UK PM Starmer's Beijing Meal Sparks "Prime Minister's Menu" Craze

The visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to China, specifically to a Yunnan restaurant in Beijing, has unexpectedly generated significant buzz on Chinese social media. This phenomenon, far removed from the political challenges Starmer faces domestically, highlights a curious aspect of soft power and cultural influence. The restaurant, "In and Out," has seen a surge in bookings since Starmer's visit, even introducing a "Prime Minister's Menu" featuring the dishes he ordered. This culinary pilgrimage, driven by social media trends, contrasts sharply with the domestic criticism Starmer has faced for seeking closer ties with Beijing.

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The restaurant has seen a surge in bookings since Starmer's visit, even introducing a "Prime Minister's Menu" featuring the dishes he ordered.

While Starmer's political maneuvering in the UK might be fraught with difficulty, his brief foray into Beijing's dining scene has inadvertently created a positive image. The photos of his meal went viral, and the special menu, complete with a cartoon British guardsman, adds a touch of playful engagement. This culinary endorsement, though seemingly trivial, taps into a broader fascination with British culture in China, evident in the passion for the Premier League or the popularity of British actors. It suggests that cultural connections can sometimes transcend complex geopolitical relations.

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About half of the customers are influenced by the British Prime Minister's visit.

The article notes that this isn't the only instance of British figures influencing local businesses; other restaurants in Yunnan also offer "Prime Minister's Menus." This points to a persistent soft power appeal that the UK, despite Brexit, retains in many parts of the world. The narrative playfully suggests that perhaps Starmer might have benefited from trying the restaurant's more adventurous "jian shou qing" (psychedelic mushroom) dish, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the potential for more profound experiences, contrasting with his cautious approach to UK-China relations. The piece concludes with a somewhat cynical observation that the goodwill generated by this trip might be fleeting if his domestic political future falters, leaving a bitter taste rather than a memorable meal.

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Guests would ask: 'Did the British Prime Minister eat here a few days ago?' Then they would ask: 'What did they eat? Can you introduce us?'