest tofu dishes served to emperors during their visits to Taishan Mountain. 

The Taishan royal worship banquet blends Shandong cuisine with culinary influences from across China, emphasizing balanced nutrition while showcasing distinctive local and imperial flavors. 

The Water Margin Banquet, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Water Margin, presents 108 dishes, each with its own stories and characters.

The Ningyang Four-Eight Banquet boasts a history of over 2,000 years and features 24 dishes, including whole fish and chicken. This banquet not only highlights the city's rich culinary culture but also embodies its traditional virtues of respecting elders and hospitality.