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“White People Food” Is The New, Unexpected Trend In China
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“White People Food” Is The New, Unexpected Trend In China

Chinese People Are Reviewing “White People Food” And Their Responses Range From Hilarious To Concerning“The Lunch Of Suffering”: Chinese People Are Trying “White People Food” As A Trend“The Whole Point Of Eating Is To Just Keep Yourself Alive”: New Trend In China Has People Eating “White People Food”The Internet Reacts To The “White People’s Food” Trend In China, Some People Can’t Help But Laugh, Others Feel Personally AttackedChinese People Are Trying “White People Food” In New Trend, Revealing That It Tastes Like “What It Feels Like To Be Dead”Chinese People Are Trying Bland
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Getting acquainted with a new country often involves quite a bit of munching and food culture shock. The result? It could be everything from discovering amazing flavors to utter disappointment. The latter is what some of the people in China feel after hopping on the “White People Food” trend train.

What is White People Food?

At first glance, the term “white people food” might appear vague or even culturally insensitive to some. However, in Chinese social media, it’s a term loaded with specific cultural nuances.

Originating from the Chinese hashtag #bairenfan, which translates to “white people meals,” the term describes a unique category of Western food that has baffled many Chinese netizens.

Don’t expect to see delicious burgers, pizzas, or steaks under this hashtag. Instead, white people food (as seen by Chinese users) is an assortment of simple, often cold meals that require little to no cooking — think raw carrots wrapped in cheese slices, sandwiches with just one ingredient, or even a bag of lettuce eaten as-is.

Apparently, to be defined as such, white people food should meet three basic principles:

  • a lack of spices;
  • minimal preparation;
  • being a meal typically consumed during work or school.

The term has even found its way into meme culture. While the stereotype is often reduced to jokes about blandness and a lack of seasoning, it’s a meme that even some white people have embraced with a self-deprecating sense of humor. You might encounter posts with captions like, “White people colonized half the world for spices and still don’t even use them.” 

Yet, despite the jest, the white people food meme further underlines the exciting interplay between food, culture, and identity. No, we’re not asking you to start celebrating unseasoned, sad meals — but while some Chinese netizens describe it as the “lunch of suffering,” others see it as a fascinating curiosity.

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California-based content creator and author of ‘Valley Verified’ and ‘The Fraud Squad,’ Kyla Zhao, discussed the new internet trend in one of her TikTok videos, covering how bewildered the Chinese are about these spiceless meals.

The “White People’s Lunch” trend in China mocks what some consider to be “white people’s food”

Image credits: Nicola Barts (not the actual photo)

“Recently, there’s been a social media trend in China where people are trying food that they call ‘white people food'”

Image credits: kylazingaround

“Raw salads, boiled eggs, sliced ham, and chicken breast. So people are cooking these white people’s meals and posting photos of their food creations to social media.”

“This netizen says that his white people’s lunch of broccoli, steamed chicken breast, hot boiled egg, and brown rice is the lunch of suffering.”

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Image credits: kylazingaround

“Another netizen says that the point of eating boring white people’s food like crackers, sliced cheese, and sliced ham is to understand what it feels like to be dead.”

“The food was so bad that it just made him realize how alive he was. However, some Chinese netizens have become huge supporters of white people food”

Image credits: kylazingaround

“They say it’s much easier to make than typical Chinese dishes. So it helps them save time cooking and gives them more time to do their work.”

“They say that eating white people food has made them realize that the point of eating is not for enjoyment”

Image credits: kylazingaround

“And there’s no need to spend a lot of time and effort making delicious meals because the whole point of eating is to just keep yourself alive”

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Image credits: kylazingaround

Kyla Zhao’s video went viral and attracted nearly two million views in roughly a day

@kylazingaround “Lunch of suffering” lmao💀 #whitepeoplefood #whitepeoplethings #chinatrend #chinaviral #chinesetrend #chinesefood #viralfoodtrend #fyp #greenscreen ♬ Blade Runner 2049 – Synthwave Goose

Salads, eggs, ham, and chicken are often included in what’s considered a “white people’s lunch”; or “lunch of suffering” for some

Image credits: Heather Barnes (not the actual photo)

Born and raised in Singapore, Kyla Zhao is currently working in a tech company in California, where she has likely seen a lunch box or two filled with carrot sticks and ham slices. Or at least that’s what people on Chinese social media might think.

How did White People’s Food become a viral trend?

According to The China Project, the trend started gaining momentum on the lifestyle-sharing app ‘Xiaohongshu,’ becoming more and more popular under the name of “white people’s food” — or báirén fàn, as we already mentioned.

