From lotus root dishes to fiery hotpot, the animated blockbusterNe Zha 2 has ignited nationwide culinary trends, turning meals inspired by the film into social media sensations.
从藕菜到火辣辣的火锅，动画大片《哪吒2》点燃了全国范围内的烹饪潮流，以电影为灵感的美食也成为了社交媒体上的热点。
The feature has surpassed Avengers: Infinity War to become the sixth highest-grossing movie of all time worldwide, according to the Lighthouse Professional Edition, a box office data provider owned by Alibaba.
根据阿里巴巴旗下票房数据提供商灯塔专业版(Lighthouse Professional Edition)的数据，这部动画电影已经超过《复仇者联盟3:无限战争》，成为全球有史以来票房第六高的电影。
In the movie, the body of Ne Zha, a mythical demon child, is reborn from lotus root starch. Off-screen, sales of lotus root starch, lotus root soup and other dishes featuring the plant have surged, with restaurants embracing the ingredient in new and inventive ways.
在这部电影中，神话中的魔童哪吒的身体是用莲藕重生的。银幕外，藕粉、藕汤和其他以这种植物为特色的菜肴的销量激增，餐馆以新的、创造性的方式接纳了这种食材。
Meanwhile, a scene featuring the Octopus General — who speaks in a Tianjin dialect — being roasted in the furnace has turned the local specialty of stir-fried squid tentacles into a viral hit.
与此同时，一个讲天津方言的章鱼将军在炉子里被烤的场景，使当地的特色菜炒鱿鱼足火了。
Across the country, restaurants are rolling out Ne Zha-themed drinks, dishes and set meals, blending cinematic fantasy with real-world flavors.
全国各地的餐馆都在推出哪吒主题的饮料、菜肴和套餐，将电影中的幻想与现实世界的味道融合在一起。
One of the most memorable aspects ofNe Zha 2 is Taiyi Zhenren's distinctive Sichuan-accented Mandarin. This linguistic touch has unexpectedly turned hotpot — a Sichuan province culinary staple — into a marketing success, with restaurants seizing the opportunity to attract customers.
《哪吒2》最令人难忘的一点是太乙真人的四川口音。这种语言的接触出人意料地使火锅——四川的一种美食——成为一种营销上的成功，餐馆抓住机会吸引顾客。
In Sichuan's Yibin, Zha Hotpot eatery — already designed with Ne Zha-themed decor — has become a hot spot for fans eager to snap photos with installations inspired by the character's iconic huntianling (red armillary sash) and fenghuolun (wind-fire wheels).
在四川宜宾，一家以哪吒主题为装饰的哪吒火锅店，已经成为粉丝们争相拍照的热点，店内的装置灵感来自哪吒标志性的“混天绫”和“风火轮”。
The restaurant has also introduced a Ne Zha-inspired menu featuring meatballs, lotus root starch and seafood, all of which have quickly become favorites.
这家餐厅还推出了受哪吒启发的菜单，包括肉丸、藕粉和海鲜，所有这些都迅速成为人们的最爱。
In Sichuan's Chengdu, Feng Xiao Zhang Hotpot launched a promotional campaign where diners who posted a video wishing the restaurant success on social media could win aNe Zha 2 movie ticket if their post received over 30 likes.
在四川成都，冯校长火锅推出了一项促销活动，食客只要在社交媒体上发布祝福该餐厅成功的视频，并获得30个点赞，就能赢得一张《哪吒闹海2》的电影票。
"I love a good hotpot, but when it's both delicious and fun, that's even better," said Zhang Xuan, a tourist from Xi'an, Shaanxi province.
“我喜欢好吃的火锅，但如果火锅既美味又有趣，那就更好了，”来自陕西西安的游客张轩说。
Meanwhile, the hotpot chain Banu markedNe Zha 2 surpassing 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) at the box office by introducing the Honghu lotus root dish across its locations nationwide.
