Zhou Dynasty Food

There was a much higher standard for imperial food during the Zhou Dynasty, than any other. There were very specific rules indicating exactly what foods the emperor was to eat, and how many bowls and drinks were to be served. There was a set menu for what the emperor had to eat for his three daily meals, including fish, intestine, mutton, pork, and beef. The imperial drinks for these feasts were known as the six clears, five qis, and three jius. The picture above shows many of the key foods included in an imperial meal. It is said there were more than 130 types of plants to eat, and around 100 types of animals to pick from in addition to the necessary foods.