It mocked the mostly seasoning-free (but seriously, why don’t white people season their food?), often vegetable or cracker and cold cuts-based lunch, and wondered what keeps the consumers of lunches like these alive. The China Project cited one social media user who was wondering if they have evolved to a point where they can generate energy without having to eat actual food.

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Another TikTok user, Marcelo Wang, shared more of people’s reactions to such luncheons, one of which suggested that people must be using other means to keep themselves alive. “White people love basking in the sun because they have to do photosynthesis,” Marcelo cited one of the comments on social media. He also pointed out that Chinese people are typically used to cooking with a lot of ingredients, which makes the “white people’s lunch” all the more unusual.

While Chinese netizens are busy wrapping their heads around the concept of “white people’s food,” we couldn’t help but wonder what their lunch boxes typically contain. After all, the “lunch of suffering” has been compared to Chinese meals that are generally considered more flavorful and elaborate. So what’s actually inside those lunch boxes that sets them apart?

What do Chinese workers eat for lunch?

Unlike the minimalist, often unseasoned meals tagged under #bairenfan, Chinese lunches are a burst of flavors and textures.

A common meal might include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a protein like pork or chicken — all seasoned with a mouth-watering variety of spices and sauces. Soup is often part of the meal and is considered delicious and healthy. For those on the go, convenient boxes and street food options like Jianbing and Baozi are popular. And let’s not forget the regional variations  — from the spicy delights of Sichuan to the seafood-centric meals of coastal areas, it’s easy to find diversity in Chinese food.

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So while Chinese social media users are poking fun at “nasty” white people food, their own lunches are anything but monotonous, offering a flavorful contrast to the subject of their internet fascination.

People are split into camps over the new trend

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Image credits: Nik (not the actual photo)

Some people in China see a lack of ingredients as an advantage, as it means there’s less hassle in preparing the meals. It also requires less clean-up — another huge bonus for some. The China Project revealed that in addition to these benefits, some people in China applaud the nutritional benefits of the “white people’s lunches,” which often include vegetables and other low-carb foods. People siding with such views also point out that it could help fight the after-lunch drowsiness the hearty Chinese meals cause.

A somewhat controversial opinion related to the popular trend is that food doesn’t necessarily have to be something one enjoys. In her TikTok video, Kyla Zhao referred to a person saying that there’s no need to spend a lot of time and effort on cooking delicious meals because the whole point of eating is to keep yourself alive. 

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However, people are split into two camps about it, and those on the other side seem to eagerly oppose this idea. The China Project cited a ‘Xiaohongshu’ user, saying that having good food is something they look forward to every day, which is why they wouldn’t be able to give it up.

At the end of the day, choosing what to have for lunch is a matter of preference and habit. Whether it’s a single slice of cheese wrapped around a carrot or a complex dish requiring time and effort, whatever floats people’s boats is likely to be what’s for lunch.

People shared their thoughts about “white people’s food” in the comments

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Melanie Gervasoni

Melanie Gervasoni

Writer, Community member

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Writer on a quest to explore every corner of the world, one country at a time. Fueled by my love for Arcane, oversized hoodies, and weightlifting, I try my best to bring even more fun energy to Bored Panda. My cup of tea? Pop culture, funny content, sharing interesting facts about the world, and creating listicles for fellow Pandas. When I’m not crafting articles, my eyes are still glued to a screen — be it binge-watching my favorite shows, leveling up in video games, or learning Spanish with Duolingo. Always on the hunt for the ultimate playlist, I scour Deezer to find the right tunes to listen to while working on my creative projects.

Read less »
Melanie Gervasoni

Melanie Gervasoni

Writer, Community member

Writer on a quest to explore every corner of the world, one country at a time. Fueled by my love for Arcane, oversized hoodies, and weightlifting, I try my best to bring even more fun energy to Bored Panda. My cup of tea? Pop culture, funny content, sharing interesting facts about the world, and creating listicles for fellow Pandas. When I’m not crafting articles, my eyes are still glued to a screen — be it binge-watching my favorite shows, leveling up in video games, or learning Spanish with Duolingo. Always on the hunt for the ultimate playlist, I scour Deezer to find the right tunes to listen to while working on my creative projects.

Miglė Miliūtė

Miglė Miliūtė

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

A writer here at Bored Panda, I am a lover of good music, good food, and good company, which makes food-related topics and feel-good stories my favorite ones to cover. Passionate about traveling and concerts, I constantly seek occasions to visit places yet personally unexplored. I also enjoy spending free time outdoors, trying out different sports—even if I don’t look too graceful at it—or socializing over a cup of coffee.

Read less »

Miglė Miliūtė

Miglė Miliūtė

Writer, BoredPanda staff

A writer here at Bored Panda, I am a lover of good music, good food, and good company, which makes food-related topics and feel-good stories my favorite ones to cover. Passionate about traveling and concerts, I constantly seek occasions to visit places yet personally unexplored. I also enjoy spending free time outdoors, trying out different sports—even if I don’t look too graceful at it—or socializing over a cup of coffee.