与此同时，火锅连锁店巴努在全国各地推出了洪湖莲藕，来纪念《哪吒2》的票房突破了100亿元人民币(13.8亿美元)。
The dish was an instant success, with strong sales from the moment it launched, according to staff.
据工作人员介绍，这道菜一经推出就大获成功，销量强劲。
In Sanya, Hainan province, Cinker Pictures Mega has taken the trend a step further by offering a hotpot-and-movie experience, allowing guests to enjoy a meal while watchingNe Zha 2 in a special screening room.
在海南三亚，Cinker Pictures Mega将这一趋势更进一步，提供火锅和电影的体验，让客人在特殊的放映室里一边吃饭一边看《哪吒2》。
"The hotpot wasn't particularly outstanding, but the ingredients were fresh," wrote a Dianping user, Yuxiaoman. "I cried just as much during my second watch — such a great film! Finally got to experience eating hotpot while watching a movie — absolutely amazing!"
“火锅味道不出彩，但食材很新鲜，”大众点评网用户于晓曼写道。“我第二次看的时候还是哭了——这么棒的一部电影!终于可以一边看电影一边吃火锅了，太棒了!”
Coffee shops and dessert cafes are also embracing the Ne Zha phenomenon. In Dalian, Liaoning province, JY & Sweetime has launched Ne Zha-themed cakes and coffee, featuring an illustration of the character and the motto, "My fate is determined by me, not by the heavens."
咖啡店和甜品店也在追捧哪吒现象。在辽宁省大连市，JY & Sweetime推出了哪吒主题的蛋糕和咖啡，上面印有哪吒的形象和座右铭:“我命由我不由天
"The Oreo cream filling was decent, but the design was incredible — super fitting for the theme!" wrote a Dianping user named "Woconglaimeiheguoshui".
一位名叫“我从来没喝过水”的大众点评用户写道：“奥利奥奶油馅还可以，但设计太不可思议了--超级符合主题！”。
Meanwhile, Cotti Coffee has announced an official collaboration withNe Zha 2, rolling out a new product series on March 17, complete with themed packaging and limited-edition merchandise.
”与此同时，库迪咖啡宣布与《哪吒2》正式合作，于3月17日推出新系列产品，包括主题包装和限量版商品。
Pop culture boost
流行文化助推
AsNe Zha 2 continues to attract large audiences, its impact on the food and beverage industry highlights how pop culture is reshaping consumer trends — one meal at a time.
随着《哪吒2》继续吸引大批观众，它对餐饮行业的影响凸显了流行文化如何重塑消费趋势——一餐一景。
"The film has not only gone viral but has also driven the growth of the entire lotus root supply chain," said Zhao Jinqiao, a 42-year-old restaurant industry researcher.
42岁的餐饮业研究员赵金桥表示:“这部电影不仅火了，还推动了整个藕供应链的增长。”
Zhao said it is not the first time film and television have driven food trends. In recent years, popular productions have frequently sparked demand for regional delicacies.
赵说，这不是电影和电视第一次推动饮食潮流。近年来，受欢迎的影视作品经常引发对地方美食的需求。
The 2019 TV dramaThe Longest Day in Chang'an boosted interest in fire crystal persimmons and water basin lamb from China's northwest. In 2022, the hit seriesA Dream of Splendor brought Song Dynasty (960-1279) tea culture into the spotlight, leading tea brands to introduce themed drinks that became consumer favorites. Similarly, animated films and TV shows have increasingly collaborated with tea and coffee brands to launch limited-edition beverages.
2019年，电视剧《长安十二时辰》提高了人们对中国西北地区火晶柿子和水盆羊肉的兴趣。2022年，热播剧《梦华录》将宋代（960-1279年）茶文化推向聚光灯下，促使茶叶品牌推出主题饮品，成为消费者的最爱。同样，动画电影和电视节目也越来越多地与茶叶和咖啡品牌合作，推出限量版饮品。
Behind this phenomenon, Zhao sees two key forces at play.
