Core Viewpoint - The rise of competitive cooking shows in China, influenced by the success of the Korean show "Black and White Chef: Culinary Class Warfare," indicates a shift in the culinary entertainment landscape, with platforms like Tencent Video and Youku launching similar formats to attract audiences [1][11]. Industry Trends - The new generation of cooking shows emphasizes competition and entertainment, moving away from the traditional soothing style of past culinary programs [3][8]. - The competitive format, featuring large-scale elimination rounds and class-based challenges, has revitalized interest in culinary content, although it remains to be seen if it can regain its former peak popularity [3][11]. Historical Context - Chinese culinary shows experienced significant success with programs like "A Bite of China" in 2012, which combined food with cultural storytelling, capturing global interest in Chinese cuisine [5]. - The introduction of competitive elements in shows like "Chef King" further enhanced the entertainment value and cultural exchange through culinary competitions [5][7]. Current Landscape - The market has seen a surge in culinary shows, but the oversaturation has led to issues of homogenization and formulaic content, creating a dilemma for producers [8][10]. - Recent shows like "One Meal to Seal the Gods" and "Hot Game: Hundred Chefs Battle" have adopted competitive formats but have not achieved the expected popularity, indicating a potential disconnect with the audience [11][13]. Market Reception - As of September 12, both "One Meal to Seal the Gods" and "Hot Game" have not made it into the top ten of effective viewership rankings, suggesting a lukewarm reception despite significant brand sponsorship [13]. - The competitive cooking format has attracted various brands for sponsorship, indicating some level of market interest, but the challenge remains to connect with a broader audience without relying on celebrity appeal [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of Northern Chinese cuisine in contemporary culinary competitions, highlighting the dominance of Southern cuisines and the lack of representation for Northern dishes in popular food shows like "A Meal to Seal the Gods" [1][3][22]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 1921, Qi Baishi praised the status of Hebei cuisine, comparing it favorably to other regional foods, indicating a historical significance that has since diminished [1]. - The article notes that during the early 20th century, Northern cuisine thrived under various political figures, with unique dishes emerging, such as "Zhi Li Hai Shen" created to please Yuan Shikai [1]. Group 2: Current Culinary Landscape - The recent food competition "A Meal to Seal the Gods" showcases a lack of Northern cuisine representation, with only a few Northern dishes making it to the initial rounds, while Southern cuisines dominate [1][3]. - The article mentions that even when Northern dishes are presented, they often fail to impress compared to the more refined Southern dishes, leading to a perception of Northern cuisine as outdated [8][22]. Group 3: Social Media Influence - Despite the decline in traditional Northern cuisine, food influencers from the North, particularly Hebei, have gained popularity on social media platforms, showcasing a different aspect of Northern food culture [3][9]. - The article highlights the contrast between the traditional culinary scene and the rise of food influencers who focus on carbon-based dishes, indicating a shift in how Northern cuisine is perceived and consumed [9][14]. Group 4: Culinary Innovation and Trends - The article discusses the emergence of innovative dishes in Southern cuisine, such as turtle ice cream and other creative combinations, which are often featured in culinary competitions [4][8]. - It also points out the trend of chefs and food personalities branding themselves as "main chefs," which reflects a shift in the culinary industry towards a more commercialized and less traditional approach [20][21]. Group 5: Cultural Commentary - The article critiques the current culinary media landscape, suggesting that the focus on Michelin-starred standards may lead to the systematic disappearance of Northern cuisine [22]. - It emphasizes the need for a more authentic representation of regional cuisines, arguing that there should be no hierarchy between different culinary traditions [22].