US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently indulged in a “magic mushroom” dish during her trip to Beijing, sparking a social media sensation and a surge in business for a local Yunnan restaurant chain.
What Happened: Yellen’s dining experience at the Yunnan restaurant chain, Yi Zuo Yi Wang (In and Out), became the talk of the town after she tasted the local delicacy, jian shou qing.
This mushroom, known for its unique properties, has been a topic of interest since Yellen’s visit. In a conversation with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Yellen clarified that she was unaware of the hallucinogenic properties of the mushrooms and emphasized that they were cooked properly, ensuring no adverse effects.
"There was a delicious mushroom dish. I was not aware that these mushrooms had hallucinogenic properties. I learned that later," Yellen told Burnett.
Yellen said that all of her party at the restaurant enjoyed the mushrooms and the restaurant and that “none of us felt any ill effects from having eaten them.”
The restaurant chain, which specializes in Yunnan cuisine, has seen a significant boost in its business following Yellen’s visit, CNN reports.
See Also: Yellen Concludes China Visit, Calls Talks With Beijing ‘Direct, Substantive And Productive’
Why It Matters: Yellen’s visit to Beijing and her dining experience have garnered significant attention on social media. The jian shou qing mushroom, despite its hallucinogenic properties, is a common delicacy in Yunnan and is relished across various Yunnan restaurants in China when prepared correctly.
Yellen’s choice of this unique dish has sparked discussions, with many expressing curiosity about the restaurant selection and others admiring Yellen’s adeptness with chopsticks. Yunnan cuisine, known for its rich variety, has been a favorite dining option across China, especially among the younger urban population.
The province boasts about 800 edible mushroom species, making it a haven for mushroom enthusiasts. Yellen’s visit to the restaurant and her choice of the mushroom dish have not only highlighted the rich culinary heritage of Yunnan but also underscored the importance of cultural exchanges during diplomatic visits.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
Read Next: Chinese Women Economists Who Met Yellen in Beijing Targeted By Online Nationalists ‘American Spy’
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