Trump and Xi's state dinner menu: squash velouté to sesame-crusted sea bass

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for a state dinner at the White House on September 25, 2026, featuring a menu that blended American ingredients with Asian-inspired dishes. The event coincided with high-level talks on trade and technology between the two nations. The dinner began with a toast of Schramsberg 'Blanc de Noir' sparkling wine, chosen to honor Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China. The first course was yellow squash velouté with wild mushroom fricassee and crispy pancetta, followed by sesame-crusted sea bass with braised baby bok choy and roasted eggplant. Dessert featured a vanilla crémeux with sour cherry confit and White House honey ice cream. During the evening, Trump gifted Xi a gold-finished bald eagle sculpture, while Xi announced two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, would be sent to Zoo Atlanta. The East Room was decorated with red linens and dahlias, reflecting Chinese cultural symbolism, with guests including senior officials and business leaders.