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¥200 Bowl of Porridge with "Mineral-rich Water from Alps" Sparks Debate
Pic: 视觉中国
Recently, a viral video surfaced online, showing a Shanghai restaurant charging 200 yuan for a bowl of plain porridge, served alongside some pickled vegetables. The dish, designed to feed four to six people, also had a smaller portion for two to three diners priced at 100 yuan. This revelation quickly ignited a firestorm of discussion among netizens.
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The restaurant, located in one of Shanghai's bustling commercial districts, is known for its authentic Chaozhou (Teochew) cuisine. While its menu is generally on the pricier side, the 200-yuan porridge has left many diners in disbelief.
According to the staff, the hefty price tag is justified by the premium ingredients used: organic rice sourced from Northeast China and mineral-rich water from the Alps. Additionally, the porridge is said to be cooked from scratch to ensure the highest quality.
However, not everyone is convinced.
"Who doesn't cook porridge fresh?!" one netizen quipped.
"Our local porridge only costs three yuan!" another mocked.
On November 26, several hashtags related to the "200-yuan porridge" surged on social media platforms, generating a mix of criticism, jokes, and debates.
Some netizens found the price outrageous: "Is this porridge made of gold?" "Even in high-end restaurants, porridge isn't this expensive."
Others defended the restaurant: "It's clearly priced. If you think it's expensive, just don't order it." "High-quality food comes at a cost. No one's forcing you to eat there."
The restaurant's management emphasized that the porridge isn't as simple as it seems. Along with the organic rice and premium water, the dish is complemented by fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, and shellfish, as well as a variety of Chaozhou-style seasonings and ingredients. The cooking process is also meticulous, involving multiple steps to achieve a perfect texture and rich flavor.
In a statement on November 25, the restaurant manager revealed that the porridge was cooked with Evian water, setting it apart from their other dishes, which use standard filtered water. "It's not our signature item," he explained. "The idea came from our boss, who originally made it for friends. They loved it, so we added it to the menu. This price has been the same for over a decade."
He also noted, "Those who complain aren't our target customers anyway."
Shanghai's Pudong Market Supervision Bureau has acknowledged the public concern. A staff member confirmed that the issue has been recorded and will be investigated.
"Whether the price is too high is difficult to define without context. Businesses are allowed to set their own prices, but they must ensure transparency," the representative explained. If there's evidence of price gouging or a lack of clear labeling, regulatory action will be taken. Consumers can report issues via the 12315 platform, which could trigger an investigation.
Source: 上观新闻
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