Chinese Cold Cuts Platter (Leng Pan / 冷盘)
Ancient Chinese banquet tradition — national
The opening cold dish platter (leng pan) of a Chinese banquet sets the tone for the entire meal. It typically features 6–12 cold preparations: sliced red-braised meats, jellied preparations, pickled vegetables, soy-dressed tofu, cold marinated seafood, and decorative vegetable garnishes. The arrangement is sculptural — it announces the skill of the kitchen before a single hot dish arrives.