In the long river of history, ancient Chinese emperors were often depicted as holding supreme power, living in luxurious palaces, and enjoying endless delicacies. Some legends and records claim that the emperor could have hundreds of dishes at his daily court meals and dinners, which has raised countless questions. So, was the diet of ancient emperors really so rich? What is their dietary culture like?
1、 The Historical Background of Ancient Emperors’ Diet
Firstly, we need to understand the food culture of ancient China. In ancient societies, diet was not only a necessity for survival, but also a symbol of identity and status. As the highest ruler of the country, the emperor’s diet naturally reflects the ultimate luxury and complexity. With the change of dynasties, the types of food and cooking techniques were constantly updated and developed, thus forming a relatively complete and rich palace food system.
Since the pre Qin period, diet has become an important component of morality and etiquette. Both the Book of Rites and the Analects have discussions on food, emphasizing that cuisine should not only have taste, but also cultural connotations. During the Han and Tang dynasties, with the development of the economy and the prosperity of culture, the culinary culture reached its peak. Especially in the Tang Dynasty, food was endowed with richer cultural significance, and palace cuisine began to show a trend of diversification.
2、 The daily dietary structure of ancient emperors
Regarding the daily dietary structure of ancient emperors, it can generally be divided into three main stages: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although the specific number of dishes may vary depending on the era and the personal preferences of the emperor, overall they exhibit a pursuit of abundance and diversity.
- Breakfast: In ancient times, breakfast was usually held at dawn. The type of breakfast was relatively simple, generally including Congee, steamed stuffed buns, dumplings and other staple foods. In addition, pair it with some seasonal vegetables and fruits. The emperor’s breakfast, although relatively simple, still emphasizes the freshness and nutrition of the ingredients.
- Lunch and dinner: Lunch and dinner are the two most sumptuous meals of the emperor’s day. According to historical records, especially in the Tang Dynasty, the variety of dishes for lunch and dinner often exceeded a hundred, and there are even records that it reached as many as a thousand dishes. These dishes include various meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, etc., and remove the more common ingredients to highlight their deliciousness and uniqueness. Some emperors, such as Emperor Qianlong, are famous for their specialty dishes such as “Eight Treasures” and “Four Joys”.
In order to ensure a balanced diet, the Imperial Palace’s Imperial Kitchen invites unique chefs to use various cooking techniques to ensure the taste and nutrition of each dish. In addition, the dishes at the palace banquet also have a high level of artistic accomplishment, not only delicious, but also achieving perfect unity in color, aroma, taste, shape and other aspects.
- Feast on special festivals: During major festivals and ceremonies, the emperor’s food is even more luxurious. At this time, the number of dishes is even more astonishing, often reaching hundreds of dishes. In these feasts, in addition to various daily dishes, special delicacies such as deer meat, bird’s nest, abalone, etc. are served on the table, and the designed tableware is also extremely exquisite, often using gold and silver utensils. These feasts are not only the personal enjoyment of the emperor, but also an important stage for showcasing national strength and culture.
3、 The culture and art behind palace cuisine
The diet of ancient emperors was not just about simple satiety, but also a profound culture and art behind it. Diet is seen as a manifestation of etiquette, morality, and social hierarchy. The preparation and presentation of each dish require careful design, reflecting the chef’s skills and the nobility of the court. For example, the Manchu Han feast of the Qing Dynasty was a dual feast of visual and gustatory experiences, with a vast array of dishes and intricate production techniques that left one in awe.
In addition, the emperor has specific dietary taboos and preferences, and may even form personal labels based on certain dishes. For example, Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty had a significant preference for food, and certain dishes that did not meet his taste would be removed from the menu.
4、 Power and symbolism in diet
Diet was a symbol of power in ancient Chinese society. The origin and production techniques of each dish are often directly related to the authority of the emperor. The emperor demonstrated his ruling position through diet, which also became a tool for internal and external struggles within the court.
For example, during the Sui and Tang dynasties, the level of chefs directly influenced the emperor’s appetite and health, and could even influence the direction of food. There is a simple record in history that an emperor decided to appoint a minister due to an unpleasant eating experience. The fact shows that diet is not only a physiological need, but also an intertwined manifestation of economic, cultural, and political power.
The dietary culture of ancient emperors is a rich and multifaceted topic, and its impact on social status, cultural arts, and even political power is worthy of our in-depth study. Although the concept of hundreds of dishes may seem bizarre to modern people, in the long river of history, it is not simply a matter of enjoying food, but rather the rulers’ control and display of culture and power.
