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Hello and welcome to Chinese Whispers with me, Cindy Yu. Every episode, I'll be talking to

journalists, experts and long-time China watchers about the latest in Chinese politics, society and more.

There'll be a smattering of history to catch you up on the background knowledge and some context as well. How do the Chinese see these issues?

All cultures care about their cuisine, but the Chinese must have one of the most food-obsessed cultures in the world.

It might be because we have the best food.

Those listeners of Chinese whispers who've been to China will know exactly what I'm talking about.

And for those of you who haven't, you may have come across the classic Chinese takeaway,

dishes like sweet and sour pork, or you may like Cantonese dimsum,

and some of you may be big fans of Chinese cooking as well. But China has so much more to offer

than what has made it across into the West's Chinese restaurants. Thankfully, that's changing

and quite fast. Part of the education campaign to bring more of the diversity and richness of

Chinese cuisine to the West is the work of people like Fusha Denglop. She trained to cook in Chengdu and is one of

the most engaging and thoughtful writers on Chinese cuisine in the English language. I'm delighted

to be joined by her on the podcast today to mark the publication of her new book, Invitation to a

Banquet, which is all about the history, meaning and diversity of Chinese cuisine.

Fuchat Dunlop, welcome to Chinese Whispers. I'm so delighted to have you here.

Hello.

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