There is a dichotomous debate in today’s vision for the future of food. On one side there are advocates for organically-grown plants and free-range animal meats, while on the other side there are proponents of industrial-processed and biotech-engineered foods. …

What can we learn from China’s megacities and behaviors today, to imagine food places and experiences of tomorrow? — Neon lights flickering, steam coming out of every corner and some old man stirring an undefinable soup in a pot on the street. Someone screaming and running around, while a man sits down to order some sino-japanese mixed bowl of food, waiting for something to happen next. Our imaginaries and…

China is a country of intriguing contrasts. On the one hand, it has one of the world’s oldest cuisines. On the other hand, it is keenly embracing trends and innovating its food culture. …

Despite the growing appetite for meat, the Chinese diet remains heavily vegetable-based — prompting innovative ways to meet the increasing demand for greens. Between 1961 and 2013, China’s annual vegetable consumption quadrupled from 80 kg per capita to 348 kg. That’s three times as many greens as Americans eat (114…

Not only are farmers using livestreams to showcase products to customers in the city, but the technology is also making the food system more trustworthy and transparent. The lure of better opportunities and wages in cities has seen a mass migration from the Chinese countryside and rural populations plummet. As…

Social media isn’t just launching the careers of culinary celebrities. It’s leading to entirely new flavor combinations and recipes. In China today, social media isn’t just about sharing content and influencers: it has also sparked food trends that have in turn materialized as new products. Video platform Douyin is at…

Apps and influencers determine what dishes are trendy, not traditional gatekeepers. In many countries, diners hoping to hear about a hot new restaurant might turn to established food critics writing reviews in newspapers and magazines. Others might rely on high-end authorities such as the Michelin Guide. …

Having friends or colleagues round for dinner is now a lifestyle trend for many young people. Convenient dining options abound in Chinese cities today are one of the many perks of the dense urbanization and plethora of digital services like food delivery. Lining up to eat at the latest wanghongdian…

The humanless retail experience is fast becoming an everyday reality in the food arena. In early 2017, a Swedish startup named Wheelys launched an unmanned “convenience store on wheels” in Shanghai to demonstrate what humanless retail experiences could look like. …