An Indian medical student studying in China has taken to social media to challenge popular, often negative, stereotypes surrounding Chinese food. Komal Nigam shared a candid video tour of her university’s massive canteen, claiming it offers an affordable and diverse range of food items that are surprisingly high in quality.
Debunking Myths About Chinese Cuisine
In her video, which she captioned “Chinese Government University Canteen,” Nigam addressed the misconception head-on, stating that many people believe Chinese cuisine primarily consists of insects and reptiles, but the reality she has experienced is quite different.
- The Canteen Tour: Nigam took viewers on a detailed tour of her three-storey university canteen, explaining the wide variety of meals served on each level.
- Quality and Price: She enthusiastically described the food items as being tasty enough to be featured on any “5-star menu.” Towards the end of the video, she showed the food items she purchased, revealing the entire meal cost her just ₹250 (approximately $3 USD).
- Student Perks: She also noted an added benefit for students: tea and some beverages in the canteen are provided for free.
- Higher-End Option: Nigam mentioned that a separate, more expensive restaurant is also situated within the canteen building, offering premium food choices.
Komal Nigam, who is a medical student from India, also maintains a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing her experiences. Her channel’s bio reflects her goal: “Namaste, ni hao! I’m Komal Nigam, a medical student from India living in China. This channel is all about my daily life as an international student in China – the good, the bad, and the hilarious!”
Social Media Erupts with Mixed Experiences
The video quickly prompted a flurry of reactions across Instagram and YouTube, with many users weighing in on their own experiences with Chinese cuisine:
- Positive Reactions: Some commenters expressed awe at the affordability and quality shown, with one person asking, “Wow! How are the foods so cheap? Is it subsidized?” Another simply commented, “This is awesome.”
- Contradictory Experiences: Others shared vastly different experiences, suggesting Nigam’s canteen experience might not reflect the whole country. One individual wrote in a translated comment, “I don’t think this is the entire truth, sister. When I was in China for business, I only ate fruits. I tried an Indian restaurant in Beijing, but everything had a meaty smell. It was the worst experience.”