Executive chef offers an inside look at Beijing’s diplomatic banquet

Executive chef Luo Chenglin, from Beijing’s Yangzhou Banquet restaurant, has long served up dishes for Beijing’s diplomatic guests. He said state dinners need to balance showcasing China’s rich culture with suiting the tastes of foreign visitors. Diplomatic banquets traditionally feature Huaiyang cuisine, but the menu on May 13, 2026, included Peking duck and beef ribs – a nod to Trump’s preference for well-done steak.