In an unusual culinary trend, foodies in China have taken their quest for delicious dining to the unexpected setting of a funeral home. The Erlong Funeral Home, located in the southwestern province of Guizhou, is grabbing attention for its canteen that serves delectable noodle dishes, now a viral sensation on social media.
Originally intended for mourners and their families, the canteen's offerings have led many to flock to Erlong, with some even posing as grieving relatives to enjoy a meal. As word spread of the savory noodles—particularly the popular variant topped with minced pork and peanuts—demand soared, resulting in long queues of patrons hoping to get a taste.
One worker at Erlong noted the challenges of distinguishing between genuine mourners and diners sneaking in for the noodles. "When it gets crowded, it's difficult to manage," they remarked, highlighting the irony of a food establishment finding fame in a somber setting.
To address the growing interest, Erlong Funeral Home has introduced a new policy allowing 50 bowls of noodles to be provided daily to the general public, as long as it does not disrupt any mourning activities. This initiative aligns with an acknowledgment of the unique appeal of their culinary offerings, which are priced affordably at 10 yuan per bowl (approximately $1.38; £1.09).
The noodle craze reportedly gained traction earlier this month after a social media user shared their experience on Xiaohongshu (RedNote), prompting many others to visit, while humorously commenting that the food queues surpassed those for attending funerals. A popular post on Douyin—China's version of TikTok—echoed similar sentiments, with users expressing a profound appreciation for the meals served in an unexpected setting.
With its unique blend of culinary success and solemnity, the Erlong Funeral Home serves as a reminder of the cultural connections between food and community, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
