As health concerns increasing permeate the global forum, diners in China have begun to sway away from western fast food chains such as McDonalds and Pizza Hut, and towards Chinese fast food and other local restaurants. Many customers say that there are too many health concerns with eating the American fast food. Excessive amounts of grease and rumors about animals being given hormones add to the growing paranoia of eating food from American restaurants.
Local fast foods restaurants serve traditional Chinese meals, such as rice burgers, traditional herbal tea, crab meat dumplings, and lamb kebabs. In many cases, the meals are less expensive at the local fast food restaurants than McDonalds, and the quality is better. Of Chinese customers that were polled, about three out of four thought that Chinese fast food was healthier than American fast food. Growth in China has begun to stagnate for McDonalds and YUM brands, such as Pizza Hut and KFC. There is talk of slowing production on new store openings. Meanwhile local fast food brands have seen enormous growth over the last few years, and there is much talk of expansion.
Pride in Chinese Heritage
In addition to the health concerns, a documentary called “A Bite of China” aired to 100 million viewers last year, making it the most watched-documentary to air in China since the 1990s. The documentary honors local cuisine, and has given many Chinese a renewed sense of pride in Chinese heritage. With a recession going on, many have shifted from more expensive restaurants to cheaper alternatives, such as fast food. While the fast food market has grown, the sense of fear from the recession has also had a hand in pushing customers towards familiar comfort