"The Chinese are proud, and Chinese cuisine is the new ping-pong diplomacy."
In Singapore's Liancheng Street, the spicy and fragrant aroma of Chongqing grilled fish, the cumin flavor of Xinjiang skewers, and the unique sour and spicy taste of Guangxi snail rice noodles form a moving map of Chinese cuisine.
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) wrote on the 17th that Chinese food is currently enjoying a high point overseas, and in Singapore, where more than three-quarters of the population are Chinese, this trend is particularly evident.
The article states that when Labubu became popular worldwide, humanoid robots demonstrated China's technological strength, and futuristic Chinese cities amazed tourists from all over the world, it has become an undeniable fact that China's soft power is rising. In this context, the global expansion of Chinese cuisine, which carries thousands of years of cultural heritage, is naturally not surprising. In promoting a deeper understanding of China by the international community, a genuine Chinese meal may be the most approachable yet underestimated cultural bridge.
In March 2023, the Chinese coffee chain brand Luckin Coffee opened its first overseas store in Singapore. In just two years, the number of stores in Singapore has exceeded 60. Last month, the chain expanded to the United States for the first time, opening two stores in New York.
Luckin's overseas journey is just one ripple in the wave of Chinese catering brands going global. Including Luckin, five major Chinese brands have established 124 stores in Singapore, doubling compared to 2023. Brightly colored spicy dishes advertisements and Chinese idioms elements complement each other in local malls, bus stops, and subway stations, becoming eye-catching "Chinese symbols" in the cityscape.
From chain brands to family-run shops, from traditional restaurants to trendy eateries that challenge stereotypes, Singapore is becoming a key stop for Chinese cuisine heading global.
Thomas DuBois, a modern Chinese history expert, pointed out that success in Singapore is "a conceptual validation for subsequent expansion, proving to potential investors that these brands are ready to go global."
DuBois also said that Singapore is a tourism hub, where eating has almost become a national pastime. "People often go to Singapore just for the food," he said.
Here, the Chinese cuisine menu has long surpassed the limitations of common categories such as dumplings and hot pot. Entrepreneurs are showcasing a multidimensional and diverse Chinese cuisine to the world through a rich variety of dishes.
Claire Wang, marketing manager of the Hunan cuisine chain brand Nonggengji, explained, "Hunan cuisine forms an acidic aftertaste through fermented chili peppers, which is distinct from Sichuan's spicy and numbing or Guizhou's sour and spicy flavors."
This brand, which has more than 100 stores domestically, quickly expanded to six branches in Singapore after entering the market at the end of 2023, and also opened five stores in Malaysia and one in Canada. The next step is to expand into Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. This expansion speed proves the global recognition of Chinese spiciness.
Of course, the charm of Chinese cuisine goes beyond spiciness. The article points out that in the past, many Chinese restaurants abroad, operated by Chinese immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, simplified many dishes to cater to local tastes. Thus, American "orange chicken" and "chop suey" were created, while Britain developed "sweet and sour chicken balls" among others.
Fuchsia Dunlop, a British food writer, believes that these dishes, to some extent, "obscured the diversity and subtlety of Chinese culinary culture."
Today, with the growth of the overseas Chinese community and the openness of global diners' palates, "authentic Chinese cuisine" has gained a revival opportunity.
Tao Ye, vice president of Green Tea Restaurant, said that the restaurant will open its first branch in Singapore later this month. Not only does this restaurant offer authentic dishes, but it also creates an immersive experience: guests can sit around boat-shaped tables, and under the carefully created West Lake scenery and the gentle sound of guzheng music, they can experience the aesthetic beauty of Chinese culinary culture.
"We hope to help people better understand Chinese culture and correct people's stereotypical views of Chinese food," Tao Ye said.
This effort is not an isolated case. Last year, the restaurant "Shu Xiang" opened in New York, inspired by the culture of Chengdu's old streets in the early 20th century, creating a space where people can gather together, drink joyfully, and enjoy delicious food.
The article believes that food has always been a carrier of national stories. When people cannot visit China directly, the taste experience might be the most direct way to know China.
Felix Ren, director of Weizhong Food Consulting in Singapore, said, "The Chinese are very proud of their culinary culture, and this is also a powerful form of diplomacy."
The ping-pong match in 1971 helped ease the relations between the United States and China. Felix believes that Chinese cuisine could be the new "ping-pong diplomacy."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840778554404036/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.