Stir-fried tomatoes with eggs priced at $75 causes controversy in China

Jinlong Dabianlu restaurant, located in Hongkou district (Hongkou), Shanghai, became the center of attention after introducing a dish of fried tomatoes with eggs priced at 520 yuan (75 USD), 10 times higher than other places.

During the months of June and July, many bloggers went to the restaurant and ordered food to see the processing process of this “upmarket” popular dish. The chef uses large, dark green Emu eggs instead of regular chicken or duck eggs. Because the eggshell is so thick, the chef has to use a small hammer to break it.

Instead of cracking eggs into a bowl like the traditional way, the chef cracks the egg into a tall glass. Many bloggers commented that this detail “exudes a luxurious feeling”.

The tomatoes used in the dish belong to a high-quality tomato variety, famous for their succulence. In China, this variety is called Provence and French tomatoes, although it actually originates from the Netherlands.

The cooking method is considered “nothing special” by many diners, but the dish is highly appreciated for its softness, smoothness, succulence and spongy texture.

The chef said the cost of ingredients is about 200 yuan (30 USD), of which the price of an Emu egg imported from Germany is 150 yuan (22 USD), and tomatoes are 50 yuan (8 USD). Dishes are only served to guests who have pre-ordered.

“Its price is not determined according to the usual business logic for stir-fried tomatoes with eggs,” the chef said.

Immediately after being posted, the story quickly became a hot topic of discussion on Chinese social networks. Despite knowing about the origin of the food, many people expressed surprise at the price of the food.

“I thought it was 52 yuan, that alone is already expensive,” one person left a comment. “This dish is no different from the dish my mother used to cook,” another person added.

However, there are also opinions defending the restaurant because it posted prices and customers voluntarily ordered food.

Stir-fried tomatoes with eggs is a popular dish in China. Southern Chinese people often add sugar when preparing this dish, while northerners do not.