Time: May 14, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Location: Dodd Hall 175, UCLA
On May 14, 2026, the Taste China project, initiated by CCDCUS, officially arrived on the campus of UCLA. At the special invitation of Asia Pacific Center Director Prof. Min Zhou, five internationally acclaimed photographers, Nick Ut, Irfan Khan, Ringo Chiu, Michael Nelson, and Sarah Reingewirtz, gathered at Dodd Hall to meet with students face-to-face, sharing the visual stories and cultural reflections from their year-long exploration of Chinese restaurants across Southern California.
The event featured more than one hundred curated works taken during the photographers’ visits to 13 distinctive Chinese restaurants throughout the region. From historic Chinatown establishments to the diverse and modern San Gabriel Valley, and from West Hollywood to Orange County, their journey captured a wide range of culinary traditions, including Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai-style, Halal, vegetarian, and innovative fusion cuisine.
Through the photographers’ lenses, audiences discovered everything from family-run restaurants that have stood behind the stove for decades to trendsetting new eateries redefining contemporary Chinese dining. Their images challenged stereotypes and revealed the vibrant, human spirit behind Chinese cuisine. Beyond each dish lies a deeper story — one of resilience, adaptation, cultural heritage, and innovation within Chinese American communities. The presentation offered an immersive experience filled with the energy of bustling kitchens, the journeys of immigrant families, and the cultural exchanges embodied in every plate served.
The venue was joined by more than 80 students and guests. A simultaneous livestream also attracted food lovers and photography enthusiasts online. As each photograph appeared on screen and every story unfolded, the room came alive with applause, laughter, and lively conversation, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere throughout the evening.
