Donald Trump might need a love of fast food, but he was served something very different during his state visit to China.
Hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state banquet, many of the food was sourced from the Huaiyang region.
Food from that area is understood for its light seasoning and balanced flavours, making it the cuisine of alternative for major political events and visits from other foreign leaders.
Among the most well-known dishes from the region include Lion’s head pork meatballs, made up using ground pork, water chestnuts and breadcrumbs.
The White House said the banquet menu blended Chinese flavours with other international dishes – lobster in tomato soup, crispy beef ribs, Beijing roast duck, and slow-cooked salmon in mustard sauce.
Desserts and sides included fried pork bun, trumpet shell-shaped pastries, tiramisu, and fruits with ice cream.
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During his last state visit to China, Trump was served Huaiyang dishes as well, including braised vegetables and stewed beef in tomato.
Last 12 months, Trump’s favourite foods were revealed by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who told a gaggle of youngsters on ‘Take Your Children to Work Day’ that the President loves steak.
One other child asked what his favourite order is from McDonald’s.
‘He loves McDonald’s hamburgers and French fries,’ Leavitt said.
As for sweets, Leavitt said the President eats a ‘good amount of candy’, but prefers pink Starburst and Tootsie Rolls.
Earlier within the state visit, Xi issued what seemed to be a thinly veiled threat to Donald Trump during a US trip to Beijing this week.
Trump opened talks by telling Xi it was an ‘honour’ to be his friend, at the same time as his Chinese counterpart offered a cautionary warning concerning the risk of a possible clash between the 2 nations.
‘China and america each stand to realize from cooperation and lose from confrontation,’ Xi said.
‘We needs to be partners, not rivals. We should always help one another succeed and prosper together and find the best way for major countries to get along well with one another in the brand new era.’
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