Chinese cuisine, known for its rich variety of flavors and techniques, has had a significant influence on food cultures worldwide. While it has absorbed ingredients and culinary methods from neighboring countries, many dishes around the globe have also drawn inspiration from Chinese cooking.
The development of any national cuisine is a complex process, shaped by migration, trade, and even conflicts. Chinese food culture, in particular, has been molded over centuries by interactions along trade routes such as the Silk Road and maritime exchanges, where spices, ingredients, and cooking styles were shared.
A prime example of this cultural exchange is the tomato and egg stir-fry, a beloved comfort food in China today. The dish gained widespread attention in early 2025, when American influencers, during the so-called “TikTok refugee” period—following fears of a TikTok ban—discovered the recipe from their Chinese counterparts on the social platform RedNote. This simple yet satisfying dish quickly became a viral sensation, and for many young Chinese people, it remains a staple they learn to cook early in life. Food writer Jennifer 8 Lee has compared it to a Chinese version of mac and cheese, noting its status as a comforting, everyday meal.
However, the tomato, a key ingredient in this dish, is not native to China. It was introduced by Portuguese and Spanish traders in the 16th century, making it a relatively recent addition to Chinese cuisine. Initially referred to as fanqie or “foreign aubergine,” the tomato only began appearing in Chinese dishes during the late Qing dynasty. Today, it plays an integral role in a dish that, in many ways, represents the fusion of Chinese food culture with the outside world.
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