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Zoey Zhang

A barbecue restaurant in southern China has gained immense popularity among women diners by offering 50 spicy bamboo skewers for just 10 yuan (US$1.40).
A food video that went viral on March 21 amassed over 600,000 likes, showcasing a chef from Hunan province grilling bamboo skewers topped with spring onions and chilli powder.
The dish’s creator, identified as Ma, explained that the concept behind these spicy bamboo skewers is for diners to savour the flavours rather than consume the sticks.
He designed it specifically for women looking for late-night snacks without the associated calories, stating: “The sticks let female diners enjoy snacks without gaining weight.”

Since the launch of this unique dish, sales have surged, with more than 100 servings sold daily and a 30 per cent increase in customer traffic. Each portion generates a profit of four to five yuan after expenses.
One customer mentioned that she enjoyed the bamboo skewers while on a diet, even adding mustard for extra flavour.
However, some netizens expressed concerns about the possibility of reused bamboo skewers. Ma assured customers that all skewers are single-use only and indicated plans to develop other innovative dishes to attract more diners.
While some commenters found the concept “crazy” and “boring”, suggesting alternatives like licking instant noodle seasoning at home to save money, others urged restaurant owners to enhance the taste and quality of their offerings instead of relying on gimmicks.
It is also noteworthy that the spicy bamboo sticks face competition from similar dishes across China.

In June 2023, another vendor also from Hunan introduced a dish called “spicy pebbles”, made by stir-frying small river stones with chilli, garlic, perilla, and rosemary, priced at 16 yuan per serving.
Locally known as suo diu, which means “suck and throw away”, this dish has historical roots, originally created by boatmen along the Yangtze River for refreshment. During the Sino-Japanese War from 1937 to 1945, it gained popularity, eventually becoming a traditional speciality in Yunnan, southwestern China.
In summer, vendors in southeast China’s Jiangxi province also offer grilled ice blocks, seasoned with cumin, chilli, and pepper powder, providing patrons with a unique ice-and-fire culinary experience.


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Following the introduction of this dish, sales skyrocketed, averaging over 100 servings per day and 30 per cent rise in customer visits


Following the introduction of this dish, sales skyrocketed, averaging over 100 servings per day and 30 per cent rise in customer visits.


Chinese cuisine