Chinese Food and Drinks That Went Viral Online
1. Spring Onion Milk Tea
Launched in late March, spring onion milk tea quickly became a viral sensation on social media due to its unconventional combination of classic milk tea and an abundance of chopped spring onions. The stark contrast between the creamy, sweet flavor of milk tea and the pungent taste of spring onions captured the curiosity of netizens worldwide. Pictures and videos showcasing the unique drink flooded online platforms, sparking discussions and debates about its appeal. While some found the combination intriguing, others were skeptical, but the curiosity surrounding this drink made it a must-try for many adventurous foodies.
2. Stone-Grilled Sausages
Originating from Hekou, China, stone-grilled sausages became a culinary hit toward the end of 2023 and early 2024. This dish gained popularity due to its innovative cooking technique, where sausages are grilled on hot stones, enhancing their smoky flavor and texture. The dish, seasoned with a spicy chili powder mix, combines the rich, savory taste of fresh sausages with a fiery kick, making it a favorite among spice lovers. The method of grilling sausages directly on heated stones added a rustic and authentic element that appealed to food enthusiasts who love unique dining experiences. Stone-grilled sausages quickly became a viral trend, with people sharing their culinary encounters and praising the delicious results.
3. Green Plum Syrup
Green plum syrup took social media by storm, largely thanks to humorous review videos by young Chinese influencers. These videos featured exaggerated facial expressions and reactions to the tart yet slightly sweet taste of the syrup, prompting viewers to want to try it for themselves. The bold flavor profile of the green plum, paired with its refreshing and tangy essence, captured the imagination of many, turning it into a viral food sensation. People across the internet scrambled to get their hands on this intriguing drink, eager to experience its unique taste and see if it lived up to the hype. The syrup’s popularity continued to rise, making it one of the most sought-after beverages on various social platforms.
4. Grilled Cheese and Milk Cake
Taking over social media from late February to mid-March, the grilled cheese and milk cake became an instant hit, even securing the top spot in the SocialTrend food ranking. Originating from Jiangxi, China, this dessert became famous for its perfectly balanced combination of sweetness and creaminess. The cake is made with layers of condensed milk and soft, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, creating a rich and indulgent treat that food lovers couldn’t resist. The viral nature of this dish was fueled by its photogenic appearance, with videos and photos of its gooey cheese pulls and soft texture flooding social media. Its irresistible flavor profile, blending the sweetness of condensed milk with the tangy richness of cheese, made it a viral sensation that captivated dessert lovers around the world.
5. Salted Ginseng Candy
Salted ginseng candy, originating from Hubei province, quickly gained traction as the next big thing in the world of Chinese snacks. Rising to fame in early April, this sweet and salty treat achieved 3,670 discussions and 343,850 interactions across social media, securing a top-five spot in the SocialTrend food ranking from April 11 to May 14. Made with ginseng, a prized medicinal root, the candy offers not only a unique flavor but also potential health benefits, which further contributed to its widespread appeal. The slightly bitter, earthy taste of ginseng is offset by a hint of saltiness, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile. Its success online was driven by both its distinctive taste and its perceived wellness benefits, with many users sharing their experiences and opinions on its potential as a healthy snack.
