For perfectionists, the number of diners at the birthday banquet must be 12, collectively belonging to all the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The number of dishes must also be 12. In the old days, the most exquisite dishes were those of the winehouse banquet, which only high officials and the rich could afford. So named, obviously, because this course could be enjoyed only by the elite in the old feudal days. The preliminaries will be held on the first three days, and the final on the fourth.
Gold medals await the champions at the closing ceremony.
The Chinese like to drink beer when dining, and Taiwan brews pretty good beer. Many other similar competitions will be held as well. Visitors may register for this program by presenting their admission ticket. Cooking Craft Shows Lively noodle pulling, lamien, will be demonstrated along with many other cooking crafts, native and foreign. Exhibits of Regional Chinese Cuisine Five-star hotels will exhibit dishes of the eight Chinese regional cuisines in 60 booths, and nine trophies will be awarded to the winning contestants.