In the midst of challenging economic times, a peculiar money-saving ingredient is taking the Chinese internet by storm -&nbsp;rocks. Videos showcasing chefs preparing stir-fried rocks have become the latest sensation on Chinese social media platforms.

From night markets bustling with chefs sizzling pebbles with garlic and chilli, to tranquil scenes of villagers cooking freshly gathered stones on riverbanks, this unusual dish, known as suodiu (suck and discard), is becoming immensely popular, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

However, opinions on its taste and appeal are sharply divided, with some claiming it to be a delectable delicacy, while others recoil in horror, spitting out the stones in disbelief.

<h2>The resurgence of suodiu</h2>

While many online chefs insist that suodiu is a delightful dish, there are numerous videos capturing unsuspecting diners' shocked reactions as they unknowingly encounter the rocky surprise. One video showcases a chef selling a portion of suodiu for 16 yuan ($2.34), which some viewers deemed expensive considering that the ingredients can be reused.

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If you want something heavy for lunch. 
 
Suodiu is a dish featuring stir-fried rocks collected from rivers. These rocks have the taste of fish and river snails. The rocks are first boiled to remove any micro-organisms; then stir-fried with lard, doubanjiang, scallions, garlic,… <a href="https://t.co/h2bgoRJL86">https://t.co/h2bgoRJL86</a>
— Jasmin ᵕ̈ (@kfinew) <a href="https://twitter.com/kfinew/status/1666223501949419520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This unique culinary tradition traces its roots back hundreds of years to the landlocked province of Hubei, where boatmen travelling along the Yangtze River would turn to minerals when faced with a shortage of animals and vegetables.

However, as economic development and motorised vessels became prevalent, the likelihood of boatmen being stranded without supplies diminished, causing the popularity of suodiu to decline.

Also watch |&nbsp;Astrazeneca's China pill: Remedy for business?

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<h2>The Tujia connection</h2>

Suodiu is also closely associated with the Tujia people, an ethnic minority originating from the Wuling mountain range spanning Hubei, Hunan, and Guizhou.

According to a food blog, river stones naturally possess a distinct fishy flavour that is further enhanced when subjected to high-heat frying. Despite this culinary appeal, scepticism remains prevalent among many individuals.

Concerns over choking hazards have been raised, and some commentators humorously predict that the next food trend will feature an ingredient that is easier to digest: mud.

The intriguing trend of stir-fried rocks continues to captivate Chinese internet users, combining culinary experimentation with playful pranks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-tech-giant-alibaba-names-new-ceo-chairman-606778">Chinese tech giant Alibaba names new CEO, chairman</a>

While suodiu's authenticity and taste remain subjects of debate, its rise to prominence highlights the influence and fascination of viral food trends in today's digital age. Whether this peculiar dish will endure as a long-lasting tradition or fade away like riverbank remnants, only time will reveal the true fate of suodiu in the culinary landscape.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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In the midst of challenging economic times, a peculiar money-saving ingredient is taking the Chinese internet by storm - rocks. Videos showcasing chefs preparing stir-fried rocks have become the latest sensation on Chinese social media platforms.

In the midst of challenging economic times, a peculiar money-saving ingredient is taking the Chinese internet by storm - rocks. Videos showcasing chefs preparing stir-fried rocks have become the latest sensation on Chinese social media platforms. From night markets bustling with chefs sizzling pebbles with garlic and chilli, to tranquil scenes of villagers cooking freshly gathered stones on riverbanks, this unusual dish, known as suodiu (suck and discard), is becoming immensely popular, reported the Guardian. However, opinions on its taste and appeal are sharply divided, with some claiming it to be a delectable delicacy, while others recoil in horror, spitting out the stones in disbelief. The resurgence of suodiu While many online chefs insist that suodiu is a delightful dish, there are numerous videos capturing unsuspecting diners' shocked reactions as they unknowingly encounter the rocky surprise. One video showcases a chef selling a portion of suodiu for 16 yuan ($2.34), which some viewers deemed expensive considering that the ingredients can be reused. If you want something heavy for lunch. Suodiu is a dish featuring stir-fried rocks collected from rivers. These rocks have the taste of fish and river snails. The rocks are first boiled to remove any micro-organisms; then stir-fried with lard, doubanjiang, scallions, garlic,… https://t.co/h2bgoRJL86 — Jasmin ᵕ̈ (@kfinew) June 6, 2023 × This unique culinary tradition traces its roots back hundreds of years to the landlocked province of Hubei, where boatmen travelling along the Yangtze River would turn to minerals when faced with a shortage of animals and vegetables. However, as economic development and motorised vessels became prevalent, the likelihood of boatmen being stranded without supplies diminished, causing the popularity of suodiu to decline. Also watch | Astrazeneca's China pill: Remedy for business? The Tujia connection Suodiu is also closely associated with the Tujia people, an ethnic minority originating from the Wuling mountain range spanning Hubei, Hunan, and Guizhou. According to a food blog, river stones naturally possess a distinct fishy flavour that is further enhanced when subjected to high-heat frying. Despite this culinary appeal, scepticism remains prevalent among many individuals. Concerns over choking hazards have been raised, and some commentators humorously predict that the next food trend will feature an ingredient that is easier to digest: mud. The intriguing trend of stir-fried rocks continues to captivate Chinese internet users, combining culinary experimentation with playful pranks. Also read | Chinese tech giant Alibaba names new CEO, chairman While suodiu's authenticity and taste remain subjects of debate, its rise to prominence highlights the influence and fascination of viral food trends in today's digital age. Whether this peculiar dish will endure as a long-lasting tradition or fade away like riverbank remnants, only time will reveal the true fate of suodiu in the culinary landscape. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Pebbles tossed in garlic and spices: This unusual Chinese delicacy is taking social media by storm

Chinese coffee&nbsp;brand&nbsp;Luckin coffee that was supposed to challenge the dominance of Starbucks in the coffee house business has&nbsp;collapsed during the coronavirus crisis.

