A small funeral home in Kaili, Guizhou province, China, has become an unexpected culinary hotspot. Known for its exceptional rice noodles, the Erlong Funeral Home’s canteen has seen a surge in visitors, with many posing as mourners to gain access to the exclusive eatery.
What Happened?
In early February 2025, a local blogger shared a video detailing his visit to the Erlong Funeral Home’s canteen, where he was initially hesitant but ultimately impressed by the quality of the rice noodles. This endorsement led to widespread attention, resulting in long lines and wait times of up to an hour during operating hours—6 to 8 a.m. and 10 to 10:30 p.m. The canteen, intended for funeral attendees, has been inundated with outsiders pretending to be relatives or friends of the deceased to sample the sought-after dish.
Why It’s Important
This phenomenon highlights the powerful influence of social media on local businesses and the lengths to which food enthusiasts will go for unique culinary experiences. While the increased patronage brings additional revenue, it also poses challenges for the funeral home staff in managing genuine mourners and maintaining the solemnity of funeral services.
What Experts Say
A worker at the funeral home noted, “Many people rave about our rice noodles because our chefs are exceptionally skilled. We use only fresh ingredients; our broth is simmered with pig bones for hours, and our chili sauces come from a secret recipe.” Despite the popularity, the staff expressed concerns: “We face immense pressure managing the influx of visitors. Some do not attend the funeral services but pretend to be relatives or friends, making it hard for us to distinguish them.”
What’s Next?
The funeral home currently has no plans to open the canteen to the general public, aiming to preserve its primary function of serving funeral attendees. However, the viral attention may prompt discussions about accommodating the growing interest while respecting the sanctity of funeral services. Businesses may also consider leveraging such unexpected publicity to expand their offerings or create separate ventures to cater to new customer bases.
In summary, the Erlong Funeral Home’s rice noodles have become an unlikely culinary sensation, demonstrating the unexpected ways social media can impact local establishments. As the situation develops, it will be essential to balance public interest with the primary purpose of the funeral home.
