Narva Hotel Serves Rare Squid Dish, Sparks Culinary Debate

For one week in July 2026, the Inger Hotel in Narva transformed its dining room into a culinary meeting point, introducing guests to Chinese specialties. The initiative stemmed from a local entrepreneur's desire to revive a Chinese restaurant that closed in 2020. To lead the kitchen, Chef Mu Xiaofeng traveled from China, preparing a daily set lunch of soup, salad, and a rotating main course.

A notable dish, stir-fried squid with scallions, ginger, and salt, proved to be a conversation starter. While many diners praised the unique flavors, some found them unfamiliar, though the hotel manager defended the choice to offer something different. The event gained traction through word-of-mouth, highlighting a local appetite for diverse culinary projects in Narva.

Chef Mu communicated with the Russian-speaking staff using a translation app, skillfully demonstrating techniques like velveting meat. The hotel hopes to incorporate several of Chef Mu's recipes into its regular menu following the successful event, signaling a potential expansion of its culinary offerings.