THE First Shenzhen Gourmet Festival will be held at the western square of the Shenzhen Stadium from Sept. 28 to Oct. 7.

　　Big tents will be set up at the square, with each having a theme, according to Chen Zhaoguo, president of Shenzhen Catering Service Federation, the organizer of the event.

　　Different tents will feature different specialties from various regions throughout China and foreign countries, Chen said, adding that a collection of Chinese snacks will be highlighted.

　　One area will house cooks showing off their talent. Another will showcase condiments and spices. Kitchen utensils and dinnerware will also be exhibited.

　　According to Chen, many dishes will be displayed, but the audience will have to go to the hotels or restaurants that prepare the dishes in order to taste them.

　　"It will be a display of main course dishes and snacks on the largest ever scale in Shenzhen. The exhibitors will be mainly from Shenzhen, Hong Kong and other parts of Guangdong Province," Chen said, adding that the event will boost the competitiveness of the local catering industry.