在这一现象背后，赵看到了两股关键力量在起作用。
First, restaurants are becoming more adept at leveraging pop culture to attract consumers and convert online buzz into sales. "With fierce competition in the industry, businesses are focusing on product innovation rather than price wars. They are enhancing their offerings with cultural, experiential, and emotional value," Zhao said.
首先，餐厅越来越善于利用流行文化来吸引消费者，并将网上的热词转化为销售额。“随着行业竞争的激烈，企业正专注于产品创新，而不是价格战。他们正在用文化、体验和情感价值来提升他们的产品，”赵说。
"Over the past few years, restaurant operators have learned how to integrate entertainment and youth culture into their strategies to draw traffic," he added.
他补充说:“在过去的几年里，餐馆经营者已经学会了如何将娱乐和青年文化融入到他们的策略中来吸引客流量。”
Second, consumer expectations for dining experiences have evolved. "People no longer just eat to satisfy hunger or pursue healthy choices. They now seek emotional connections through their dining experiences," Zhao said.
其次，消费者对就餐体验的期望也在发生变化。“人们不再只是为了充饥或追求健康的选择而吃饭。他们现在通过就餐体验寻找情感联系。”赵说。
WhileNe Zha2 has sparked a wave of themed offerings, Zhao believes the trend is also rooted in the character's deep cultural significance.
虽然《哪吒2》引发了一波主题产品的热潮，但赵认为，这一趋势也植根于该角色深厚的文化意义。
However, he cautioned businesses to be mindful of intellectual property concerns when using Ne Zha's image for promotions, warning of potential legal risks. He also noted that Ne Zha, as a traditional Chinese figure, has multiple representations beyond the one depicted inNe Zha 2.
然而，他提醒企业在使用哪吒的形象进行宣传时要注意知识产权问题，并警告潜在的法律风险。他还指出，哪吒作为中国传统人物，除了《哪吒2》中所描绘的形象外，还有多种表现形式。
For restaurant owners looking to capitalize on the trend, Zhao stressed the importance of both speed and long-term vision. "To seizeNe Zha 2's momentum, businesses must react quickly.
对于希望利用这一趋势的餐馆老板来说，赵强调了速度和长远眼光的重要性。“为了抓住《哪吒2》的势头，企业必须迅速做出反应。
But beyond short-term gains, they should also consider how to retain customers. The goal is not just to draw diners in with a trendy product, but to build lasting consumer habits," he said.
但除了短期收益，他们还应该考虑如何留住客户。我们的目标不仅仅是用时髦的产品吸引食客，而是要养成持久的消费习惯。”
Root cause of frenzy
热潮的根本原因
Lotus root has emerged as one of the biggest winners in the food industry boom sparked byNe Zha 2.
在《哪吒2》引发的食品行业热潮中，藕已经成为最大的赢家之一。
The humble ingredient, central to the film's storyline, has seen a surge in demand, driving remarkable growth across the food and e-commerce sectors.
作为电影故事情节的核心，这种不起眼的食材需求激增，推动了食品和电商行业的显著增长。
According to data from the short video-sharing platform Douyin, searches for "lotus root starch" have surged by over 200 percent year-on-year since the film's release on Jan 29, with interest continuing to climb.
根据短视频分享平台抖音的数据，自1月29日该片上映以来，“藕粉”的搜索量同比飙升了200%以上，而且兴趣还在继续攀升。
Online delivery platform Eleme has reported a 330 percent spike in related searches.
在线外卖平台“饿了么”的相关搜索量飙升了330%。
China Post's Hubei branch reported that between Jan 29 and Feb 11, approximately 170,000 packages of lotus root starch and lotus root stems were shipped from the province — 1.7 fold more than the same period last year.
据中国邮政湖北分公司报道，在1月29日至2月11日期间，约有17万包藕淀粉和藕茎从该省运出，是去年同期的1.7倍。
The impact is even more pronounced in Honghu, a major lotus root production hub in Hubei province.
