This is the latest in a series of RAS "storytelling dinners," each focusing on a different region of China or type of cuisine.

There's nothing elegant about Dongbei food. The cuisine of China's northeastern provinces (Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang) does not feature delicate flavors, exotic ingredients, or complicated cooking methods.

Despite all this, it's quite a popular regional cuisine. That's because Dongbei restaurants offer an open-hearted hospitality and heaping portions of comfort food. Nobody ever leaves hungry.

The centerpiece of a Dongbei feast is usually a hearty stew of pork spareribs, fish, chicken or goose, brought out to the table in an iron wok that is kept hot throughout the meal. Flat cornmeal cakes are baked directly on the sloping walls of the deep cast-iron pot, ready to soak up the meaty stew simmering just below.

The meal is rounded out with fresh harvest produce as well as goodies from the larder: pickled cabbage and root vegetables, cured sausages, and frost-sweetened fruit.

The food of Dongbei is a tangible record of the fascinating history and folklore of the region once known as Manchuria. During our dinner together, you'll learn how a single legendary ingredient helped the Manchu people to topple the Ming dynasty and establish the Qing dynasty. You'll gain insight into how the traditional diet of Manchu hunters and foragers evolved into modern Dongbei cuisine, and you'll discover why "hard" dishes and "stupid" ingredients are not culinary red flags—quite the opposite, in fact. Lastly, you'll find out why ordering "pig under a quilt" from a Dongbei restaurant menu will get you something very different from the Western-style appetizer "pigs in blankets."

Note: We will try to accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions, but this meal will not be suitable for vegans.

Convened by: Lilly Chow, RAS Food Focus

Seating for this dinner is limited to 10.

Registration is open to RAS members only.

If demand is high enough, we will offer a repeat session of this dinner in late April. Keep an eye on your RAS Events WeChat group for announcements.