Mantas Kačerauskas

Mantas Kačerauskas

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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Mantas Kačerauskas

Mantas Kačerauskas

Author, BoredPanda staff

As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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Molly Whuppie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, its not really any different to western countries eating "chinese" food which isn't really chinese food at all.

-
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fond memory of my first Christmas party at a company owned by a Chinese immigrant. Employees could pick either of two Chinese menus. The first was heavy on pork and sweet and sour everything, so I picked the second one (lots of sea food). Hubby & I were the only white people at that table. The president walked by, nodded at me in approval and said, "You're eating the real Chinese food, not that half-Chinese stuff." Wooohoooo - score!

Load More Replies...
Rachel Ainsworth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who could have guessed that learning about other countries from the internet could give the wrong impression? /s

Readingthemews
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like Norwegian food, i would actually get that chicken and rice for dinner on a normal day growing up. The comments on the food are quite accurate 😂😂

Zedrapazia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find this actually sad. "No need to take time and make good food, if you make convenient food you can work work work more!"

Ms.GB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well idk what white persons home they are eating at but it's not mine lol.

SoapsVonSoaps
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is this not racist to white people? Imagine if the article was called "white people eating yellow people food" There would be an uproar. But it's ok for other ethnicities to bag on us 'white people'.

BakedKahuna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an common expression with no intention to hurt anyone and it's been around for ages, even before the internet and longer. White people food/meal is the literal translation they use for non-Asian food. Yellow people food is an made up and non established expression.

Load More Replies...
Cammy Mack
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

White people take great amusement in being made fun of; it's a commendable quality. "Lunch of Suffering" - such a funny burn that all cultures should get a chuckle from.

Rizzo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The food I make and have with my loved ones is special. The food I take to work is necessary.

George D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Not for enjoyment". Lol!! In truth, those were terrible examples. I've never had a lunch that looked like those shown.

PeepPeep the duck
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get what they mean, a little harsh but I get it. Im currently living with a ‘meat and three veg’ family, and as an ex chef and world food lover, I would pick any cultures meal over an ‘Aussie’ one any day, even our BBQs are sad compared to (examples I’ve been to) Italian, South African, Filipino and Brazilian bbqs. And brown rice !!! Omg just give me a bowl of gorgeous jasmine rice instead 🍚 😊

Readingthemews
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks like Norwegian food to me. I would actually get that chicken and rice dish for dinner growing up. The comments are spot on in my opinion 😂😂

Michael Wilmer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"White" people food - rice, mashed potatoes, chicken breast, periogies with sour cream, cauliflower..... lol!

R Dennis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marley Spoon... I know white people who call it white people food.

Phil Vaive
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people calling this racist probably eat general Tao's chicken and ginger beef from their local "Golden Palace" take out place once a month, then complain that msg gives them a headache. They have no idea what racism is lol

BakedKahuna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And same people also say something like 'Please don't eat my pet dog/cat' and tell people to calm the eff down, it was just a joke, when they actually offended someone

Load More Replies...
Rose the Cook
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my experience, having lived in China over twelve years now, the average Chinese person's idea of western food is American food. For example the abomonations that pass for pizza are American definitely not italian. Real foreign restaurants are few and far between in Beijing and nonexistant in smaller cities and towns. If you are lucky enough to find one, the food is rarely authentic. However, Mc Donalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken etc abound everywhere and when invited to meals by people who don't really know them this is what is often offered to foreigners.

JP Purves
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is quick lunch food in the U.S. It's also quite healthy: chicken breast, carrots, broccoli, cheese and salad. However, the chicken should have some type of seasoning. Many things can be added to a salad to make it colorful and tasty, including a zesty dressing. Maybe not as spicy as typical Chinese food, but also lower in fat, salt and sugar. What I don't understand is the hard boiled egg.Do Chinese people think this is what "white" people eat every day? I took my lunch to work for years and I never brought a hard boiled egg with me, or saw anyone else eat one. Boiled eggs are okay in various applications, but eating one out of hand is nasty, they smell sulfurous and don't taste great. There's also the textural component to deal with.

Isa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a vegetarian but eat such food with lots of tadka and spice.

Arenite
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Racist and idiotic. But then, the Chinese think everybody is inferior. Pathetic that they have to go to such extremes to “prove” it to themselves.

Marcellus II
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about unseasoned untreated raw tofu? It's white, it's people's food. Maybe they never heard of it.

Pittsburgh rare
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a VERY white person raised on Mediterranean food, lol at the ignorance.

