A photo taken on April 24 shows Li Na and her colleague craft desserts mimicking hotpot main dishes in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
Chongqing - In a unique culinary twist, Li Na, a creative chef from Chongqing, has combined the fiery zest of traditional hotpot with the delicate allure of desserts, crafting an innovative fusion that captivates both the eye and the palate.
A photo taken on April 24 shows a dessert version of "hotpot" prepared in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
A photo taken on April 24 shows Li Na crafts desserts in the shape of hotpot main dishes in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
Her creations include sweet renditions of classic hotpot ingredients like "duck intestine," "fatty beef roll," "duck blood," "coriander meatballs," and "spicy marinated chicken feet," all meticulously arranged in a traditional copper hotpot. Dry ice is cleverly used to mimic the bubbling effect of a simmering hotpot, creating a sizzling visual that emulates the steamy, spicy experience without the heat.
This artistic culinary venture is not just about novelty; it's an homage to Chongqing's famed cuisine. Through these delectable desserts, Li Na aims to promote the rich culinary heritage of Chongqing while providing a unique aesthetic and gastronomic experience. Her efforts showcase a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, inviting food lovers to a delightful sensory journey.
A photo taken on April 24 shows Li Na and colleague searching online for cake-making techniques in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
A photo taken on April 24 shows Li Na preparing the dessert "fatty beef roll" in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
A photo taken on April 24 shows the dessert "fatty beef roll" features perfect layers of white "fat" and red "lean meat" in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
A photo taken on April 24 shows Li Na working on the dessert "duck intestine" in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
A photo taken on April 24 shows Li Na using cocoa powder to create "shiitake mushrooms" for the dessert in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
A photo taken on April 24 shows desserts replicating complex hotpot dishes in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
A photo taken on April 24 shows Li Na arranging the finished desserts on the dining table in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. (Photo/Liu Li)
(Zhu Ting and Liu Li, as Chinese reporters from Chongqing Daily, and Ren Xiaoyu, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)