Debuting in 1919, the four-four banquet – or Si Si Xi in Chinese – is something for all foodies to experience. It is widely said to be the only culinary experience that can fully represent the cuisine of the Boshan district of Zibo city in East China's Shandong province, or even in Central Shandong.
The term four-four, refers to its four assorted cold dishes, four medium dishes, four main dishes and four staple foods – totaling 16 courses – for eight people to eat.
To indulge in a four-four banquet, the guests usually sit in wooden armchairs around an old-fashioned square table, two against each other. [Photo provided to zibo.gov.cn]
