Students attending the program pose for a group photo at the closing ceremony. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Twenty Serbian students from the China-Serbia Tourism College showcased a unique fusion banquet at Zhejiang Tourism College on June 12, marking the end of a two-week culinary program in Hangzhou.

Blending bold Balkan flavors with the elegance of Hangzhou cuisine, the students created dishes like grilled Serbian sausages in lotus-leaf buns with sweet bean sauce and stuffed oil-gluten rolls inspired by Serbian sauerkraut wraps but filled with lotus root and bamboo shoots. Desserts combined Serbian layered cheese pastries with Hangzhou's lotus-shaped treats.

"We kept Serbian slow-cooking techniques while embracing Hangzhou's light, fresh flavors," said program director Cheng Lian.

"It was tough but rewarding," said a student named Matea. "We used Chinese ingredients to express the tastes of home."

The result? A delicious dialogue between two cultures — served on one table.

A Serbian dish is served blending Hangzhou culinary features. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]