NE Chinese cuisine popular outside China

जन आस्था

चैत ६, २०८०

This year, Harbin, the capital of northernmost China's Heilongjiang province, has become one of the hottest travel destinations not only in China but also in the Chinese neighboring countries. Traveling in Harbin has made foreigners familiar to the ice and snow beauty of northeast China, as well as the region's dishes.

In USA

During this year's Spring Festival, "Liaoning Hill Villa" in New York was bustling with customers and servers wearing traditional flower-patterned aprons, creating a lively atmosphere with laughter echoing throughout the restaurant.

"Liaoning Hill Villa" was once a typical American farm. After being purchased by the owner, Guan Jing, it was transformed into a "farmyard" planted with various vegetables and fruits, and chickens and geese strolled about.

The lively restaurant features kangs (heatable brick beds from northern China) and recreational vehicles, along with traditional specialties, such as homemade liquor and roasted lambs.

Guan Jing said that although "Liaoning Hill Villa" is still in its soft opening phase, it is pretty popular among the locals. Before the Spring Festival, New Year's Eve banquets were fully booked, and many people wanted to celebrate by making dumplings at the restaurant.

Traditional NE Chinese pork stew in "Liaoning Hill Villa" restaurant, New York. (Provided by interviewee)

In Canada

In Vancouver, Canada, the restaurant "Tianxi" has gained popularity by offering fusion northeastern Chinese cuisine. They have introduced old-style aluminum lunch boxes that evoke a sense of nostalgia, especially for those in their 30s and 40s.

Dishes such as "ground three delicacies" (fried eggplants, potatoes and hot pepper), crisp fried pork, braised backbone, and sour cabbage stew with glass noodles, are served. "The flavor of each dish is so familiar, bringing back memories of the good old days," said a customer from northeast China.

Yi Yao, the owner of "Tianxi," also comes from Harbin. She said that northeastern Chinese cuisine is gradually gaining popularity among the overseas public. The Harbin buzz makes more people interested in northeastern Chinese food. "Moreover, I found that people's interest in northeast China's traditional cultural elements is also rising," she added.

The aluminum lunch boxes, filled with a nostalgic vibe, have also drawn international guests' attention. Many foreign vloggers visited the restaurant to give it a try.

The old-style aluminum lunch boxes launched by "Tianxi" restaurant in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo provided by interviewee)

In South Korea

In Seoul, there's a restaurant called "Fumanlou" that specializes in Chinese cuisine. The owner, Meng Fanfu, had worked in the catering sector in east Heilongjiang's Jiamusi city before moving to South Korea.

"This winter, my hometown, Harbin, suddenly became an online celebrity city; I feel particularly proud of it," said Meng. He noted that South Korean media has covered the Harbin fever, highlighting the city's thriving nightlife. "The report promoted northeast China and China to the South Korean public."

When it comes to the restaurant's business, Meng revealed that most of the customers are South Koreans. "On busy days, we can receive over 100 guests," said Meng.

In Meng's view, South Koreans are gradually embracing northeastern Chinese cuisine. "At first, they preferred 'Korean-style Chinese cuisine' like 'Zhajiangmian' (noodles with soybean paste) and spicy seafood noodles. Now, many locals have interest in authentic northeastern Chinese cuisine. However, we also take into account the dietary habits of South Koreans when cooking dishes, such as using less oil or no oil at all."

Thanks to thriving business, "FumaoLou" recently opened a branch nearby.