Jamaican Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Arthur Williams hosted an intimate gathering at the Ambassador’s Residence on Monday, August 10, in Beijing, treating guests to a curated culinary journey of authentic island flavours.

Flying into Beijing to lead the epicurean experience was S Hotel Montego Bay Executive Chef Maurice Mullings, who presented a mouth-watering array of Jamaican dishes. Highlights of the menu included red pea soup, plantain and callaloo, roasted yam and salt fish, Black River pepper shrimp, as well as Portland jerk chicken and pork served with rice and peas and fried plantains. The evening concluded on a sweet note with traditional Jamaican fruitcake and rum and raisin ice cream.

The event provided a delightful foretaste of Jamaica’s first-ever food festival in China, hosted at the St Regis Beijing Hotel. Throughout August, Chef Mullings brings the true taste of the island to the hotel’s Garden Court every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Photos: Courtesy of the Jamaican Embassy in Beijing, Instagram/@jamaica_embassy_beijing

Jamaican Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Arthur Williams delivered remarks at the Embassy of Jamaica in Beijing during the 2026 Independence Day celebrations on August 6. (Photo: Instagram/@jamaica_embassy_beijing)

Black River pepper shrimp

S Hotel Montego Bay Executive Chef Maurice Mullings (right) and patron David Long show off freshly chopped coconuts.

Fancy Duo vocalist Mariana Fortuna (centre) entertained Ambassador of The Bahamas to China Dr Paulette Bethel (left) and Jala Bernard-Williams, wife of Jamaican Ambassador to China Arthur Williams during her set.

S Hotel Montego Bay Executive Chef Maurice Mullings (right) alongside Sous-Chef Li Peng (centre) of the Marriott St Regis Bejing.

Farmer’s Market Plantain and Calalloo

Escoveitch fish and festival were also offered.

Highlights of the menu included roasted yam and salt fish, as well as farmer’s market plantain and callaloo.