The north has seen an unusual amount of rain this year, stretching from the torrential downpours of summer to the persistent drizzles of autumn. In this episode of *Food Talk*, we begin with the rains of late. We are joined by Yuyang, a former delivery rider and current editor at…
Would you be willing to pay a premium at a restaurant for a side of frozen broccoli that might actually be older than your child? As it turns out, this absurd-sounding scenario is a very real possibility. Pre-prepared meals are quietly taking over our tables; they are everywhere, from sit-down…
Many view craft beer as a niche culture centred on individuality and a quest for unique taste. However, before the rise of industrial beers—with their singular and bland profiles—brewing methods and flavours were naturally diverse. Beyond the loss of flavour, industrial beer has depleted the microbial diversity that should be…
Since early June, a video titled “From Waste Siege to Not Enough Waste to Burn: China’s Speed Leaves the West Baffled” has been spreading rapidly across the internet. The idea of simply tossing unsightly rubbish into a furnace to be burned away, while using the resulting energy for electricity, has…
This episode of Food Talk is a casual conversation recorded at “Ji Shi”, the physical store of the Beijing Organic Farmers’ Market in Sanyuanqiao. We are joined by two old friends: Kang Li and Jin Peng. One is an Yi woman from Chuxiong, Yunnan, who funded her education through the…
During the first decade of the 21st century, triggered by a series of food safety crises, a group of Chinese consumers began exploring better agricultural practices and ingredients. Across the country, the first wave of farmers dedicated to organic cultivation gradually emerged. Cao Xiaohong, a guest in this episode, was…
In this episode of Food Talk, we are joined by the social enterprise Muyunpo to explore how they work with villagers to seek fairer, more sustainable methods of production—protecting nature while bringing high-quality local products to a wider market, ensuring farmers earn a better living. Xiaojin County, located in the…
In the 2025 Lunar New Year film *Nezha: The Demon Boy’s Havoc*, the leopard spirit Shen Xiaobao won the hearts of many with his witty and adorable personality. However, his severe injuries and uncertain fate in the film bring to mind the real-world plight of the endangered North China Leopard…
Recently, there has been much discussion surrounding a shift in attitude from delivery platforms, which have indicated they will pay social security for delivery riders. We shall see how many riders truly benefit from this and whether it leads to a genuine improvement in their working conditions. In the latest…
In this episode, Food Talk host Tianle joins Sijia from “100 Ways of Living” for a special crossover conversation. This marks the first time Tianle discusses her journey on the podcast—how she transitioned from a media professional with a degree in international journalism to a public interest worker dedicated to…
