Both Year 10 food groups enjoyed a real culinary treat this week with a visit from the Ming-Ai (London) Institute. Two Healthy Eating Chinese Ambassadors, Carina and Jingting, visited Bushey Meads as part of the FUN:) HCCA Project (Healthy Chinese Cuisine Ambassadors).

Each group took part in a two-hour session where they learned about Chinese culture and traditional foods. Students discovered fascinating facts, such as how eating noodles during Chinese New Year is believed to increase longevity.

One ambassador introduced the groups to traditional Chinese festivals, dishes, and cooking methods, explaining why certain techniques are used. This was followed by a practical demonstration from a Chinese chef, who showed the steps involved in making chicken in black bean sauce. Students learned different vegetable chopping techniques and how to safely debone a chicken thigh. Health and safety guidance was reinforced throughout the session, and students were also introduced to Lee Kum Kee sauce products.

The students then had the opportunity to cook the dish themselves using the chicken and vegetables they had been asked to bring in. The results were impressive — the food was delicious, rich in flavour, and beautifully presented. At the end of the lesson, all students received a sachet of the sauce used, and the ambassadors selected the best dishes based on taste and presentation.

Congratulations to Arjun and Bethan in Mrs Hanbury’s group, and Anjola and Joshua in Ms Amao’s group, who were awarded a pair of chopsticks for being the best chefs. All students also received free sachets of Lee Kum Kee products.

Student Comments

“I really enjoyed learning about Chinese culture and cooking the dish! I will definitely try to recreate it at home.”

“I found the day a new experience, as we cooked a meal from a different culture. I learned important information about the background of the food and where it originates from.”