在湖北主要的莲藕生产中心洪湖，这种影响更为明显。
Zhang Xianzhong, head of the Honghu Lotus Root Industry Development Center, said from Jan 29 to Feb 23, the industry's total sales revenue surpassed 582 million yuan, marking a 51 percent year-on-year increase.
洪湖藕产业发展中心主任张献忠表示，从1月29日到2月23日，藕产业总销售收入超过5.82亿元，同比增长51%。
Fresh lotus root sales alone reached 18,700 metric tons, while processed products like lotus root starch, lotus root stems, and lotus root soup also saw significant gains.
仅新鲜藕的销量就达到1.87万吨，而藕淀粉、藕茎和藕汤等加工产品也取得了显著增长。
"Fresh lotus root is selling out daily, over 200 tons of lotus root starch have already been snapped up, and e-commerce orders have risen 1.5 fold compared with last year," Zhang said.
“新鲜莲藕每天都销售一空，200多吨莲藕淀粉已被抢购一空，电商订单比去年增加了1.5倍。
At the Orsun century city mall branch in Wuhan, Hubei, of Laoxiangji fast food chain, takeout orders have surged during dinner hours with staff packing container after container of lotus root chicken soup.
在湖北武汉的老乡鸡快餐连锁店奥森世纪城分店，晚餐时段的外卖订单激增，店员们将一箱又一箱的莲藕鸡汤打包。
"Since the Spring Festival, sales of our lotus root chicken soup have risen about 30 percent compared with pre-holiday levels," said store manager Yuan Fangfang.
店长袁芳芳说：“春节以来，我们莲藕鸡汤的销量比节前增长了约30%。”
Laoxiangji's signature old hen soup, made with mineral water and stewed chicken, has long been a customer favorite.
老乡鸡的招牌老母鸡汤，用矿泉水和焖鸡熬制而成，一直深受顾客的喜爱。
But in Hubei, where lotus root is a staple, diners have frequently asked if the restaurant offers a lotus root version. In response to the demand, Laoxiangji introduced lotus root chicken soup in its Hubei outlets in September 2024.
但在以莲藕为主食的湖北，经常有食客询问餐厅是否提供莲藕版本。为满足这一需求，老乡记于2024年9月在湖北分店推出了莲藕鸡汤。
"The response has been overwhelming — nearly half of our soup orders are now for the lotus root version," Yuan said.
袁说：“反响非常热烈--现在我们近一半的汤订单都是莲藕版的。”
She noted that September and October, when lotus roots are at their softest and most flavorful, is the peak season for the dish. "For us in Hubei, drinking lotus root soup is a tradition. Growing up, the aroma of lotus root soup filled the alleys during autumn and winter. A bowl of it carries a sense of home," Yuan said.
她指出，9月和10月是莲藕最柔软、味道最鲜美的时候，也是这道菜的旺季。“对于我们湖北人来说，喝莲藕汤是一种传统。在我们的成长过程中，每到秋冬季节，小巷里就弥漫着莲藕汤的香气。一碗藕汤承载着家的味道。
This year, Laoxiangji remained open throughout the Spring Festival holiday period. "I never expected lotus root soup to become such a hit during Spring Festival," Yuan said.
今年，老乡记在整个春节假期期间一直营业。“没想到春节期间莲藕汤会这么火。”
Taking advantage of a rare break, she went to seeNe Zha 2 with her 15-year-old daughter, a high school student and fan of the film. After the holiday rush, the two returned for a second viewing.
趁着难得的休息时间，她和15岁的女儿一起去看《哪吒2》，女儿是一名高中生，也是《哪吒2》的影迷。假期结束后，两人又去看了第二场。
Located inside a shopping mall, Yuan's restaurant often welcomes moviegoers looking for a meal after screenings. "Maybe some of them, after watching Ne Zha 2, find themselves craving a bowl of lotus root soup," she said.
