The Ultimate 11-Course Feast: The Traditional Chinese Banquet in Huskisson

• (02) 4441 7208
• 74 Owen Street, Huskisson NSW 2540, Australia
• shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au/our-directory/event/traditional-chinese-banquet
• 17 May 2026
• 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm

At a Glance: The Essential Event Guide

Returning by popular demand as a highlight of the Shoalhaven Food Network’s 7-week Autumn Celebration of Food festival, by renowned Chef James Lui is the culinary crown jewel of the season. It’s a rare opportunity to taste time-honoured, multi-generational family recipes right in the heart of coastal Huskisson, making it the ultimate anchor for a gourmet weekend getaway.

Introduction

There’s a certain magic that washes over Jervis Bay as the crisp autumn air settles in. The turquoise waters of the bay take on a glassy, serene quality, and the salty coastal breeze mixes with the enticing aromas drifting from the bustling eateries along Owen Street in Huskisson. If you’re visiting from the hustle of Sydney, Canberra, or regional NSW, this is the time when the Shoalhaven region truly comes alive—not just with its world-famous white sand beaches, but with an unparalleled local food scene.

Enter the most anticipated culinary event of the season: the Traditional Chinese Banquet at James Kitchen.

Imagine spending your Sunday morning strolling barefoot along the pristine shores of Hyams Beach, before taking a short scenic drive up to Huskisson to step into the warm, inviting atmosphere. The air is filled with the scent of star anise, black vinegar, and steaming bamboo baskets. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an immersive cultural and sensory journey that perfectly complements the relaxed, indulgent vibe of a Jervis Bay holiday. Whether you are a dedicated foodie hunting for authentic flavours or a family looking to share a memorable feast, this event is the perfect centrepiece for your coastal escape.

The Deep Dive: Traditional Chinese Banquet

History & Heart

The Traditional Chinese Banquet isn’t just a pop-up event; it’s a deeply personal celebration of heritage and culinary mastery. Hosted by the warm and welcoming duo, James and Winnie, this event is a cornerstone of the Shoalhaven Food Network’s Autumn Celebration of Food. Chef James Lui is a master of his craft, having trained and worked at the prestigious InterContinental Sydney before owning the celebrated House of Guangzhou in Haymarket’s Chinatown. The menu is a love letter to his ancestry, showcasing time-honoured recipes passed down directly from James’ grandparents. It masterfully bridges the gap between ancient techniques and contemporary coastal influences.

What to Expect

Prepare your palate for a sensational 11-course journey. From the moment you sit down, the experience is tactile and vibrant. Picture delicate, hand-crafted dumplings that seem to float in a rich, aromatic broth swimming with fresh greens and tender seafood—just like the vibrant, soul-warming soup captured in the event’s signature imagery. The banquet is a communal affair where dishes like the signature shredded beef on paper-thin pancakes or traditional Peking Duck are carved and served right at the table by Winnie herself. The energy in the room is electric, filled with the clinking of porcelain, the rising steam of authentic Chinese cuisine, and the joyful chatter of fellow food lovers.

Who It’s For

• Families: The banquet style of dining is inherently designed for sharing. Kids and adults alike will love the theatricality of Peking Duck carved at the table and the interactive joy of passing overflowing plates.

• Couples: Food is the ultimate love language. Tucking into a meticulously crafted 11-course tasting menu offers couples a long, luxurious afternoon of connecting over extraordinary flavours, making it a highly romantic day-date.

• Solo Adventurers: Solo foodies will appreciate the sheer culinary pedigree on display. It’s a chance to taste authentic Chinatown-quality dishes with the friendly, intimate service that only a regional gem like Huskisson can offer.

The Local Insider’s Edge

To make the most of your banquet experience, here are a few insider secrets from the locals:

• Pro-Tips: Because this is an 11-course affair kicking off at 12:00 PM, pace yourself! Skip the heavy café breakfast. Instead, grab a light coffee and take a brisk morning stroll along the Huskisson foreshore on the Round the Bay shared path. Alternatively, take a short 10-minute drive down to Vincentia to build up your appetite on the world-famous White Sands Walk.

• Weather & Packing: May in Jervis Bay brings glorious, crisp autumn days. The sun is usually shining, but the sea breeze can carry a chill. Dress in smart-casual layers; a stylish, lightweight knit or jacket over a comfortable outfit (you’ll need room for 11 courses!) is the ideal uniform.

• Photography Spots: Inside the restaurant, capture the steam rising off the signature floating dumplings. Afterward, take a short walk across the street to the Huskisson Wharf. The post-lunch afternoon lighting over the moored boats, with Point Perpendicular in the background, is the ultimate snapshot to cap off your day.

Stay with Experience Jervis Bay

An 11-course lunch requires one very important thing afterwards: a beautiful place to relax and digest! As your local accommodation matchmakers, Experience Jervis Bay knows exactly how to pair this epic culinary event with the ultimate holiday rental. By booking a local home, you turn a fantastic lunch into an unforgettable coastal weekend.

The “Perfect Match” Recommendations:

• For Families: Look for our spacious homes in Vincentia or Huskisson that feature big backyards and open-plan living areas. After a massive feast, the kids can run off their energy on the grass while the adults relax on the deck with a glass of local Shoalhaven wine. Many of our family homes are just a short, flat walk to the beaches and cafes.

• For Couples: Keep the romance going by retreating to one of our intimate beachfront studios or luxury apartments. Imagine returning from your lavish banquet, pouring a cup of artisan tea, and sitting on a private balcony to watch the sunset paint the Jervis Bay sky in shades of pink and orange.

• For Groups & Foodie Friends: Travelling with a group to tackle the banquet together? We offer expansive, multi-bedroom properties featuring massive entertainer’s kitchens, extra bathrooms, and plenty of lounge space to stretch out and debrief on your favourite courses from the day.

Beyond the Event: The “Long Weekend” Itinerary

Why drive all the way to Jervis Bay for just one afternoon? Turning this foodie event into a 3-night long weekend is the ultimate local hack to beat the Sunday afternoon traffic back to Sydney or Canberra.

Pre/Post Event Ideas:

• Saturday Adventures: Spend the day before your feast exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of Booderee National Park. Hike to ruined lighthouses, swim in the sheltered coves of Murrays Beach, or book a famous Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise to see the resident pods playing in the bay.

• Monday Wind Down: After Sunday’s massive banquet, keep Monday low-key. Grab a pastry from a local bakery, visit the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, and enjoy a slow, scenic drive home.

Booking a Friday-to-Monday stay ensures you get to savour every bite of your holiday without watching the clock!

Practical & Technical Info

• Getting There: Huskisson is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Sydney via the Princes Highway, and about 2.5 hours from Canberra.

• Location: James Kitchen, 74 Owen Street, Huskisson (directly opposite The Huskisson Hotel).

• Parking & Accessibility: Parking along Owen Street can be tight on weekends. Aim to park a few streets back near the Huskisson Reserve, or take advantage of the free public parking located behind Huskisson Pictures (the local cinema) and near the Huskisson Wharf.

• Tickets & Booking: Due to the popularity of Chef James Lui’s menus, bookings are essential. Secure your table by contacting the venue directly.