Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated with a culinary feast of flavors around the world

What happens when the Mid-Autumn Festival meets Park in Market? This Mid-Autumn Festival, Hangzhou International Communication Center invited five friends from different countries to gather at Park in Market for a special evening of moonlight, food, and celebration.

Josue Diaz from Guatemala, Nomsa Manyange and Yildiray Dzingirayi from Zimbabwe, Joshua from Ghana, and Peter Waddell from South Africa also brought the flavors of their home countries to Hangzhou. This time, they did more than just enjoy a meal. They rolled up their sleeves and cooked, bringing the flavors of home to the table in Hangzhou.

A Mid-Autumn Dinner Begins with a Trip to the Market

Before the dinner began, the chefs of the day took everyone on a little tour of Park in Market.

Vegetables, meat, seasonings and more filled the stalls. The group browsed the market, picking out ingredients and chatting about what they needed for their dishes. A simple part of everyday life, grocery shopping became the first stop of this international Mid-Autumn gathering.

At the egg stall, Peter suddenly stopped and took a closer look at two eggs that seemed almost identical. He asked the vendor, “What’s the difference between them?” After learning that one was a chicken egg and the other a duck egg, the “market newcomer” from South Africa carefully picked out a bag of chicken eggs and happily carried them away.

Five Friends, Five Flavors of Home

Once they stepped into the kitchen, the real cooking adventure began.

Josue Diaz from Guatemala prepared a fresh vegetable salad. Crisp vegetables and simple seasoning added a refreshing touch to the festive Mid-Autumn dinner.

Nomsa Manyange and Yildiray Dzingirayi from Zimbabwe, along with Joshua from Ghana, prepared a local favorite, Rice Magunanzi. They kept the kitchen busy with laughter, conversation, and the aroma of home cooking.

Peter Waddell from South Africa chose a dessert that holds a special place in his heart: Malva Pudding. This traditional dessert is a favorite in South Africa. Peter shared that its history can be traced back to the Great Trek of the Afrikaners. It was originally known as “Asyn Pudding,” or vinegar pudding, before gradually evolving into the Malva Pudding we know today. For Peter, it was more than just a dessert. It carried the flavors and memories of home.

One Table Under the Moon, Flavors from Around the World

Once all the dishes were ready, everyone headed up to the rooftop. The beautifully set tables, sparkling lights, and Hangzhou’s night view gave the Mid-Autumn dinner a special sense of occasion. The table was filled with traditional Chinese dishes alongside specialties from around the world. Flavors from different countries came together around one table.

马古南齐米饭（Rice Magunanzi）

After the event, Peter took the time to write an article about this memorable evening. For Peter and everyone there, it was more than just a meal. It was a special opportunity to experience Hangzhou and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in a uniquely Chinese way. When these flavors came together with traditional Mid-Autumn dishes from Hangzhou, a simple dinner became a meaningful cultural exchange. As Peter wrote at the end of his article, “A truly remarkable memorable evening to be remembered.”

Keep the Mid-Autumn Spirit Alive at Park in Market

If you want to soak up the Mid-Autumn atmosphere, come take a stroll around Park in Market. From September 23 to 25, a Mid-Autumn riddle-guessing activity will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 each day. In addition, Mid-Autumn-themed decorations will be on display through September 30, waiting you to stop by and take some photos.

Source: Hangzhoufeel