Stories of Sino-US Diplomacy in US State Dinner Menus
This article reviews the changes in menus at US state dinners, from the American-style dishes during Deng Xiaoping's visit to the US in 1979, to the exquisite Western cuisine when Clinton hosted Jiang Zemin in 1997, and the innovative dishes incorporating Chinese and American flavors during Obama's hosting of Xi Jinping in 2015. It also looks forward to the upcoming state dinner arranged by Trump for Xi Jinping.
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On January 29, 1979, less than a month after the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US, then-Vice Premier of the State Council Deng Xiaoping visited the United States, and US President Carter hosted a banquet for him. The menu that evening featured American style, including roast veal, baked seafood, and a vegetable salad, with chestnut mousse and truffle chocolate for dessert. Guests also included former President Nixon, who was the first former president to visit China. Eighteen years later, in 1997, President Clinton hosted a state dinner at the White House for then-President Jiang Zemin. The menu was more elaborate, with chilled lobster as an appetizer, Oregon beef with golden potatoes and roasted root vegetables as the main course, and desserts including citrus tea tart and candied ginger.
By 2015, when Xi Jinping visited the US, Obama hosted a state dinner where the menu incorporated Chinese elements. Chef Luo Mujuan, a renowned Chinese-American chef who designed the menu, recalled that his task was to combine American ingredients with Chinese flavors. The Colorado lamb served at the state dinner was accompanied by Chinese-style side dishes, with Chinese elements ranging from American lobster to Shaoxing wine. This state dinner brought the two culinary cultures to the same table. Chef Luo Mujuan stated that at the time, they had to strive to present the best aspects while being as delicious and representative as possible, with the added pressure of making history. The team served four courses to 250 people in about 35 minutes, an incredible feat.
US President Trump plans to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state dinner during his visit to the US on September 24th. What culinary surprises President Trump has in store this time remains to be seen.