Recently, Luo Yonghao’s public criticism of Xibei’s use of pre-packaged meals sparked heated online debates, making diners wary of restaurant dishes. People dine out for the sizzle and soul of freshly cooked food, not factory-made meals you could heat up at home. Chinese culinary culture is vast and vibrant, and as living standards rise, diners are pickier about ingredients and flavors. While pre-packaged meals are common for their affordability, high-priced versions feel like a rip-off.
Surprisingly, the Xibei controversy spotlighted six dishes that have surged in popularity—because they’re nearly impossible to pre-package. These fresh, authentic dishes are stealing the show in restaurants across China.
1. Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are a household staple, versatile as both a main or supporting ingredient. Scrambled eggs or egg custard are crowd favorites, but their simplicity and customization make them tough to pre-package. Eggs are cheap, and tastes vary widely, defying mass standardization.
Whether it’s scallion scrambled eggs or a seafood-egg stir-fry, diners can request personalized twists. A restaurant that can’t nail scrambled eggs is likely on its last legs—freshness and skill are non-negotiable here.
2. Seafood Platter
With fishing season in full swing, autumn brings an abundance of affordable, diverse seafood. Diners love ordering seafood platters to impress guests, and restaurants deliver with this crowd-pleaser. Unlike spicy seafood boils, this dish involves steaming a mix of fresh seafood to highlight its natural flavors, demanding top-quality, live ingredients. Restaurants won’t risk using anything less, as freshness is everything—making pre-packaging impossible.
3. Northeast Iron Pot Stew
Once overlooked for its rustic style, Northeast iron pot stew is now a nationwide hit. Its charm lies in its live preparation, diverse ingredients, and interactive dining experience. Customers watch chefs cook, choosing from a variety of fresh meats, vegetables, and starches. Stale ingredients would be exposed instantly in the stew’s bold flavors, so pre-packaging isn’t an option. The dish’s authenticity and hands-on vibe explain its soaring popularity.
4. Seasonal Vegetable Stir-Fry
Every restaurant offers seasonal vegetable stir-fries, tailored to the time of year. These light, non-greasy dishes balance heavier meat courses. Featuring leafy greens, they demand fresh ingredients, as chlorophyll loss turns greens yellow and ruins texture. Chefs must master seasoning and heat control, making pre-packaging impractical. Their crisp, vibrant appeal keeps them in high demand.
5. Tofu and Fish Stew
The saying “thousand boils for tofu, ten thousand for fish” captures the magic of tofu and fish stew. Calcium-rich tofu pairs perfectly with protein-packed fish, creating a nutritious, flavorful dish. Fresh fish is a must—frozen fish carries a telltale “freezer taste”—and brine tofu doesn’t store well long-term. This fresh-only requirement rules out pre-packaging, cementing its status as a restaurant favorite.
6. Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are a go-to for cold dishes in restaurants, prized for their juicy, crisp texture and refreshing flavor. From smashed cucumber to vinegar-soaked mixes with pig’s head meat or glass noodles, these dishes shine with freshness. Pre-packaging would dull their crunch and aroma, and their simplicity makes it unnecessary. Every restaurant offers cucumber salads, and their can’t-be-faked quality keeps them popular.
Why These Dishes Shine
Pre-packaged meals aren’t inherently bad—their consistent taste, low cost, and convenience are appealing. But charging premium prices for them in restaurants feels like a scam. These six dishes thrive because they demand fresh ingredients and on-the-spot preparation, delivering the authentic, smoky essence diners crave. Found in most restaurants, their inability to be pre-packaged has made them post-controversy stars.
Next time you dine out, try one of these fresh-made dishes for a taste of true culinary craftsmanship. What’s your favorite go-to dish? Share your thoughts!