Hemlock Tea
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Well, at least my lunch didn't cause a global pandemic.

BakedKahuna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great, people are getting offended over the term of white people food, but nobody is pointing out, how racist this comment is? *

Load More Replies...
Molly Whuppie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, its not really any different to western countries eating "chinese" food which isn't really chinese food at all.

-
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fond memory of my first Christmas party at a company owned by a Chinese immigrant. Employees could pick either of two Chinese menus. The first was heavy on pork and sweet and sour everything, so I picked the second one (lots of sea food). Hubby & I were the only white people at that table. The president walked by, nodded at me in approval and said, "You're eating the real Chinese food, not that half-Chinese stuff." Wooohoooo - score!

Load More Replies...
Rachel Ainsworth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who could have guessed that learning about other countries from the internet could give the wrong impression? /s

Readingthemews
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like Norwegian food, i would actually get that chicken and rice for dinner on a normal day growing up. The comments on the food are quite accurate 😂😂

Zedrapazia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find this actually sad. "No need to take time and make good food, if you make convenient food you can work work work more!"

Ms.GB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well idk what white persons home they are eating at but it's not mine lol.

SoapsVonSoaps
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is this not racist to white people? Imagine if the article was called "white people eating yellow people food" There would be an uproar. But it's ok for other ethnicities to bag on us 'white people'.

BakedKahuna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an common expression with no intention to hurt anyone and it's been around for ages, even before the internet and longer. White people food/meal is the literal translation they use for non-Asian food. Yellow people food is an made up and non established expression.

Load More Replies...
Cammy Mack
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

White people take great amusement in being made fun of; it's a commendable quality. "Lunch of Suffering" - such a funny burn that all cultures should get a chuckle from.

Rizzo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The food I make and have with my loved ones is special. The food I take to work is necessary.

George D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Not for enjoyment". Lol!! In truth, those were terrible examples. I've never had a lunch that looked like those shown.

PeepPeep the duck
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get what they mean, a little harsh but I get it. Im currently living with a ‘meat and three veg’ family, and as an ex chef and world food lover, I would pick any cultures meal over an ‘Aussie’ one any day, even our BBQs are sad compared to (examples I’ve been to) Italian, South African, Filipino and Brazilian bbqs. And brown rice !!! Omg just give me a bowl of gorgeous jasmine rice instead 🍚 😊

Readingthemews
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks like Norwegian food to me. I would actually get that chicken and rice dish for dinner growing up. The comments are spot on in my opinion 😂😂

Michael Wilmer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"White" people food - rice, mashed potatoes, chicken breast, periogies with sour cream, cauliflower..... lol!

R Dennis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marley Spoon... I know white people who call it white people food.

Phil Vaive
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people calling this racist probably eat general Tao's chicken and ginger beef from their local "Golden Palace" take out place once a month, then complain that msg gives them a headache. They have no idea what racism is lol

BakedKahuna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And same people also say something like 'Please don't eat my pet dog/cat' and tell people to calm the eff down, it was just a joke, when they actually offended someone

Load More Replies...
Rose the Cook
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my experience, having lived in China over twelve years now, the average Chinese person's idea of western food is American food. For example the abomonations that pass for pizza are American definitely not italian. Real foreign restaurants are few and far between in Beijing and nonexistant in smaller cities and towns. If you are lucky enough to find one, the food is rarely authentic. However, Mc Donalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken etc abound everywhere and when invited to meals by people who don't really know them this is what is often offered to foreigners.

JP Purves
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is quick lunch food in the U.S. It's also quite healthy: chicken breast, carrots, broccoli, cheese and salad. However, the chicken should have some type of seasoning. Many things can be added to a salad to make it colorful and tasty, including a zesty dressing. Maybe not as spicy as typical Chinese food, but also lower in fat, salt and sugar. What I don't understand is the hard boiled egg.Do Chinese people think this is what "white" people eat every day? I took my lunch to work for years and I never brought a hard boiled egg with me, or saw anyone else eat one. Boiled eggs are okay in various applications, but eating one out of hand is nasty, they smell sulfurous and don't taste great. There's also the textural component to deal with.

Isa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a vegetarian but eat such food with lots of tadka and spice.

Arenite
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Racist and idiotic. But then, the Chinese think everybody is inferior. Pathetic that they have to go to such extremes to “prove” it to themselves.

Marcellus II
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about unseasoned untreated raw tofu? It's white, it's people's food. Maybe they never heard of it.

Pittsburgh rare
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a VERY white person raised on Mediterranean food, lol at the ignorance.

Hemlock Tea
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Well, at least my lunch didn't cause a global pandemic.

BakedKahuna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great, people are getting offended over the term of white people food, but nobody is pointing out, how racist this comment is? *

Load More Replies...
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