What are the "Eight Big Bowls"?

In Tianjin, the Eight Big Bowls banquet is often used to entertain guests. Eight large dishes are served, all in uniform big bowls, which look impressive and are satisfying to eat—hence the name "Eight Big Bowls." Before the Eight Big Bowls, there are cold plates and appetizers, consisting of six or twelve kinds of dried and fresh cold meats. The Eight Big Bowls feast may include cold dishes or may not. That's why there used to be a humorous saying in Tianjin: "No cold plates—straight to the bowls."

The Eight Big Bowls use a wide range of ingredients and encompass a full array of cooking techniques. They include vegetarian and meat options, employing methods such as stir-frying, quick-frying, stewing, boiling, simmering, deep-frying, roasting, braising, reducing, and poaching. The dishes are characterized by generous sauces and thick gravies, served in large bowls.

Seafood is another major specialty of Tianjin cuisine, benefiting from its geographical advantage and possessing unique characteristics. Since ancient times, Tianjin has been known as the "end of the nine rivers," abundant in fish, shrimp, and crabs. Among the people, there is a saying: "When it comes to eating fish and shrimp, Tianjin is the place."

Tianjin is located in the northeastern part of the North China Plain, bordering the Bohai Sea to the east, commanding the nine rivers to the west, adjacent to the Yanshan Mountains to the north, and leaning against the port and wetlands to the south. The region is rich in river and sea fresh ingredients, as well as wild and mountain resources. All these provide Tianjin chefs with vast opportunities to showcase their talents and also shape the unique characteristics of Tianjin cuisine. Tianjin cuisine can be summarized into five major features: expertise in cooking fresh ingredients from both land and sea, emphasis on seasonality, skill in seasoning, unique cooking techniques, and broad adaptability.

Tianjin people have long cherished the saying: "Borrow money to buy seafood—it's not a sign of being irresponsible," which fully demonstrates their love for seafood. The Seafood Eight Big Bowls combine the traditional Eight Big Bowls with Tianjin's distinctive seafood offerings, allowing guests to savor the delicious flavors of the sea while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people of Tianjin.

Chinese Source: fw.whly.tj.gov.cn