food

Zut Alors! The Ambience of Paris Streetlife Is Creating a Popular New Wave in China

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Long a tradition of French daily life, bistros have found a niche in cities like Shanghai, but with a Chinese twist.

Fan Yiying

Liu Shuhuan

Fuchsia Dunlop on the Past, Present, and Future of Chinese Food

Your questions, answered. In-depth interviews with the minds and makers shaping today’s China.

Q & A

The cookbook author and food writer’s new book, “Invitation to a Banquet: The Story of Chinese Food” looks back at the long arc of Chinese cuisine — and ahead at what the future might hold.

Cai Yiwen

Chinese Buddhists Don’t Eat Meat. Can They Convince Others to Do the Same?

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

A monastery in southwest China is trying to return Buddhism to its rightful place at the vegetarian table.

Liu Shuman

The ‘Real’ Kung Pao Chicken — And Why I Hope I Never Find It

From the top of Mount Tai to the Hulunbuir grasslands, there are many versions of the iconic dish. Searching for the definitive “authentic” version may not only be a fool’s errand — it also fails to appreciate this diversity.

Thomas DuBois

Rediscovering Tradition in Pu’er Country

Jingmai Mountain’s successful UNESCO World Heritage application offers a counterpoint to those who argue that development must come at the expense of the natural environment.

Miao Yun

The Chinese Burger Startups Vying to Take a Bite Out of KFC

Armed with beefy venture capital investments, Chinese fast-food brands are winning over consumers with a combination of aggressive price cuts and patriotic marketing tactics.

Li Xin

Haidilao Opens First Campus Store to Students’ Delight 

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

The location in a student canteen at Xi’an University is the latest innovative push by the country’s biggest hotpot chain.

Zhu Junxi

Old Markets, New Appeal: Young Chinese Rediscover Wet Markets

Amid renewed interest, wet markets in China are evolving too, merging modern amenities with traditional charm to cater to younger, experience-driven tourists.

The Young Chinese Working as On-Demand Private Chefs

From making ends meet to relieving stress, the young Chinese working as on-demand private chefs are doing so for different reasons.

Shanghai Trials Sugary Beverage Alert System in Stores 

Sugary beverages are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in China each year. Authorities are trying to alert customers of their health impact.

Discount Duel: China’s Top Retail Giants Go Head-to-Head on Prices

With several traditional supermarket chains shutting shop, Sam’s Club and Freshippo are locked in a race to expand their market share and adapt to a new consumer landscape in Beijing and Shanghai.

He Qitong

Dip In Spending Kicks off Price War in China’s Fast-Food Industry

Discounted menus targeting the price-conscious are emerging across the country, leaving small eateries at risk in an increasingly price-sensitive market.

Good News for Cold Noodle Lovers: Authorities Relax License Requirements

Cold food license requirements are being relaxed for restaurants and food establishments, making it easier for them to serve up popular dishes such as liangpi and salads.

Recovering the Lost Smells of China’s Slow Trains

The overpowering odors of China’s slow trains have gradually given way to the more antiseptic experience of high-speed rail travel.

Cao Yu

China’s Plant-Based Meat Industry Falters After Initial Hype

The meat alternatives have failed to break through the mainstream in China, amid a slowing down of the industry globally.

Ye Zhanhang

Durian Fans Sniff a Price Drop as China Readies Its Own Harvest

With the domestic durian harvest still far short of meeting annual consumption requirements, experts caution that an impact on prices will take time.

For Cheap Meals, China’s Grown-Ups Take a Seat at the Kids Table

To escape the monotony of takeaway food and eat healthily, busy adults are turning to neighborhood after-school centers.

Dining Cars: How an On-Board Snack Became a Guangdong Legend

They weren’t fancy. They weren’t even Cantonese. But for generations of Guangzhou-Kowloon through train riders, the fresh chicken legs served on board made the whole trip worth it.

An Industrial Town Is Now China’s Hottest Barbecue Spot

The city of Zibo has received a record number of visitors, putting it at the center of a social media frenzy.

China Puts Banquet Food Waste in the Spotlight 

Clients should be able to choose the combination of dishes served at their banquets, according to a new draft notice.