The two-year-old coffee brand was supposed to be China's biggest success story.

It had operated only in China but had more coffee&nbsp;stores than Startbucks in the country.

A few months ago, it was valued at 12 billion dollars and was listed on Nasdaq.

However, the brand imploded due to its own fault rather than the coronavirus pandemic.

Luckin first opened its shops in Beijing and Shanghai in 2017 and&nbsp;expanded aggressively after that.

By the end of 2019, it had&nbsp;more than 4,500 stores in the country.

The company was well off and its future looked bright until a scandal threw a spanner in the works.

It happened when Jian Liu, the chief operating officer of Luckin, was been accused of cooking up the books.

Jiu and his subordinates had reportedly fabricated roughly 310 million dollars worth of transactions.

As a result, the company had to inform&nbsp;the exchanges that its second and third quarter results of last year cannot be relied upon.

The company which was a shining star of China is now facing&nbsp;the charges of fraud.

It has lost millions of dollars in value and its stock on Nasdaq which were&nbsp;worth a little more than 50 dollars in January, have&nbsp;now dropped to less than five dollars.&nbsp;

Chinese regulators have launched an investigation into Luckin. In an unusual statement, they said that they will work with Washington to find the root cause of the problem.

However, this appears&nbsp;easier said than done.

The downfall of Luckin has added&nbsp;to China's troubles with the United States as the Trump administration is investigating China's role in the coronavirus crisis.

US President Donald Trump has made his intentions clear. He wants to punish China on multiple fronts.

Some experts have suggested that China's access to American financial markets should be cut-off.&nbsp;The idea is to delink america's economy with china on multiple levels.

Trump's former chief strategist, Steve Bannon has said that the strategy is being reanalysed.

In a report that was put together by&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials last year in February,&nbsp;it was found that 156 Chinese companies were listed on American exchanges and they had a collectively market value of 1.2 trillion dollars. At least 11 of these listed companies are state owned.

Trump has often asked American businesses to move out of China.

According to media reports,&nbsp;lawmakers have discussed different bills that would make it harder for Americans to invest in chinese companies.&nbsp;

The fraud at Luckin has given US a chance to push for tougher rules against Chinese companies.

Chinese coffee brand Luckin coffee that was supposed to challenge the dominance of Starbucks in the coffee house business has collapsed during the coronavirus crisis.

Chinese coffee brand Luckin coffee that was supposed to challenge the dominance of Starbucks in the coffee house business has collapsed during the coronavirus crisis. The two-year-old coffee brand was supposed to be China's biggest success story. It had operated only in China but had more coffee stores than Startbucks in the country. A few months ago, it was valued at 12 billion dollars and was listed on Nasdaq. However, the brand imploded due to its own fault rather than the coronavirus pandemic. Luckin first opened its shops in Beijing and Shanghai in 2017 and expanded aggressively after that. By the end of 2019, it had more than 4,500 stores in the country. The company was well off and its future looked bright until a scandal threw a spanner in the works. It happened when Jian Liu, the chief operating officer of Luckin, was been accused of cooking up the books. Jiu and his subordinates had reportedly fabricated roughly 310 million dollars worth of transactions. As a result, the company had to inform the exchanges that its second and third quarter results of last year cannot be relied upon. The company which was a shining star of China is now facing the charges of fraud. It has lost millions of dollars in value and its stock on Nasdaq which were worth a little more than 50 dollars in January, have now dropped to less than five dollars. Chinese regulators have launched an investigation into Luckin. In an unusual statement, they said that they will work with Washington to find the root cause of the problem. However, this appears easier said than done. The downfall of Luckin has added to China's troubles with the United States as the Trump administration is investigating China's role in the coronavirus crisis. US President Donald Trump has made his intentions clear. He wants to punish China on multiple fronts. Some experts have suggested that China's access to American financial markets should be cut-off. The idea is to delink america's economy with china on multiple levels. Trump's former chief strategist, Steve Bannon has said that the strategy is being reanalysed. In a report that was put together by US officials last year in February, it was found that 156 Chinese companies were listed on American exchanges and they had a collectively market value of 1.2 trillion dollars. At least 11 of these listed companies are state owned. Trump has often asked American businesses to move out of China. According to media reports, lawmakers have discussed different bills that would make it harder for Americans to invest in chinese companies. The fraud at Luckin has given US a chance to push for tougher rules against Chinese companies.

How Starbucks' number one Chinese competitor imploded?

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WATCH | Pebbles tossed in garlic and spices: This unusual Chinese delicacy is taking social media by storm

How Starbucks' number one Chinese competitor imploded?