In Beijing’s grandiose Great Hall of the People, some of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful people gathered for a banquet to mark Donald Trump’s state visit to China.
Thursday’s dinner was the centrepiece of the US president’s much-anticipated visit, with China rolling out the red carpet for his first trip to the country since 2017.
Trump, key members of his administration and the American billionaires and CEOs in his entourage were served a wide range of dishes.
But the menu appeared to be in sharp contrast to the arguably more lavish offerings during his UK state banquet with King Charles in September last year.
You can follow our live blog covering Trump’s state visit to China here.
A plate of hors d’oeuvres was served to start the Beijing meal, after Trump toasted his “friend”, China’s president Xi Jinping.
X boss Elon Musk was caught on camera snacking from his plate as he sat at a table, while the rest of the US delegation took the opportunity to mingle with other guests and dignitaries.
Following the starter, guests were served the following:
Mains:
- Lobster in tomato soup
- Crispy beef ribs
- Beijing roast duck
- Stewed seasonal vegetables
- Slow-cooked salmon in mustard sauce
- Pan-fried pork bun
For dessert:
- Trumpet shell-shaped pastry
- Tiramisu
- Fruits and ice cream
Chinese state dinners typically draw on Huaiyang cuisine, from the region surrounding Shanghai.
The food is known for its mild, subtle flavours, refined knife-work and emphasis on seasonal dishes.
China has used the powerful symbolism of food as a diplomatic tool for decades during landmark official events and when receiving distinguished foreign visitors.
Beijing roast duck is China’s national dish, while the beef ribs were a possible nod to Trump’s love of well-done steak.
Trump was presented with a more elaborate menu on his trip to the UK last year, where he dined alongside the royals and 160 other guests.
His visit also included a 120-strong guard of honour, the largest staged for a state visit in living memory.
During his visit in September 2025, Trump was served with:
- Panna Cotta de Cresson et Oeufs de Caille sur Sable de Parmesan (Hampshire watercress panna cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad)
- Ballotine de Poulet Fermier en Robe de Courgettes (Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes with a thyme and savoury infused jus)
- Bombe Glacee Cardinal (Vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria plums)
A wine list accompanied the meal:
- Wiston Estate, Cuvée, 2016
- Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, 2018
- Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello, 2000
- Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve, 1998
While some countries use such dinners as an opportunity to show off national dishes, others more directly appeal to their guests’ tastes.
The famously McDonald’s-loving Trump enjoyed an all-American burger during a trip to Japan in 2017 with late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.
The red, white and blue lunch was even made with imported US beef and accompanied by Heinz ketchup and mustard.
“I welcome President Donald J Trump most wholeheartedly on his visit to Japan! We’re getting down to business right away over hamburgers for our working lunch,” said a message on the Facebook page of the Japanese prime minister’s office at the time.
