Henan cuisine, as a living embodiment of Central Plains culinary art, carries a millennium of heritage in the dietary culture of Henan. From imperial feasts to everyday dining, every dish is etched with craftsmanship and tradition, radiating unique charm through the passage of time. In November 2025, the exhibition of ten classic Henan dishes concluded successfully in Zhengzhou, bringing this intangible cultural heritage skill back into the public eye and continuing the "cultural legacy on the palate."

The essence of Henan cuisine lies in the meticulous craftsmanship passed down through generations. Various technical schools, such as the Liu School of Changyuan, the Wang School of Kaifeng, and the Wang School of Luoyang, showcased their expertise, while renowned establishments like Xiaoji Stewed Noodles and Xushui Dengji demonstrated their skills. Dishes like the crispy "Carp with Baked Noodles" and the savory "Braised Fish Maw" offered a feast for both the palate and the eyes. From the "Longevity Noodles" named by Emperor Liu Xiu to the lion's head meatballs passed down by the Guo School, Henan cuisine is more than just food—it is a vessel for historical memories and cultural warmth.

In the new era, Henan cuisine is rooted in "preserving its authentic flavors," guided by "passing on its techniques," and driven by "fostering its industry," innovating while staying true to its heritage. At the "Preserving Flavors of the Central Plains, Passing on Skills, Fostering Industry" symposium, industry experts, scholars, and inheritors discussed development strategies, outlining a new blueprint for integrating intangible cultural heritage with cultural tourism, digital technology, and consumer engagement.

 In the interactive exhibition area, audiences experienced the charm of culinary skills up close, while supply-demand matchmaking sessions bridged the gap between specialty ingredients, souvenirs, and the market, bringing Henan cuisine from the kitchen to a broader stage. The presentation of the 2025 Outstanding Heritage Preservation Award further inspired practitioners to uphold their craftsmanship, propelling Henan cuisine from "survival" to "vibrancy".

Henan cuisine is a vital representative of Central Plains culture through taste and a significant link in cultural and tourism integration. Today, this millennia-old craft is becoming a powerful force in Henan's cultural development, ensuring that its flavors linger not only on the palate but also in the fabric of cultural heritage, spreading its aroma far and wide, timeless and ever-renewed.