Culinary culture serves up rich Sino-French exchange

Another example is the episode focused on chicken which explores why the fowl is considered a fundamental and essential source of nutrient for the general public. Its opening sequence reviews famous quotes from historic figures, such as King Henry IV's wish for every peasant in France to have a chicken in his pot every Sunday, and Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai's lines depicting a prosperous countryside scene with chickens.

"In addition to exploring how these ingredients have cemented their place in the history of both countries, we have conducted extensive research to uncover their depictions in literary works", says Tang.

He gives the example of Bouillabaisse, a classic fish soup from southern France portrayed in the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo by French author Alexandre Dumas.