Jinan is working toward recognition as a UNESCO "City of Gastronomy" title, hoping to join the ranks of globally renowned culinary cities. 

This title represents the highest international honor in the food sector and reflects a city's rich culinary heritage, innovation, and commitment to food culture.

As capital of Shandong province, Jinan has deep roots in Shandong cuisine and a thriving culinary industry, providing a strong foundation for the city in its pursuit of this prestigious title.

Shandong cuisine, or Lu cuisine, has the longest history and most intricate preparation methods of any of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine. Its roots go back to the State of Lu in the late Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC).

Jinan is a major center of Shandong cuisine and offers a wide variety of dishes, known for their bold flavors and cooking techniques such as stir-frying, braising, deep-frying, and quick frying. Iconic dishes from Jinan include stir-fried pork kidney and fried carp with sweet and sour sauce.

The city's culinary scene is already impressive, with both local specialties and fast-growing food enterprises making a significant impact at both the national and international level. The city now is home to over 45,000 food service enterprises with nearly 380,000 people employed in the industry.

Fried Carp with Sweet and Sour Sauce. [Photo/Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism]