Chinese food enthusiasts flock to funeral home for viral noodle dish

A funeral home in China has unexpectedly turned into a must-visit dining spot after a noodle dish served in its canteen gained widespread attention on social media. Located in Guizhou province, the Erlong Funeral Home initially offered meals exclusively to its customers, but an online buzz about its food has led to a surge of visitors eager to try the now-famous noodles.

The canteen, which serves various noodle dishes during breakfast and supper hours, charges just 10 yuan ($1.38; £1.09) per bowl. The most sought-after dish features noodles topped with minced pork and peanuts, drawing long queues of curious food lovers some reportedly pretending to be mourners to gain access.

A staff member at the Erlong Funeral Home revealed to Jiupai News that the canteen was originally intended to serve only those visiting the facility for funeral arrangements. However, as word of its flavorful and affordable noodle dishes spread, increasing numbers of outsiders began making their way to the funeral home, eager to try the now-famous meal.

The unexpected surge in visitors led to long queues, with some diners reportedly waiting for hours just to get a bowl of noodles. The sheer number of food enthusiasts made it difficult for staff to differentiate between actual mourners and those who had come solely to sample the trending dish.

In response to the overwhelming demand, the funeral home has introduced new measures to regulate public access to its canteen. To accommodate visitors while maintaining the dignity of the premises, Erlong Funeral Home now offers 50 bowls of noodles to the public daily, free of charge. This policy aims to balance the growing interest in the food with the need to ensure that funeral services remain undisturbed. The funeral home’s chef, in an interview with local media, stressed that while they welcome visitors, their primary focus remains on serving bereaved families and upholding the solemn nature of the establishment.

The viral trend reportedly began earlier this month when a social media user shared a post about the dish while visiting a friend in Guizhou, a province renowned for its spicy and sour flavors. 

Since gaining attention online, the funeral home’s noodle dish has become a viral sensation across Chinese social media platforms. Users have shared photos of their dining experiences, showcasing food tickets, crowded queues, and steaming bowls of noodles that have attracted visitors from different parts of the country. The unexpected popularity of the canteen has sparked discussions, with many expressing curiosity about how a funeral home became the setting for such a food craze.

One diner reflected on their visit, noting the contrast between the somber atmosphere of a funeral home and the simple pleasure of enjoying a flavorful bowl of noodles. The unusual mix of mourning and dining has led to divided opinions. While some find the trend peculiar or inappropriate, others commend the funeral home’s welcoming approach and affordable, high-quality food. Despite the sudden media attention, Erlong Funeral Home remains committed to its primary role while accommodating an increasing number of food enthusiasts.