Signature moments

Chinese Classics

Savour the legacy of the Eight Great Cuisines of the Chinese Mainland above the clouds.
An assortment of dishes from Cathay Pacific's Chinese Classics series. The dishes are arranged on a table alongside a teapot and two glasses of wine.

Your cultural journey begins in the skies. Chinese Classics connects you to the Chinese Mainland's rich and diverse culinary heritage. Each month, we introduce a dish rooted in the essence of one of China’s Eight Great Cuisines, with a recommended Chinese tea or wine pairing that honours both ancient and modern traditions.

Next time you fly with us in Business class to the Chinese Mainland, let us connect you to the stories and legacy of China’s culinary artistry before your feet touch the ground.

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Explore the Eight Great Cuisines of the Chinese Mainland

Journey through the breadth of China's vibrant culinary landscape, built upon thousands of years of history. Each of its Eight Great Cuisines is a dynamic expression of the region’s distinctive heritage and geography – a convergence of flavours, cooking styles and storied traditions that we capture in our rotating dishes.  

Cantonese 

Delight in the freshness and subtle sweetness of China’s southern coastal cuisine. Cantonese cooking artfully brings together the original flavours of its ingredients using light seasoning and a variety of cooking techniques like steaming and stir-frying.

Hunan 

Renowned for its fiery kick, Hunan cuisine highlights the use of fresh chilies, garlic, smoked and cured meats, and pungent pickles. Dishes showcase a unique blend of bold, sour and spicy flavours to offer a diverse culinary experience.

Anhui

Indulge in hearty, rustic comfort food. Anhui cuisine is centred around wild, pickled or caught delicacies that reflect the region’s mountainous terrain. Slow-cooking techniques – such as stewing and braising – are used to extract complex, savoury flavours.

Sichuan

Bold and hearty, Sichuan cuisine is marked by its prominent use of garlic, chilli peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, and preservation techniques such as pickling, salting and drying. Its layered heat and savoury depth make it one of the most distinctive regional cuisines.

Fujian

Fujian cuisine reflects the region’s coastal bounty and mountainous terrain. Featuring a variety of seafood and land delicacies combined with braising and steaming techniques, the cuisine showcases a delicate balance of light yet layered flavours.

Jiangsu 

Fresh and subtle, Jiangsu cuisine emphasises a harmonious balance of flavours. Gentle braising and stewing bring out the pure, natural character of the ingredients, resulting in a delicate and refined taste.

Zhejiang 

Fresh ingredients and meticulous preparations shine in Zhejiang cuisine. Known as the “land of fish and rice”, the region emphasises seafood and river delicacies, using steaming, braising and stir-frying to showcase simplicity and seasonality.

Shandong

Boasting the longest history among China’s eight great cuisines, Shandong cooking excels in the art of umami-rich dishes. Highlighting the preservation of original flavours, this northern cuisine champions techniques like braising and frying in high heat to deliver a unique fragrance and robust taste.

Tailored beverage pairings

Deepen your appreciation of local Chinese flavours with a tea or wine pairing that complements each month’s featured dish.