Recently, a curious trend swept across Chinese social media, sparking widespread debate and bemusement. A term roughly translated as “white people food” began to trend, inciting a vast array of reactions and conversations about cultural differences in cuisine. This term was primarily used to describe Western-style meals often perceived as simple or unadorned in comparison to the rich complexity of traditional Chinese cuisine.
As a Chinese individual who encountered this style of food in the UK about a decade ago, I remember the feeling of puzzlement. The simplicity of a salad lunch in Europe seemed unusual and bare compared to the rich diversity of Chinese meals. It appears that other Chinese citizens share similar impressions when encountering Western food while traveling or living abroad. Despite these initial reactions, such cuisine has found a niche audience in China, particularly among office workers.
As reported by The Guardian, Chinese netizens were sharing photos of Western food characterized by simple ingredients like cheese, sliced meats, and raw vegetables. The “bairen” fan, or “white people food,” moniker arose from their surprise at this minimalist style.
Although this label may not fully encapsulate the diversity of Western cuisine, it does echo the sentiments many Chinese individuals feel when comparing a Western lunch to a hearty, diverse Chinese breakfast. Chinese cuisine, known for its use of various ingredients and flavors, is richly diverse due to geographical, historical, and cultural factors. Every province or city in China boasts its unique culinary style, some of which have gained popularity in Western countries, albeit often in a modified form.
Chinese individuals who grew up enjoying an extensive range of culinary styles may understandably find Western meals plain or less satisfying. The contrast incites reflection on the potential sacrifices in culinary joy for health or simplicity.
However, the reaction is not uniform across all generations. On Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese lifestyle platform, millennials, who constitute over 70% of users, frequently share images and stories of their experiences with Western-style meals. These posts range from expressions of self-discipline, light-hearted fun, or admiration for the convenience and low-calorie content of such meals, particularly among fitness or weight-loss enthusiasts.
Even so, some users questioned the allure of such food, asking if the emphasis was truly on health and freshness or if they genuinely found these meals tasty. The preference for either style of cuisine is subjective, hinging on individuals’ cultural backgrounds, customs, and tastes.
The Chinese preference for flavorful food is equally valid. The extensive list of Western fast-food chains that have expanded into China, often altering their menus to appeal to local tastes, shows that Westerners are also recognizing the nuances of Chinese food culture. Over time, Chinese consumers have become more discerning about their food choices, especially compared to when Western fast food first arrived in the 1980s. This trend and discussion is a testament to the ongoing dialogue and mutual influence between Eastern and Western culinary cultures.
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