Chinese influencers, Serbian youth bond over culinary traditions

BELGRADE, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- On Saturday, 20 prominent Chinese social media influencers took part in a unique cooking workshop in Belgrade, where they learned to prepare traditional Serbian dishes like Leskovacka muckalica and Leskovacki ustipci from Serbia's top young chefs.

The workshop, titled "Confluence of Tastes -- Iron Friendship for a Shared Future," was organized by the Belt and Road Institute Belgrade and the Junior Chef Club, as part of the Wine Vision and Food Vision by Open Balkan international fairs.

Held at the Belgrade Fair, the event aimed to showcase and share the richness of Serbian cuisine as an important part of the country's cultural heritage and traditions through the preparation of authentic Serbian recipes while fostering cultural exchange with China.

The Chinese influencers, including Guo Weina, Yang Huiting, and Xia Zhinan, experienced first-hand Leskovacka muckalica (a stew-like dish made of barbecued meat and vegetables) and Leskovacki ustipci (donut-like meatballs), both traditional dishes from the Leskovac region in southern Serbia and known for their rich flavors and strong connection to the grilling and hearty meat traditions of the area.

The workshop also attracted many young Serbians eager to engage with their Chinese counterparts, highlighting the event's role in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

"Food is a bridge that fosters communication among different countries and ethnic groups," said Guo, expressing her excitement about discovering Serbian cuisine.

"I see many young Serbians here today. They are very interested in us and open to talking and sharing. I hope more Serbian friends will visit China, experience our culture, and feel our hospitality," Guo added.

Andrija Zivkovic from Kragujevac, the fourth largest city in Serbia, echoed the sentiments, stating "Food connects people across cultures. It's not just about how dishes are prepared but the joy of sharing them. I'd love to try Chinese specialties someday -- they seem amazing and look incredible."

The third edition of the Wine Vision and Food Vision by Open Balkan fairs, co-hosted by Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia, runs from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24. As one of Europe's largest expos of winemaking and gastronomy, it drew over 650 exhibitors from 38 countries, continuing to promote cultural and culinary exchanges across borders.