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A recent incident involving a Korean tourist dining in Shanghai has sparked a heated discussion about cultural understanding and culinary differences. The woman, who was visiting China with friends, found herself at the center of controversy after mistaking steaming paper for the traditional pancake used to wrap Beijing duck.
The woman, featured in a video circulating online, criticized the taste of the Beijing duck, claiming it was bland and that the pancake “felt like chewing paper.” She then remarked, “Chinese people eat everything, but this is too much.”
A fellow diner sitting nearby noticed her mistake and pointed out that she had mistakenly eaten the steaming paper placed under the pancake to prevent sticking. The realization left the woman visibly embarrassed, prompting laughter and awkwardness among those at the scene.
Beijing duck, a centuries-old culinary masterpiece, is renowned for its crispy skin, tender meat, and delicate wrapping pancakes. However, the use of steaming paper during preparation, while common in Chinese cuisine, is unfamiliar in many other cultures.
Some netizens defended the Korean woman, suggesting the mistake was understandable due to cultural differences. Others, however, criticized her for making disparaging remarks about Chinese cuisine before fully understanding it.
Chinese netizens had plenty to say about the incident. One user quipped, “It’s not that Korea doesn’t have Beijing duck - it’s that they don’t have steaming paper. Eating paper by mistake? That’s a new one!”
Another commenter shared a personal anecdote, saying, “When I studied in Korea, my roommate once ate the leftover chilies from my spicy chicken dish because she didn’t understand they were meant to flavor the dish, not be eaten directly. Cultural differences are real!”
Others proposed solutions to prevent such misunderstandings. “When hosting foreigners, especially with dishes like Beijing duck, pre-wrap a portion for them so they can understand how it’s meant to be eaten before trying it themselves,” one netizen suggested.
However, some reactions were less forgiving. “I was shocked she kept chewing even after realizing it was paper! And then her friend joined in. It’s hard not to laugh,” wrote a user.
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