袁的餐厅位于一家购物中心内，经常有观众在电影放映后前来就餐。“她说："也许有些人看完《哪吒2》后，会想喝一碗莲藕汤。
Lotus' elan
莲花的魅力
Riding the success ofNe Zha 2, lotus root has emerged as a culinary sensation beyond its home in Hubei.
借助《哪吒2》的成功，莲藕在湖北以外的地方引起了美食界的轰动。
On the third day of the Chinese New Year, as the film's box office takings soared, Qingshuiting Hubei cuisine outlets in Beijing introduced a Ne Zha-themed meal set. The two-person set, featuring pork rib lotus root soup, fried stuffed lotus root, and lotus root starch, quickly attracted food lovers. Diners who presented aNe Zha 2 ticket stub could also enjoy a 12 percent discount on lotus root soup.
大年初三，随着票房的飙升，北京的清水亭湖北菜门店推出了哪吒主题套餐。排骨藕汤、炸藕酿、藕粉等二人套餐迅速吸引了美食爱好者。凭《哪吒2》门票票根就餐的食客还可享受藕汤12% 折的优惠。
Li Simei, co-founder of Qingshuiting, anticipated lotus root's surge in popularity, given its deep connection to the investiture of the gods scene in the movie, where Ne Zha's body is reborn from lotus root. Since the ingredient has always been a staple at her restaurant, she had planned to introduce themed dishes based on the audience response.
清水亭的创始人之一李思梅预料到莲藕会大受欢迎，因为莲藕与电影中哪吒投胎的场景有很深的联系。由于莲藕一直是她餐厅的主打食材，她计划根据观众的反应推出主题菜肴。
The restaurant's signature lotus root soup is made from Honghu's renowned starchy lotus roots. "October to March is when lotus root reaches peak flavor," Li explained.
餐厅的招牌藕汤是用洪湖著名的淀粉质莲藕制作的。“十月到三月是莲藕味道最鲜美的时候，"李解释道。
"During this period, it stores starch in the mud, creating a rich, glutinous texture."
“在此期间，它将淀粉储存在泥中，形成丰富的糯米质地"。
To appeal to younger diners, Qingshuiting has also re-imagined traditional lotus root starch desserts, offering flavors like green tea and orange, paired with lotus slices and lotus balls. The modern twist transforms the classic street treat into a trendy, Instagram-worthy dessert.
为了吸引更多年轻食客，清水亭还对传统的藕粉甜点进行了重新设计，推出了绿茶和橙子等口味，并搭配了藕片和藕球。这种现代的变化将经典的街头小吃转变成了一种时尚的、值得在Instagram上分享的甜点。
"Our restaurant aims to showcase high-quality Hubei ingredients, including Honghu lotus root, and bring delicious Hubei cuisine to diners in Beijing," Li said.
“我们的餐厅旨在展示包括洪湖莲藕在内的优质湖北食材，为北京的食客带来美味的湖北菜。”李说
The growing demand for Hubei's lotus root was also evident at a Feb 21 agricultural showcase hosted by the Hubei Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Hubei Government's Beijing Office.
在2月21日由湖北省农业农村厅和湖北省政府驻北京办事处主办的农业展示会上，湖北莲藕日益增长的需求也显而易见。
The event brought Beijing restaurateurs face-to-face with Hubei suppliers, with Honghu lotus root emerging as a star ingredient. Li noted that many Beijing restaurants are now incorporating Honghu lotus root into their menus and hopes that more establishments will follow suit in show-casing the region's high-quality produce.
此次活动让北京的餐馆老板与湖北的供应商面对面，洪湖莲藕成为其中的明星食材。李指出，许多北京餐馆正在将洪湖莲藕纳入他们的菜单，并希望更多餐馆效仿，展示该地区的优质产品。
Demon
n.魔鬼；恶魔；精力过人的人；邪念
Tentacles
n. <动>触手( tentacle的名词复数)；触角；触须；<植>触毛
Frenzy
n.狂乱，狂暴；极度的激动；狂怒
Signature
n.签名；鲜明特色
