
Chinese cuisine is known for its rich variety and surprising delicacies, from bat soup to fried seahorse, sparking curiosity and intrigue worldwide. But in 2013, the adventurous spirit of the cuisine took a dark turn when authorities arrested 900 sellers for a shocking scam—selling rat meat disguised as lamb.
This massive food fraud scandal exposed deeper food regulation and safety issues, casting a shadow over the more exotic dishes. While China’s culinary world offers bold flavors and traditions, it also reveals the risks of deception hidden behind the menu.