Beyond chow mein: Can a new wave of restaurants help China win hearts?

Chinese restaurant chains are expanding globally, with Singapore becoming a key hub for showcasing diverse and authentic Chinese cuisine beyond traditional dishes. Brands like Luckin are thriving in Singapore as they prepare for global expansion, offering dishes like Hunan's fiery cuisine and Zhejiang's seafood. These evolving menus aim to challenge stereotypes and present a more sophisticated view of Chinese gastronomy, appealing to a growing global audience with adventurous palates and a demand for "proper" Chinese food, ultimately contributing to China's soft power on the world stage.