Here’s what Donald Trump and Xi Jinping will eat at the Chinese state banquet

Delicious and flavorful braised lion's head meatballs (Chinese dish)
Meatballs, fried rice and stewed vegetables – these are the most likely dishes to be served at the banquet (Picture: Getty)

Donald Trump is known for his love of fast food – but he’ll be served a rather different menu in China.

A lavish dinner will be served to both China’s president Xi Jinping and the US leader during the state banquet, with cuisine sourced from the Huaiyang region.

Cuisine from the region is known for light seasoning and balanced flavours, and has previously been served during major political events and banquets.

The food is preferable, Reuters said, because it doesn’t rely on spice or heavy flavours – and Trump is known for his love of fast food.

Some of the most well-known Huaiyang dishes include Lion’s head pork meatballs, which use ground pork, water chestnuts and breadcrumbs.

Yangzhou fried rice is also a popular option – it’s akin to egg fried rice, mixed with pork and shrimp.

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Squirrel fish could also be served – but the dish doesn’t actually involve a squirrel. Rather, a whole fish is carved and deep-fried to look like the furry critter.

Squirrel fish on a white porcelain plate in a fine dining restaurant
Squirrel fish is a popular option in Huaiyang cuisine (Picture: Getty)
Yangzhou fried rice
Yangzhou fried rice may also be served (Picture: Getty)

During his last state visit to China, Trump was served Huaiyang dishes as well, including braised vegetables and stewed beef in tomato.

Last year, Trump’s favourite foods were revealed by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who told a group of children on ‘Take Your Children to Work Day’ that the President loves steak.

Another child who was well aware of Trump’s well-documented penchant for McDonald’s asked what his favourite order is at the popular American fast food chain.

‘He loves McDonald’s hamburgers and French fries,’ Leavitt said.

As for sweets, Leavitt said the President eats a ‘good amount of candy’, but prefers pink Starburst and Tootsie Rolls.

BEIJING, CHINA - MAY 14: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on May 14, 2026 in Beijing, China. Both President Trump and President Xi addressed ways to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and investment, and agreed that Iran should not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. According to Chinese state media, Xi emphasized the importance of the Taiwan issue, and that a mishandling could sour U.S.-China relations. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Talks between Xi and Trump have focused on the economy and security (Picture: Getty)

Earlier in the state visit, Xi issued what appeared to be a thinly veiled threat to Donald Trump during a US trip to Beijing this week.

Trump opened talks by telling Xi it was an ‘honour’ to be his friend, even as his Chinese counterpart offered a cautionary warning about the risk of a possible clash between the two nations.

China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,’ Xi said.

‘We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era.’

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