A growing appetite for adventurous Chinese cuisine is sweeping London, as more diners embrace diverse dishes, according to Chinese chef and TikTok sensation Joshy Jin.
Joshy founded recipe box company WowzaBox and has experienced the culinary shift, particularly among customers in the capital, which makes up the majority of sales.
Dishes like Gong Bao Chicken, Shanghai Pork Chops, and General Tso’s Chicken are among the most popular, signalling a shift away from the sweet and sour options that traditionally dominate the UK Chinese food scene. While familiar favourites like Chow Mein remain on the menu, the company’s top sellers are far from ordinary.
Joshy came to the UK from China to study at university and previously ran a popular Sichuan restaurant. He believes the tastes of British diners are evolving, with many now seeking new and exciting dishes from different Chinese provinces. He said: “The British culinary scene is always changing. I think the British public, especially in London, are realising that Chinese cuisine is far more varied than they originally thought, leading to greater experimentation.
“Since running my restaurant, I’ve had many customers asking for cooking tips. That’s why I started my TikTok platform, where I share knowledge of Mongolian, Sichuan, and other provincial Chinese dishes. The videos are ere designed to answer questions and inspire people to experiment with new recipes. Popular videos include Korean Fried Chicken and Sichuan Hot and Sour Fish Stew.”
As Joshy has experienced, there is a shift in British food culture in London where foodies are increasingly eager to explore new tastes, textures, and cooking styles. So, while Sweet and Sour Chicken may always have a place in the hearts of many, it seems that a growing number of Brits are eager to expand their culinary horizons.
- Stefan Houghton
