The Bund · City Hall Plaza in Shanghai’s Huangpu district transformed into a vibrant culinary crossroads from February 6-8, hosting the ‘Global Taste in Shanghai · Global Chinese New Year Fair.’ This three-day festival, jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, created a unique platform where international flavors converged with traditional Spring Festival celebrations.
More than 50 businesses representing over 10 countries and regions participated in the gastronomic showcase, offering everything from Shanghai-themed gifts and premium food hampers to imported wines, specialty teas, artisanal crafts, and exotic delicacies. The event attracted diplomatic representatives from various consulates who personally promoted their nations’ culinary offerings.
Teresa Bauer, Austria’s Acting Consul General in Shanghai, enthusiastically represented her country’s specialties at the fair. ‘Shanghai brings together so many different kinds of food and flavors,’ she remarked. ‘It’s kind of a hub of food culture in China.’ Bauer recommended organic chocolate from Zotter and traditional Viennese coffee from Julius Meinl, a company with roots dating back to 1862.
Having resided in Shanghai for four years, Bauer expressed her appreciation for the cultural exchange: ‘I am very happy to have learned about all the important cultures, not only the Chinese New Year we are celebrating soon. I love the Chinese kitchen, the Chinese food, and it’s so different from the food we have in Austria.’
The fair successfully created a multicultural celebration that extended beyond commerce, fostering cross-cultural understanding through shared culinary experiences during one of China’s most important traditional festivals.