On September 11, 2020, at 09.30 hrs., Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University held a Chinese food workshop to provide an opportunity for students to learn about Chinese food culture. This event was honored by Assoc. Prof. Hu Lin, Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University, who delivered an opening speech. Also, two schools attended which were Khon Kaen Industrial and Community Education College and Maha Sarakham Vocational College. Two Chinese dishes were presented: lion’s head (shīzi tóu) and Chinese crispy fried chicken (xiāng sū jī). Moreover, the students got a chance to learn Chinese cooking from two Chinese professional chefs: Mr. Wuxin She from Xi’an city, and Mr. Zhang Rongcheng from Yangzhou city which is a very famous city for Chinese cuisine.
Assoc. Prof. Hu Lin, Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University, said, “this activity aims to provide an opportunity for students to exchange knowledge regarding Chinese food culture. Speaking about food, it is one of the great cultures which everyone loves to learn about and access. Today is a great opportunity for Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University to play a central role in showcasing our cultural heritage and coordinating between Thai and Chinese cultures.”
Ajarn. Pimonwan Suphan, a lecturer in foreign languages, Maha Sarakham Vocational College, said, “this is our first time attending this activity. However, we have been conducting academic cooperation for many years. We arrange vocational teacher training here annually which is operated under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission. Today, we have taken three majors’ students to attend: 1. Food and Nutrition Program (15 students), 2. Hotel Management and Services Program (10 students), and 3. Foreign Languages Program (5 students). Moreover, I hope that this study visit will be very useful for students, especially those who study in the Food and Nutrition Program and the Hotel Management and Services Program since they can have an opportunity to learn about international food, especially Chinese food, as normally they only learn Thai and Isan cooking.”
Mr. Yong Li, Ms. Xi Wang and Ms. Jingxuan Zhang, international students from International College, said that they were so excited and glad to have a chance to attend this activity. For some of them it was the first time, while others had attended over 4 times. All students felt impressed with the friendly environment and were nostalgic for their hometowns because they had the chance to eat Chinese food in Thailand. However, due to the conditions of the new Coronavirus (COVID- 19), participation was limited. Next year, they hope the event will be grander so that everyone can attend.
