NAMECARD: Ma Tujia / Chef 

These are Guangzhou’s traditional char siu bao (barbecued pork buns). These recipe of char siu bao have been passed down through generations possibly for hundreds of years.

Food is one of the most powerful connective tools for family members and friends. Dim sum, is an essential part of Cantonese cuisine, among which, the barbecued pork bun, in particular, is a popular choice for Cantonese people. The craft of making dim sum has also been designated as part of Chinese's intangible cultural heritage. Since 2018, Chef Ma has been utilizing local ingredients from Nansha of Guangzhou to develop special dim sum. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Chef Ma embarks on an exchange trip to Brazil. He has been meticulously preparing for this food exchange journey.

This is shrimp dumpling. This is siu mai. During my three-month journey across various cities in Brazil my primary goal is to promote Cantonese culture and culinary traditions. I also hope to learn new skills and techniques from Brazil. Given Guangzhou's rich food culture that has been passed down for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, it is essential to showcase to the world that this cultural heritage also thrives in Nansha district of Guangzhou city in China.