From soy-braised duck prepared in a rice cooker to beef porridge made with leftover rice, Chinese netizens are embracing their own version of “white people food” — simple, no-frills meals made with a handful of plain ingredients and minimal cooking techniques.

First popularized by a handful of food influencers, this new culinary style, which emphasizes simplicity and practicality, has attracted a broad following among busy urban professionals who want to prepare wholesome meals without investing excessive time or effort in the kitchen.

Traditional Chinese home-cooking can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, given demanding ingredient preparation. Many dishes also involve frying, which can cause oil spills and smoke, making the process messy and necessitating additional cleanup.

In contrast, this new technique is characterized by ingredients that are typically boiled or lightly seasoned, emphasizing simple, minimal-oil cooking methods. Meals often include boiled greens, slow-cooked meats, or dishes prepared using appliances like rice cookers, microwave ovens, or air fryers, saving them time to do other activities. Even when stir frying is called for, it’s recommended to start with a cold pan to reduce potential splatter.

One prominent influencer leading the trend goes by the handle “Houpicheng,” meaning “thick-skinned orange.” A native of the southern Guangdong province, Houpicheng emphasizes preserving ingredients’ natural flavors — a hallmark of Cantonese cuisine.

Over the past month, she has gained 2.4 million new followers across her social media accounts, bringing the total to 5.9 million — 4.52 million of which are on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, according to a report from data analytics platform Newrank.

Houpicheng’s growing popularity has sparked a trend affectionately dubbed “Orange-ology” by fans — a tribute to studying her cooking philosophy and recreating her recipes at home. Cooking utensils and ingredients, such as non-stick frying pans, rye cereal, and coffee-related items, have surged in sales thanks to her influence, as followers eagerly try to replicate dishes.

Other influencers, like Liuyixuanfanya, known for tossing several ingredients into a single rice cooker pot, and Cunlü, who shares daily step-by-step tutorials for simple homestyle dishes, have also gained massive followings.

These no-fuss recipes have struck a chord with urban office workers exhausted by long hours and tired of greasy takeout. The trend also reflects a broader shift among city dwellers — a backlash against polished, complicated foodie aesthetics in favor of straightforward, healthy home-cooking, according to local media commentary.

The change comes at a time when obesity rates in China continue to rise. In 2021, the country was home to over 400 million overweight or obese adults — defined as those having a BMI of over 24 or 28, respectively. That figure is projected to grow to 630 million by 2050.

In March, the central government rolled out an ambitious, nationwide weight-loss plan to tackle obesity, which has proven links to increased risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, fatty liver, cancer, and even cognitive decline.

Tong, a handmade crafts creator based in the southwestern Sichuan province, says that she came across Houpicheng on the lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu while seeking effective weight management strategies, adding that learning to make simple, home-cooked meals — her quick breakfasts, in particular — offers practical support.

“At first I thought her recipes just looked convenient and clean,” she told Sixth Tone, requesting use of her last name for privacy reasons. “But once I started cooking, I realized they actually taste really good too.”

“Her little life hacks really work for young people like me,” she adds. “They’re simple, time-saving, and healthy.”

Editor: Tom Arnstein.

(Header image: AsiaVision/Getty Creative/VCG)