Core Insights - The 2025 "Must-Eat List" was released, featuring 3,091 restaurants across 144 cities, based on 363 million real reviews from the past year, with nearly 80% being local street food establishments [3][10][12] - The trend shows a growing consumer preference for authentic, local dining experiences, with many small eateries gaining recognition for their quality and unique flavors [4][7][10] Summary by Categories Consumer Trends - Consumers are increasingly exploring local food options, with a notable rise in the number of reviews for restaurants that have been in business for over ten years, up by approximately 50% year-on-year [7] - The concept of "food tourism" is expanding, with diners traveling specifically to experience local cuisine, leading to a significant increase in online reviews for local restaurants [8][10] Restaurant Performance - Over half of the restaurants on the 2025 "Must-Eat List" are first-time entrants, with more than 2,400 being lesser-known local eateries and over 1,200 being long-established local favorites [6][10] - The list highlights a diverse range of dining options, including family-run establishments and street vendors, which are gaining popularity for their fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods [9][10] Market Dynamics - The overall restaurant industry in China is projected to reach a revenue of 55,718 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.3% [10] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with consumers becoming more discerning about value for money, leading to a decline in average spending per visit [10][12] Geographic Expansion - The 2025 list includes new cities such as Guangdong's Jieyang and Hunan's Zhuzhou, indicating a broader geographic representation of culinary offerings [8][10] - The list also features 15 new popular cities from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas, reflecting the increasing interest of Chinese tourists in global culinary experiences [11][12]