Originally a court banquet of the Qing dynasty meant to symbolize Manchu-Han political unity. The standard menu calls for 108 dishes served over three days, mixing Manchu game (
鹿、
熊掌) with Han delicacies (
燕窝、
鱼翅). Today the term is mostly hyperbolic — used to praise (or tease) any over-the-top meal.
