Xi Jinping and the steamed buns: What does it mean?

Want China Times, Staff Reporter 2013-12-31

Xi Jinping enjoys his buns, Dec. 28. (Internet photo)

The meal Xi Jinping ate at Beijing's
Qingfeng Steamed Dumpling Shop
on Dec. 28. (Internet photo)

A dumpling house in Beijing has become the hottest restaurant in town following a visit by President and Communist Party chief Xi Jinping, who has sent China's blogosphere into overdrive with theories speculating on hidden meanings behind the humble meal.

Chinese microblogs went into meltdown on Dec. 28 after netizens uploaded photos of Xi Jinping lining up and paying for his own meal at the Beijing outlet of the Qingfeng Steamed Dumpling Shop. Xi's order of six pork buns and a plate of stewed chitterlings (pork intestines) and vegetables — valued at just 21 yuan (US$3.50) — has since become the most popular set meal at the shop, with most customers simply asking for "what President Xi had."

The restaurant has been packed out with customers since news of Xi's visit went viral, with lines of around 40 people at all times ensuring at least a half-hour wait. Eight or nine chefs can be seen making buns around the clock in the shop's glass kitchen, with one chef telling reporters that he has never seen anything like it and that he does not even have the time to use the bathroom.

The table and chair Xi used during his visit have also been removed by the shop's owner and will be kept as collectors items.

Store manager He Yuanli said when she delivered garlic and chili sauce to Xi during his meal he asked her where the ingredients came from and whether they were safe to consume. After she showed him photos of the factory on her smartphone and assured him of the ingredients' quality, Xi reportedly said, "Food safety is most important. People eating at ease is what concerns me the most."

When waiters asked Xi whether he would like some complimentary dishes or beverages the president reportedly replied that they only needed to serve what he ordered.

Netizens have scrutinized every aspect of Xi's steamed bun meal, saying that lining up and paying for such a cheap meal himself is sending a signal that the president wants all Chinese officials to avoid special privileges and excess, while his comments to the store manager suggest that a new food safety campaign could be imminent.

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