Viral Chinese Egg Tart Topped with Giant Water Beetles Sparks Debate

A restaurant in Shunde, Guangdong province, China, has recently gone viral for introducing a controversial new menu item: egg tarts topped with fried giant water beetles. According to Khaosod Online, the dish, which features the crispy insects placed atop the pastry, is priced at 28 yuan (approximately 130 baht) for a set of three. The owner, identified as Mr. Pan, clarified that the insects are edible water beetles rather than common cockroaches. He claims that, according to traditional Chinese medicine, these beetles offer nutritional benefits, including skin nourishment, kidney support, and improved blood circulation. The preparation process involves removing the insects' odor before frying them at controlled temperatures to achieve a crispy texture while retaining the wings for visual impact. The restaurant reportedly sells about 20 sets daily to curious customers from both local and distant areas. While the dish has attracted adventurous foodies, it has also sparked significant disgust among many social media users. For travelers or residents in the region, this trend highlights the intersection of traditional culinary practices and modern viral marketing. It remains to be confirmed whether these specific health claims are supported by modern nutritional science or if the dish will maintain its popularity beyond the current social media trend.