Written and hosted by Christopher St. Cavish. Filmed and edited by Graeme Kennedy.
“Chef Xu Zhenkun takes us inside the kitchen of Gem Garden (珍庭潮州菜) in Shenzhen, a Chaozhou restaurant catering to an elite class of diners in China’s tech capital. For the record, we asked chef Xu to speak in whatever language he was most comfortable in (Teochew, Cantonese, Mandarin). He chose to speak primarily in Mandarin. Thank you to Gem Garden’s owners, managers and chefs for letting us spend time in your kitchen.”
China’s fine-dining world is known for tradition, precision, and craftsmanship, but few places embody these values as completely as the elite kitchen featured in Inside One of China’s Most Elite Kitchens. The video offers a rare glimpse into a culinary environment where discipline and artistry meet at the highest level.
At the heart of the kitchen is a team of chefs who have dedicated decades to perfecting their craft. Their workstations are arranged with military-like organization, and every movement has purpose. From the way vegetables are sliced with flawless uniformity to the meticulous handling of live seafood, the chefs demonstrate a mastery built on repetition, respect, and technique passed down through generations.
One of the most striking aspects of the kitchen is its hierarchy. Apprentice chefs may spend years focusing on a single skill before they are allowed to move on. Precision is non-negotiable: every dish must showcase harmony in color, texture, flavor, and presentation. It’s a system that values patience and perfection over shortcuts or trends.
The video also highlights the cultural importance of cuisine in China. Ingredients aren’t just food they are symbols of health, prosperity, and family heritage. The chefs’ dedication reflects an understanding that they are not only preparing meals but preserving centuries-old traditions.
Despite the intense environment, the kitchen operates with a quiet elegance. There is little wasted motion, little chaos just the steady rhythm of teamwork and craftsmanship. This behind-the-scenes look reveals why China’s elite restaurants remain world-renowned: they are built upon an unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline, and cultural pride.
