The well-known Tainan banquet chef Lu Zhengzhi, who inherited his father Lu Tianbao’s "Baoweizhen Banquet" and established his brand "Zhenzhuan Canteen," enjoys great fame in the banquet industry. He is skilled in blending traditional and innovative dishes, specializing in local flavor banquets, and has been invited to host events such as the Pineapple Banquet, Bamboo Shoots Banquet, and Avocado Banquet multiple times. During the 2024 "Shi Ban Dao" event in Guiren, Lu Zhengzhi once again showcased his culinary talents by launching creative dishes combining local ingredients, such as pineapple, Indica rice, bamboo shoots, and cherimoya.
Tainan Mayor Huang Weizhe pointed out that Guiren has been promoting banquet culture for a long time, attracting local chefs and gradually developing banquets into a characteristic terroir feast that integrates local agricultural products. Lu Zhengzhi’s dishes not only inherit traditional craftsmanship but also incorporate modern creativity. For example, his signature dish "Chrysanthemum Scallops" showcases exquisite knife skills and plating, offering both a beautiful presentation and unique flavor. The family heirloom dish "Banana Rice Cake Roll" combines traditional ingredients with modern techniques, simple in appearance but rich in taste, leaving a lasting impression.
The early banquet dish 'Chrysanthemum Scallops' combines rich textures and offers a luxurious visual experience (Photo: Courtesy of Tainan Tourism - Provided by Lu Zhengzhi)
The Director of the Tourism Bureau, Lin Guohua, mentioned that in recent years, various places in Taiwan have gradually initiated activities to promote local food culture. Lu Zhengzhi's cuisine represents a leader in this trend. From the early Zodiac Banquet to his recent participation in local government-hosted terroir banquets, Lu demonstrates his creative use of local ingredients. For instance, the "Salsa Pineapple Pork" uses Guanmiao pineapple to create a sauce that pairs perfectly with pork ribs, giving traditional ingredients a fresh twist. The "Avocado and Seafood Gratin" highlights Lu's precise control of avocado cooking temperatures to avoid bitterness while balancing the flavors of avocado and seafood.
Lu Zhengzhi also introduced "Five Blessings Mountain Papaya Treasure Pot," combining papaya, guava, and pork belly, bringing a unique flavor through innovative combinations and showcasing his bold cooking style. His diverse creativity and extensive culinary experience not only satisfy the public's taste buds but also successfully promote Baoweizhen's outside catering market, making him one of the representative figures in Tainan’s banquet culture.
Lu Zhengzhi presented 'Avocado Seafood Gratin' during the Danei Avocado Festival (Photo: Courtesy of Tainan Tourism - Provided by Lu Zhengzhi)
In 2024, to celebrate Tainan’s 400th anniversary, the Tourism Bureau has collaborated with Zhang Yunshu, the author of "Tainan Banquet Master," to plan a series of reports such as "Tainan 400 – The Flowing Feast" and "Tainan 400 – Exquisite Delicacies." Starting in September, the "Tainan 400 City Food Power" event series, including a touring exhibition across 37 districts, invites people to visit Tainan during weekends to enjoy food and explore the city. For more details, visit the "Tainan 400 – City Food Powerr" website and stay tuned to the "Tainan Travel" website and Facebook page for the latest tourism and event updates.
