Back to List>> The Story of Plum Garden---A History of Culinary Excellence

Since its opening in 1983, Plum Garden in Jinling Hotel Nanjing has gladly welcomed guests from all over the world.  It has retained its original design famous for its authentic Chinese heritage; featuring hand-carved wood and hand-painted screens.  Some of the signature dishes served today are the same that were served over 27 years ago; unchanged and still in demand.  For this and many more reasons; Plum Garden remains a legend.

At the beginning of Jinling Hotel Nanjing's soft opening, business flourished at Plum Garden due to attracting many of the best culinary masters in the area.  Talented chefs came from all parts of Jiangsu Province quickly creating gourmet masterpieces that won acclaim and awards.  Plum Garden is regarded as one of the best restaurants in China serving the best Huaiyang dishes as well as several other local cuisines. In the mid 80's, Xue Wenlong, the first Executive Chef of Jinling Hotel and his Colleague Li Enhua jointly collaborated, reproducing Suiyuan Dishes.  They used what was believed to be lost recipes recorded by the great  poet; Yuan Mei from the Qing dynasty.  The reappearance of these cherished and much beloved Suiyuan Dishes touched many hearts receiving admiration and praise both home and abroad.  The expertise and skill used to recreate these dishes also brought referrals and recommendations.

Chinese medicine has long used food and diet as an important component for good health and longevity.  The second Executive Chef Hua Huisheng introduced and integrated the concepts of food therapy to Jinling. He combined culinary skills of Western chefs and recipes into traditional Chinese dishes, such as; Crispy Fried Braised Shark's Fin, Fried Cod Fish Rolls , Minced Lobster & Eggplant which also was served at many state banquets, by request.  Jinling cuisine offers a variety of cooking styles for guests to taste and try.  Plum Garden has captured and maintained its position as one of the leading restaurants in China by being innovative yet true to its roots which has been commonly referred to as Jinling Cuisine; in a category all its own.

Jinling cuisine focuses on fresh food bearing the finest flavors prepared consistently and conscientiously.  Sun Xuewu, the current Executive Chef has introduced new levels of eating healthy into his dishes with positive results that are both nutritious and delicious.  Many of his most popular dishes use organic foods and ingredients, including: Seafood Soup with Matsutake, Steamed Preserved Meat with Lotus Fragrance.  Jinling cuisine complements nature receiving inspiration from the surrounding environment.  Remaining loyal to its insistence for excellence and perfection; Plum Garden continues to reach new heights, break records, win awards, bypass competition attracting new and repeat guests from all over the world.

On February 4, 2010, after fierce competition with the 99 other restaurants, Plum Garden of Jinling Hotel Nanjing won the "Best 50 Restaurants in China" award sponsored by "Food & Wine" magazine, Zhou Lijun (right), Director of Chinese Food & Beverage department received this highly distinguished award from Mr. Chen Youjian, Outstanding Chinese Designer.