中国打工人，为什么越来越爱吃辣？

Core Insights - The popularity of spicy food, particularly Jiangxi stir-fry, has surged among workers in China, following the trend of other spicy cuisines like Sichuan and Hunan [1][2][4] - The rise of spicy dishes is attributed to their quick preparation, strong flavors, and ability to enhance appetite, making them ideal for busy workers [12][14][16] Group 1: Market Trends - In the past year, Sichuan and Hunan cuisines opened 33,964 and 22,910 new restaurants respectively, significantly outpacing other cuisines [3] - As of April 2025, the topic "no spicy, no happiness" has garnered over 59 billion views on Douyin [3] - The number of Jiangxi stir-fry restaurants has exceeded 20,000, reflecting a growing market demand [24] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Workers express a strong preference for spicy food, often choosing it for meals despite health recommendations [5][6][14] - Spicy dishes are seen as a source of emotional relief and social bonding among colleagues [14][20] - The affordability of Jiangxi stir-fry, with average meal costs around 50-100 yuan for two, appeals to budget-conscious consumers [16][17] Group 3: Operational Efficiency - Successful restaurants focus on high turnover rates and quick service to cater to the limited lunch breaks of office workers [8][16][25] - The operational model emphasizes efficiency, with streamlined processes in kitchens to ensure fast meal preparation [15][25] Group 4: Cultural Significance - Spicy food serves as a cultural identifier for many workers from spicy food provinces, fostering a sense of community in urban settings [22][21] - The trend of spicy cuisine reflects broader societal changes, where the enjoyment of spicy food transcends economic status [36][37] Group 5: Future Outlook - While the spicy food trend is currently strong, sustainability will depend on continuous product innovation and quality control [35][36] - The restaurant industry faces challenges with low profit margins, making it crucial for establishments to adapt and innovate to remain competitive [34][35]