What's on the menu at the Trump-Xi state dinner?

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to host a state dinner at the White House, marking Xi's second visit to Washington since 2011. The White House has announced a menu that blends American ingredients with subtle Chinese influences, aiming to unite the culinary traditions of both nations.

The evening's culinary journey begins with a toast of Schramsberg "Blanc De Noir" sparkling wine, a nod to the "Toast to Peace" shared by former President Richard Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai during their historic 1972 visit to China. The first course features a veloute made of sweet yellow squash, gently blended to showcase its delicate earthy wild mushroom flavors and fresh herb notes, complemented by crispy pancetta for a savory and smoky contrast.

The second course is sea bass coated in toasted sesame seeds, creating a fragrant nutty crust while keeping the fish tender. Served with crisp baby bok choy and roasted garden eggplant, the dish offers lightly caramelized flavors. The meal concludes with a vibrant sauce verte of fresh herbs.

For dessert, President Trump and President Xi will savor a vanilla cremeux with a sour cherry confit center, atop a walnut frangipane. The dessert's fruit-shaped form is complemented by a delicate ice cream made with White House honey.

Entertainment will include performances by tenor Christopher Macchio, who sang at the 2025 presidential inauguration, and various military musical groups such as "The President’s Own" US Marine Corps Band, "The Commandant’s Own" US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the US Army Chorus, and the US Army Strings. President Xi's visit to Washington follows his recent participation in a Brics summit in India, where he reportedly fell ill from food poisoning, though the Indian government dismissed those claims as a hoax.

In May, President Trump visited China, where the menu included lobster, Peking duck, salmon, tiramisu, fresh fruit, and pan-fried buns.