[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

East China's Shandong province kicked off a four-month culinary competition in Jinan, the provincial capital, on July 30, gathering chef teams from the province's 16 cities to compete in a series of themed food battles.

The opening event, held from the evening of July 30 to Aug 2 at Huanlian Night Market, featured dishes made from local fish varieties, showcasing techniques like steaming, braising, and stewing. Professional judges and public tasters evaluated the entries based on taste, technique, and presentation.

The tournament will span Shandong's 16 cities, with competitions centered around 16 signature ingredients. A mix of round-robin, elimination, and final stages will determine the gold, silver, and bronze winners, as well as special awards. The event highlights Shandong’s rich food culture while boosting local consumption and community engagement.